Quick Answer:
“Looking forward to working with you” shows positive anticipation for future collaboration. Top alternatives include excited to collaborate, pleased to work with you, eager to get started, happy to collaborate, and keen to work alongside you.
The phrase looking forward to working with you is commonly used to express enthusiasm, politeness, and readiness for collaboration in both spoken and written English.
While it sounds friendly and natural, it can feel repetitive or slightly informal in professional or formal contexts.
Learning alternatives to looking forward to working with you allows English learners and professionals to express excitement in English with better tone control, clarity, and confidence.
“Repeating the same phrase limits your professional impact.”
Quick Categories
Formal alternatives to “looking forward to working with you”
Pleased to collaborate with you
I anticipate a productive collaboration
I welcome the opportunity to work with you
It will be a pleasure working with you
Pro Tip: Use formal alternatives in contracts, executive emails, and official introductions.
Casual alternatives
Excited to work with you
Happy to team up
Can’t wait to get started
Glad to be working together
Pro Tip: Casual phrases fit relaxed teams and friendly work cultures.
Professional alternatives
I look forward to collaborating
I’m eager to contribute to our work
I’m pleased to begin working together
I welcome the opportunity to collaborate
Pro Tip: Professional language should be warm but clear, not stiff.
Informal expressions
Looking forward to it
Excited to collaborate
Happy to work together
Ready to get started
Pro Tip: Informal expressions work best in spoken English or internal chats.
“Professional English is about choosing the right tone, not complex words.”
Common Mistakes
- Using it in very formal writing
Example: I am looking forward to working with you on this legal agreement. - Overusing the phrase
Example: Ending every email with the same sentence. - Using it before confirmation
Example: Looking forward to working with you before an offer is accepted. - Using it with negative messages
Example: Looking forward to working with you after declining a proposal. - Using it without context
Example: Looking forward to working with you. No project mentioned.
What Does “Looking Forward to Working With You” Mean?
It means you feel positive and enthusiastic about collaborating with someone in the future. The phrase uses “look forward to” followed by a gerund verb.
Example: I’m looking forward to working with you on the new campaign.
When to Use “Looking Forward to Working With You”
Common contexts
Emails after introductions
Job interviews
Project kickoffs
Networking follow ups
Spoken vs Written
Used in both spoken and written English
Formal vs Informal
More informal than formal business language
Is It Professional or Polite to Say “Looking Forward to Working With You”?
The phrase is polite and friendly, but it may lack professionalism in formal business writing.
Business example:
Thank you for the opportunity. I look forward to collaborating.
Polite? ✔️ Yes
Professional? ❌ No (in most cases)
Pros and Cons of Using “Looking Forward to Working With You”
Pros
Simple and natural
Friendly tone
Common usage
Easy to understand
Cons
Too informal for work
Overused
Limited emotional range
Not ideal for formal writing
“Strong professionals adjust language to fit the situation.”
Other Ways to Say “Looking Forward to Working With You” (With Examples)
These alternatives help you sound fluent, confident, and natural.
Choose based on tone, context, and audience.
1. Phrase: Excited to work with you
Meaning: Shows enthusiasm.
Explanation: Friendly and positive.
Example Sentence: I’m excited to work with you on this project.
Best Use: Team emails
Worst Use: Legal writing
Tone: Enthusiastic, friendly
Context Variability: casual, professional
2. Phrase: Pleased to work with you
Meaning: Expresses polite satisfaction.
Explanation: More formal and respectful.
Example Sentence: I’m pleased to work with you on this initiative.
Best Use: Business emails
Worst Use: Casual chats
Tone: Polite, professional
Context Variability: professional
3. Phrase: Eager to collaborate
Meaning: Shows readiness.
Explanation: Professional and motivated.
Example Sentence: I’m eager to collaborate on upcoming tasks.
Best Use: Work introductions
Worst Use: Personal texts
Tone: Motivated, positive
Context Variability: professional
4. Phrase: Happy to collaborate with you
Meaning: Expresses willingness.
Explanation: Neutral and friendly.
Example Sentence: I’m happy to collaborate with you.
Best Use: Team messages
Worst Use: Formal documents
Tone: Friendly, neutral
Context Variability: casual, professional
5. Phrase: I welcome the opportunity to work with you
Meaning: Shows appreciation.
Explanation: Formal and respectful.
Example Sentence: I welcome the opportunity to work with you.
Best Use: Corporate emails
Worst Use: Informal talk
Tone: Formal, respectful
Context Variability: professional
6. Phrase: Looking forward to collaborating
Meaning: Anticipates teamwork.
Explanation: Slightly more professional.
Example Sentence: I look forward to collaborating on this project.
Best Use: Professional emails
Worst Use: Casual chats
Tone: Neutral, professional
Context Variability: professional
7. Phrase: Glad to be working with you
Meaning: Shows satisfaction.
Explanation: Warm and conversational.
Example Sentence: I’m glad to be working with you.
Best Use: Team chats
Worst Use: Formal letters
Tone: Warm, casual
Context Variability: spoken
8. Phrase: Delighted to work with you
Meaning: Strong positive emotion.
Explanation: Polite and expressive.
Example Sentence: I’m delighted to work with you on this task.
Best Use: Client emails
Worst Use: Internal chats
Tone: Polite, enthusiastic
Context Variability: professional
9. Phrase: Keen to work with you
Meaning: Shows interest.
Explanation: Common in British English.
Example Sentence: I’m keen to work with you going forward.
Best Use: Professional messages
Worst Use: Legal writing
Tone: Interested, positive
Context Variability: professional
10. Phrase: Ready to get started together
Meaning: Action oriented.
Explanation: Energetic and modern.
Example Sentence: We’re ready to get started together.
Best Use: Project launches
Worst Use: Formal contracts
Tone: Energetic, confident
Context Variability: spoken
11. Phrase: I anticipate working with you
Meaning: Predicts collaboration.
Explanation: Formal and controlled.
Example Sentence: I anticipate working with you on this matter.
Best Use: Formal emails
Worst Use: Casual chats
Tone: Formal, reserved
Context Variability: professional
12. Phrase: I’m pleased to begin working together
Meaning: Expresses satisfaction.
Explanation: Professional and polite.
Example Sentence: I’m pleased to begin working together.
Best Use: Business writing
Worst Use: Informal speech
Tone: Polite, professional
Context Variability: professional
13. Phrase: I look forward to our collaboration
Meaning: Anticipates teamwork.
Explanation: Balanced professional tone.
Example Sentence: I look forward to our collaboration.
Best Use: Emails
Worst Use: Casual texts
Tone: Neutral, professional
Context Variability: professional
14. Phrase: I’m enthusiastic about working with you
Meaning: Shows strong interest.
Explanation: Positive but professional.
Example Sentence: I’m enthusiastic about working with you.
Best Use: Interviews
Worst Use: Legal writing
Tone: Enthusiastic, positive
Context Variability: professional
15. Phrase: Happy to be working together
Meaning: Expresses comfort.
Explanation: Friendly and relaxed.
Example Sentence: Happy to be working together on this.
Best Use: Team chats
Worst Use: Formal documents
Tone: Casual, warm
Context Variability: spoken
16. Phrase: I’m looking forward to contributing
Meaning: Focuses on value.
Explanation: Professional and proactive.
Example Sentence: I’m looking forward to contributing to the team.
Best Use: Job roles
Worst Use: Casual talk
Tone: Professional, motivated
Context Variability: professional
17. Phrase: I’m excited to collaborate
Meaning: Expresses enthusiasm.
Explanation: Slightly informal.
Example Sentence: I’m excited to collaborate on this project.
Best Use: Team emails
Worst Use: Legal writing
Tone: Friendly, energetic
Context Variability: casual
18. Phrase: I’m pleased to collaborate
Meaning: Polite acceptance.
Explanation: Calm and professional.
Example Sentence: I’m pleased to collaborate with your team.
Best Use: Business emails
Worst Use: Casual chats
Tone: Polite, professional
Context Variability: professional
19. Phrase: I’m happy to begin working with you
Meaning: Shows readiness.
Explanation: Friendly and respectful.
Example Sentence: I’m happy to begin working with you.
Best Use: Introductions
Worst Use: Legal documents
Tone: Warm, neutral
Context Variability: professional
20. Phrase: I appreciate the chance to work with you
Meaning: Shows gratitude.
Explanation: Polite and professional.
Example Sentence: I appreciate the chance to work with you.
Best Use: Client emails
Worst Use: Casual speech
Tone: Grateful, professional
Context Variability: professional
21. Phrase: I’m glad for the opportunity to collaborate
Meaning: Expresses appreciation.
Explanation: Balanced professional tone.
Example Sentence: I’m glad for the opportunity to collaborate.
Best Use: Formal emails
Worst Use: Casual chats
Tone: Polite, professional
Context Variability: professional
22. Phrase: I’m looking forward to our work together
Meaning: Anticipates collaboration.
Explanation: Slightly warmer than original.
Example Sentence: I’m looking forward to our work together.
Best Use: Emails
Worst Use: Legal documents
Tone: Friendly, neutral
Context Variability: professional
23. Phrase: It’s great to be working with you
Meaning: Friendly approval.
Explanation: Informal and positive.
Example Sentence: It’s great to be working with you.
Best Use: Spoken English
Worst Use: Formal writing
Tone: Casual, upbeat
Context Variability: spoken
24. Phrase: I’m motivated to work with you
Meaning: Shows drive.
Explanation: Professional and focused.
Example Sentence: I’m motivated to work with you on this project.
Best Use: Interviews
Worst Use: Casual talk
Tone: Motivated, professional
Context Variability: professional
25. Phrase: I’m pleased to move forward together
Meaning: Shows progress.
Explanation: Business appropriate.
Example Sentence: I’m pleased to move forward together.
Best Use: Corporate emails
Worst Use: Casual texts
Tone: Professional, confident
Context Variability: professional
26. Phrase: I look forward to supporting our work
Meaning: Emphasizes contribution.
Explanation: Polite and helpful.
Example Sentence: I look forward to supporting our work.
Best Use: Team emails
Worst Use: Informal chats
Tone: Supportive, professional
Context Variability: professional
27. Phrase: I’m pleased to join the team
Meaning: Expresses acceptance.
Explanation: Professional and positive.
Example Sentence: I’m pleased to join the team.
Best Use: Onboarding emails
Worst Use: Casual talk
Tone: Polite, positive
Context Variability: professional
28. Phrase: I’m eager to get started
Meaning: Shows readiness.
Explanation: Energetic and clear.
Example Sentence: I’m eager to get started.
Best Use: Spoken English
Worst Use: Legal writing
Tone: Energetic, positive
Context Variability: spoken
29. Phrase: I appreciate working with you
Meaning: Shows respect.
Explanation: Polite and appreciative.
Example Sentence: I appreciate working with you on this.
Best Use: Ongoing projects
Worst Use: First contact
Tone: Respectful, calm
Context Variability: professional
30. Phrase: I’m pleased to work alongside you
Meaning: Shows partnership.
Explanation: Collaborative and professional.
Example Sentence: I’m pleased to work alongside you.
Best Use: Professional teams
Worst Use: Informal chats
Tone: Cooperative, professional
Context Variability: professional
“Fluency grows when you stop translating and start choosing.”
Comparison Table: Top Alternatives
| Phrase | Tone | Best Use |
|---|---|---|
| Pleased to work with you | Polite | Business emails |
| Eager to collaborate | Motivated | Professional settings |
| Delighted to work with you | Warm | Client communication |
| Excited to collaborate | Friendly | Team messages |
| Welcome the opportunity | Formal | Corporate writing |
| Keen to work with you | Positive | UK English |
| Ready to get started | Energetic | Projects |
| Appreciate the chance | Grateful | Client emails |
| Looking forward to collaborating | Neutral | Work emails |
| Pleased to work alongside you | Cooperative | Teams |
Mini Quiz: Self Check
- Which phrase fits a formal email best?
A. Can’t wait to work together
B. Pleased to work with you
C. Ready to roll - Which phrase is too casual for a job interview?
A. Excited to collaborate
B. Happy to team up
C. I welcome the opportunity - Choose the best spoken option:
A. I anticipate professional collaboration
B. Looking forward to it - Which phrase shows gratitude?
A. I appreciate the chance to work with you
B. Ready to get started
FAQs
Is “looking forward to working with you” correct English?
Yes, it is grammatically correct and widely used.
Is it too informal for professional emails?
Often yes. Professional alternatives sound more polished.
Can I use it in job interviews?
Yes, but confident alternatives are stronger.
What are better professional alternatives?
Pleased to work with you and eager to collaborate.
How can I express excitement in English professionally?
Use clear, respectful alternatives suited to context.
Conclusion
Learning other ways to say looking forward to working with you improves fluency, professionalism, and tone awareness.
Practice these alternatives daily and choose based on situation. The right phrase builds trust before the work even begins.
CTA: Try one new phrase in your next email or meeting.

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.

