Quick Answer:
“Looking forward to it” means you feel pleased or excited about a future event. Top alternatives include I’m excited about it, I can’t wait, I’m eager to, I look forward to, I anticipate.
The phrase “looking forward to it” is a common way to express positive anticipation about something in the future. You’ll hear it in emails, meetings, conversations, and everyday messages.
Because it’s used so often, relying on it alone can sound repetitive or informal. Learning alternatives to looking forward to it helps you match tone, context, and audience more precisely.
In this guide, you’ll discover other ways to say looking forward to it so you can express excitement in English clearly, confidently, and professionally.
The right phrase can instantly upgrade your English from basic to polished.
Quick Categories
Formal alternatives to “looking forward to it”
- I anticipate
- I await with interest
- I look forward to the opportunity
- I would welcome
Pro Tip: Use these in academic, corporate, or official writing.
Casual alternatives
- I’m excited about it
- Can’t wait
- Super excited
- Really looking forward
Pro Tip: Best for conversations, texts, and friendly emails.
Professional alternatives
- I look forward to discussing
- I welcome the opportunity
- I’m keen to
- I appreciate the opportunity
Pro Tip: Pair these with clear next steps in business emails.
Informal expressions
- Excited for it
- Pumped about it
- Ready for it
- Hyped about it
Pro Tip: Avoid these in formal or international business settings.
Common Mistakes Using “Looking Forward to It”
- Using it in very formal writing
Example: I am looking forward to your legal response. - Overusing it in one email
Example: Looking forward to it… also looking forward to your reply. - Using it without context
Example: Looking forward to it. (What exactly?) - Using it for negative or serious topics
Example: Looking forward to resolving the complaint. - Using it instead of a clear action
Example: Looking forward to it instead of Looking forward to meeting on Monday.
What Does “Looking Forward to It” Mean?
Definition: It means feeling pleased, hopeful, or excited about something that will happen in the future.
Grammar Note:
- “Look forward to” is followed by a noun or -ing verb, not an infinitive.
Example:
I’m looking forward to meeting you.
When to Use “Looking Forward to It”
- Casual conversations
- Friendly emails
- Confirming plans
- Social or informal work settings
Spoken vs Written: Works well in both
Formal vs Informal: Mostly informal
Is It Professional or Polite to Say “Looking Forward to It”?
- Polite: Yes
- Professional: No (in most cases)
Business Example:
I look forward to discussing this matter further.
Pros and Cons of Using “Looking Forward to It”
Pros
- Simple and natural
- Friendly tone
- Common usage
- Easy to understand
Cons
- Too informal for work
- Overused
- Limited emotional range
- Not suitable for formal writing
Other Ways to Say “Looking Forward to It” (With Examples)
These alternatives help you sound more fluent, confident, and natural. Choose based on tone, context, and audience to express excitement or professionalism.
1. Phrase: I’m excited about it
Meaning: Feeling happy anticipation
Explanation: A clear emotional response
Example Sentence: I’m excited about the upcoming project.
Best Use: Conversations
Worst Use: Formal reports
Tone: Positive, friendly
Context Variability: casual, spoken
2. Phrase: I can’t wait
Meaning: Strong excitement
Explanation: Emphasizes eagerness
Example Sentence: I can’t wait to see the results.
Best Use: Informal talk
Worst Use: Business writing
Tone: Enthusiastic
Context Variability: casual, spoken
3. Phrase: I’m eager to
Meaning: Strong interest
Explanation: Slightly more formal
Example Sentence: I’m eager to learn more.
Best Use: Professional
Worst Use: Casual texting
Tone: Motivated
Context Variability: professional, written
4. Phrase: I anticipate
Meaning: Expect with interest
Explanation: Formal anticipation
Example Sentence: I anticipate a productive discussion.
Best Use: Formal writing
Worst Use: Casual chat
Tone: Formal
Context Variability: professional, written
5. Phrase: I look forward to
Meaning: Polite expectation
Explanation: Standard professional phrase
Example Sentence: I look forward to your reply.
Best Use: Emails
Worst Use: Emotional contexts
Tone: Neutral
Context Variability: professional
6. Phrase: I’m keen to
Meaning: Interested or enthusiastic
Explanation: Common in British English
Example Sentence: I’m keen to collaborate.
Best Use: Work
Worst Use: Legal writing
Tone: Professional
Context Variability: professional
7. Phrase: I welcome the opportunity
Meaning: Polite acceptance
Explanation: Very professional
Example Sentence: I welcome the opportunity to contribute.
Best Use: Formal emails
Worst Use: Casual speech
Tone: Formal
Context Variability: professional
8. Phrase: I’m thrilled about
Meaning: Very excited
Explanation: Strong emotion
Example Sentence: I’m thrilled about the news.
Best Use: Positive updates
Worst Use: Serious issues
Tone: Enthusiastic
Context Variability: casual
9. Phrase: I’m pleased about
Meaning: Calm satisfaction
Explanation: Reserved excitement
Example Sentence: I’m pleased about the outcome.
Best Use: Work updates
Worst Use: Celebrations
Tone: Polite
Context Variability: professional
10. Phrase: I’m happy to
Meaning: Willing and positive
Explanation: Shows cooperation
Example Sentence: I’m happy to assist.
Best Use: Customer service
Worst Use: Personal plans
Tone: Friendly
Context Variability: professional
11. Phrase: I await
Meaning: Formal waiting
Explanation: Very official tone
Example Sentence: I await your confirmation.
Best Use: Legal writing
Worst Use: Casual use
Tone: Formal
Context Variability: professional
12. Phrase: I’m enthusiastic about
Meaning: Energetic interest
Explanation: Expresses motivation
Example Sentence: I’m enthusiastic about joining the team.
Best Use: Interviews
Worst Use: Complaints
Tone: Positive
Context Variability: professional
13. Phrase: I’m delighted about
Meaning: Strong pleasure
Explanation: Polite excitement
Example Sentence: I’m delighted about the invitation.
Best Use: Formal thanks
Worst Use: Casual talk
Tone: Polite
Context Variability: professional
14. Phrase: I’m interested in
Meaning: Neutral curiosity
Explanation: Low emotion
Example Sentence: I’m interested in learning more.
Best Use: Inquiries
Worst Use: Celebrations
Tone: Neutral
Context Variability: professional
15. Phrase: I’m hopeful about
Meaning: Optimistic anticipation
Explanation: Forward-looking
Example Sentence: I’m hopeful about the outcome.
Best Use: Planning
Worst Use: Certainty
Tone: Thoughtful
Context Variability: professional
16. Phrase: I appreciate the opportunity
Meaning: Grateful anticipation
Explanation: Formal gratitude
Example Sentence: I appreciate the opportunity to speak.
Best Use: Business
Worst Use: Casual chats
Tone: Respectful
Context Variability: professional
17. Phrase: I’m glad to
Meaning: Mild happiness
Explanation: Soft positive tone
Example Sentence: I’m glad to help.
Best Use: Polite replies
Worst Use: Strong excitement
Tone: Friendly
Context Variability: casual
18. Phrase: I’m excited to see
Meaning: Curious anticipation
Explanation: Future-focused
Example Sentence: I’m excited to see the results.
Best Use: Updates
Worst Use: Formal letters
Tone: Positive
Context Variability: casual
19. Phrase: I’m ready for
Meaning: Prepared enthusiasm
Explanation: Action-oriented
Example Sentence: I’m ready for the next step.
Best Use: Motivation
Worst Use: Waiting situations
Tone: Confident
Context Variability: spoken
20. Phrase: I’m looking ahead to
Meaning: Future focus
Explanation: Slightly formal
Example Sentence: I’m looking ahead to our meeting.
Best Use: Planning
Worst Use: Casual talk
Tone: Neutral
Context Variability: professional
21. Phrase: I’m optimistic about
Meaning: Positive expectation
Explanation: Balanced tone
Example Sentence: I’m optimistic about the project.
Best Use: Strategy talks
Worst Use: Casual plans
Tone: Professional
Context Variability: professional
22. Phrase: I’m pleased to be part of
Meaning: Polite inclusion
Explanation: Shows appreciation
Example Sentence: I’m pleased to be part of the team.
Best Use: Introductions
Worst Use: Informal chats
Tone: Polite
Context Variability: professional
23. Phrase: I’m excited for
Meaning: Informal excitement
Explanation: Casual version
Example Sentence: I’m excited for the trip.
Best Use: Speaking
Worst Use: Writing
Tone: Casual
Context Variability: spoken
24. Phrase: I’m thankful for the chance
Meaning: Grateful anticipation
Explanation: Emotional professionalism
Example Sentence: I’m thankful for the chance to contribute.
Best Use: Emails
Worst Use: Casual talk
Tone: Respectful
Context Variability: professional
25. Phrase: I’m eager for
Meaning: Strong interest
Explanation: Emotional emphasis
Example Sentence: I’m eager for feedback.
Best Use: Learning
Worst Use: Casual texting
Tone: Motivated
Context Variability: professional
26. Phrase: I’m pleased to hear
Meaning: Positive response
Explanation: Reaction-based
Example Sentence: I’m pleased to hear the update.
Best Use: Replies
Worst Use: Anticipation
Tone: Polite
Context Variability: professional
27. Phrase: I’m excited at the prospect of
Meaning: Formal excitement
Explanation: Advanced phrasing
Example Sentence: I’m excited at the prospect of growth.
Best Use: Business writing
Worst Use: Casual talk
Tone: Formal
Context Variability: professional
28. Phrase: I’m looking forward to learning
Meaning: Growth-focused anticipation
Explanation: Common in education
Example Sentence: I’m looking forward to learning more.
Best Use: Academic settings
Worst Use: Casual plans
Tone: Neutral
Context Variability: professional
29. Phrase: I’m keen on
Meaning: Interested preference
Explanation: British usage
Example Sentence: I’m keen on joining the project.
Best Use: Work
Worst Use: Formal legal
Tone: Professional
Context Variability: professional
30. Phrase: I’m excited about what’s ahead
Meaning: General anticipation
Explanation: Broad future focus
Example Sentence: I’m excited about what’s ahead.
Best Use: Motivational talks
Worst Use: Formal writing
Tone: Inspirational
Context Variability: spoken
Choosing the right alternative shows confidence and control over tone.
Comparison Table: Top Alternatives
| Phrase | Tone | Best Use |
|---|---|---|
| I look forward to | Neutral | Emails |
| I anticipate | Formal | Reports |
| I’m eager to | Professional | Interviews |
| I can’t wait | Casual | Speaking |
| I’m excited about | Friendly | Conversations |
| I welcome the opportunity | Formal | Business |
| I’m pleased to | Polite | Replies |
| I’m keen to | Professional | Work |
| I’m thrilled about | Emotional | Celebrations |
| I await | Very formal | Legal |
Mini Quiz: Self-Check
- Which phrase suits a formal email?
A. I can’t wait
B. I anticipate
C. I’m pumped - Which is best for casual speech?
A. I await
B. I welcome the opportunity
C. I’m excited about it - Which phrase sounds too informal for work?
A. I’m eager to
B. I can’t wait
C. I look forward to
FAQs
Is “looking forward to it” formal English?
It’s polite but generally informal for professional writing.
What are professional alternatives to looking forward to it?
Try “I anticipate,” “I look forward to,” or “I welcome the opportunity.”
Can I use “looking forward to it” in emails?
Yes, but limit it to friendly or semi-formal emails.
What is the most formal replacement?
“I anticipate” or “I await” are the most formal options.
How can I express excitement in English professionally?
Use balanced phrases like “I’m eager to” or “I’m pleased to.”
Conclusion
Learning other ways to say looking forward to it helps you communicate with clarity, confidence, and professionalism. The right phrase can elevate both spoken and written English.
Practice using these alternatives daily and stay aware of tone. That’s how fluent, natural English really works.
Call to Action:
Try replacing “looking forward to it” in your next email with one new phrase from this list.
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Peter Murphy is an experienced writer at wordsmirror.com, where he creates informative and engaging content on language, meanings, and modern usage. He is known for his clear writing style, strong research skills, and ability to explain topics in a simple, reader-friendly way.

