look forward to
A2 neutral inseparable transitive
In simple words
To be happy and excited about something that will happen soon
Literal meaning: To direct your gaze or attention forward (ahead in time) toward something
Meanings
1 A2
idiomatic
neutral
To feel happy and excited in anticipation of something pleasant that will happen in the future
"The children were really looking forward to the school trip to the science museum."
Grammar: inseparable
2 B1
idiomatic
formal
Used in formal correspondence to politely express anticipation of a response or meeting
"Thank you for your time, and I look forward to hearing from you soon."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
GRAMMAR: Must be followed by a noun or gerund (-ing form), NOT an infinitive. 'I look forward to seeing you' (correct), NOT 'I look forward to see you'. Very common in formal email sign-offs: 'I look forward to hearing from you.'
Commonly used with
holiday weekend meeting hearing seeing visit opportunity
Forms
Base
look forward to
I/you/we/they
3rd person
looks forward to
he/she/it
Past simple
looked forward to
yesterday
Past participle
looked forward to
have + pp
-ing form
looking forward to
continuous
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Synonyms
anticipate await eagerly can't wait for be excited about count down to
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