1 B1 neutral
To direct attention toward or consider a specific upcoming event, challenge, or time period.
"Looking ahead to the summer season, tourism officials expect record visitor numbers."
inseparable
look ahead to
B1 neutral inseparable transitive
To direct your attention toward a specific upcoming event, period, or challenge in the future.
In plain English
To think about or discuss a specific thing that will happen in the future.
What does "look ahead to" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 neutral
(Journalism/broadcasting) Used to introduce a preview of forthcoming news, events, or programming.
"And looking ahead to tonight's programme, we have an exclusive interview with the prime minister."
inseparable
Usage tip
Very common in journalism and broadcasting as a way to preview upcoming events. Also used in planning and business contexts. Less emotionally positive than 'look forward to' — it can be neutral or even cautious in tone.
Words that pair with "look ahead to"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
next week the election the future next quarter the coming months the challenge
How to conjugate "look ahead to"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
look ahead to
I/you/we/they
3rd person
looks ahead to
he/she/it
Past simple
looked ahead to
yesterday
Past participle
looked ahead to
have + pp
-ing form
looking ahead to
continuous
Hear "look ahead to" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "look ahead to" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.