When learning English, I often notice how small choices in phrases affect communication. The phrase I am very much looking forward feels natural in everyday speech, especially when I want to express my feelings of excitement, anticipate a vacation, or even prepare for an interview.
From my own experience, this expression not only sounds grammatically correct but also carries enthusiasm and eagerness. Many times, its usage is questioned, but when you look deeper into the structure and intricacies, you see it fits both casual conversations and more formal settings. The clarity it gives to a message helps listeners and readers avoid confuse moments, and that makes it feel appropriate and important.
In more polished or formal writing, I’ve had to determine whether the phrase is the best way to communicate thoughts. Paying attention to details, like how the phrase is structured, ensures grammatical correctness while keeping the expression clear and precise. In some contexts, choosing alternatives can enhance the language and improve overall fluency, but the phrase still helps to capture emotion in messages.
Whether speaking formally or writing for a specific audience, the phrase affects how people judge the purpose and sound of your expressions. Personally, I’ve noticed that when I’m filled with enthusiasm about future events, this phrase feels like the most normal and best choice. It keeps communication structured, gives me the clarity I need, and makes my language feel both everyday language and grammatically correct.
Breaking Down the Phrase
To understand if it’s correct, let’s break the phrase into parts:
- “I am” → subject and verb (first-person singular, present continuous).
- “looking forward” → a phrasal verb that expresses anticipation.
- “very much” → an intensifier that adds emphasis.
Put them together, and you get:
“I am very much looking forward [to something].”
This isn’t random word-stacking. The structure follows English grammar rules, and it communicates stronger enthusiasm than just “I am looking forward.”
Think of it this way: if “I’m looking forward” is like saying “I’m excited,” then “I’m very much looking forward” is like saying “I’m really excited, and I mean it.”
The Grammar Behind It
Let’s zoom into the grammar:
- “Look forward to” is a fixed phrasal verb. It always requires “to” followed by a noun or gerund (verb + -ing).
- Correct: I’m looking forward to the party.
- Correct: I’m looking forward to meeting you.
- Incorrect: I’m looking forward for the party.
- “Very much” is an intensifier. It can’t stand alone—it modifies verbs or adjectives to increase strength.
So grammatically:
- “I’m looking forward”
- “I’m very much looking forward”
- “I very look forward” (word order wrong)
In short, grammar supports the phrase. The question isn’t correctness, but tone.
The Role of “Very Much” in Emphasis
Adding very much makes your anticipation sound stronger and more formal.
- Without “very much”: polite, neutral enthusiasm
- “I’m looking forward to your response.”
- With “very much”: more emphasis, polite formality
- “I’m very much looking forward to your response.”
The difference may seem small, but in professional communication, nuance matters.
Here’s a quick table showing the difference:
| Phrase | Tone | Best Use Case |
| I’m looking forward | Neutral, casual | Everyday talk, informal emails |
| I’m very much looking forward | Stronger, formal | Professional emails, polite conversations |
| I very look forward | ❌ Incorrect | Shouldn’t be used |
| I look forward | Polite, standard | Business letters, job-related communication |
Comparing “Looking Forward” with Similar Expressions
English offers many ways to express anticipation. Looking forward is versatile, but let’s compare it with alternatives:
- Excited about
- Casual, friendly
- “I’m excited about the concert.”
- Eagerly anticipating
- More formal, often used in academic or professional settings
- “We are eagerly anticipating the results of the study.”
- Can’t wait
- Informal, enthusiastic
- “I can’t wait to see you this weekend!”
Here’s a quick comparison:
| Expression | Formality Level | Example Use |
| I’m looking forward | Neutral | Email to professor or colleague |
| I’m very much looking forward | Formal, polite | Professional letter, client email |
| I can’t wait | Casual, playful | Texting a friend |
| I’m excited about | Informal | Talking with peers |
| I’m eagerly anticipating | Very formal | Academic writing, business reports |
Usage in Formal and Informal Contexts
The beauty of looking forward is its adaptability. But very much looking forward tends to lean toward formal settings.
- Formal settings:
- Emails to professors: “I’m very much looking forward to attending your lecture.”
- Job interviews: “I am very much looking forward to joining your team.”
- Client communication: “We are very much looking forward to working with you.”
- Informal settings:
- With friends: “I can’t wait for Saturday’s game.” (better than saying “I’m very much looking forward to Saturday’s game.”)
- Casual chats: “Looking forward to it!”
Using very much in casual talk can make you sound overly formal, almost robotic. So, choose based on the vibe of the situation.
Misconceptions and Common Mistakes
Many learners make mistakes with this phrase. Let’s clear up the most common ones:
- Misconception: “Very much looking forward” is wrong.
- Reality: It’s correct and polite, especially in professional settings.
- Error: “I very look forward.”
- Wrong word order. Correct form: “I am very much looking forward.”
- Overuse in emails.
- Ending every email with “I am very much looking forward to your response” can sound repetitive. Vary your expressions.
Alternatives and Synonyms
Sometimes, switching up your wording keeps your communication fresh. Here are some polished alternatives:
- Polite alternatives:
- I look forward to your response.
- I am eager to hear from you.
- I am eagerly anticipating our meeting.
- Casual alternatives:
- I can’t wait to see you.
- I’m excited about next week.
- Looking forward to it!
- Professional variations:
- We are greatly looking forward to this opportunity.
- I sincerely look forward to collaborating with you.
The Historical and Cultural Angle
The phrase look forward dates back to the 16th century, originally meaning “to expect or anticipate with hope.” It’s been used in literature and letters for centuries.
Adding very much came later, influenced by English politeness culture. Politeness strategies in English often involve intensifiers like very much, greatly, or sincerely. That’s why “I very much look forward” (though less common) and “I’m very much looking forward” both exist in business English.
In modern professional culture, especially in the USA, “very much looking forward” is often seen in:
- Business communication
- Academic emails
- Diplomatic or official correspondence
It signals respect and enthusiasm without being too casual.
Practical Tips for Learners and Professionals
Knowing the rules is one thing—using them naturally is another. Here are some tips:
- Use “very much” for formal situations. If you’re writing to a professor, client, or employer, it adds politeness.
- Drop “very much” for casual chats. With friends or peers, it can sound stiff.
- Avoid redundancy. Don’t overuse it in every email. Mix in alternatives like “I look forward” or “I’m eager to.”
- Check audience expectations. Formal phrases work well in business, but not in texts.
Email Examples
- To a professor:
Dear Professor Smith,
Thank you for your guidance during this semester. I am very much looking forward to your lecture next week. - To a friend:
Hey! Can’t wait for Saturday. See you then! - To a client:
Dear Ms. Johnson,
We truly appreciate your time today. We are very much looking forward to working with you on this project.
Conclusion
The phrase “I am very much looking forward” is both grammatically correct and natural in everyday language. It works well in speech, writing, and even formal contexts when you want to express enthusiasm and clarity.
While some may have questioned its usage, it remains an appropriate choice that helps communicate thoughts clearly. With the right structure, this expression ensures fluency and connects smoothly with your audience.
FAQs
Q1: Is “I am very much looking forward” correct in formal writing?
Yes, it is correct and grammatically sound, though in highly polished or professional documents, you might choose shorter alternatives for more precision.
Q2: Can I use this phrase in casual conversations?
Absolutely. It fits naturally in casual conversations and helps express genuine feelings of excitement or anticipation.
Q3: Does the phrase confuse readers or listeners?
Not at all. In fact, it adds clarity and makes your message feel clear, structured, and easy to understand.
Q4: What are some alternatives to this phrase?
You can use expressions like “I’m looking forward to”, “I can’t wait for”, or “I’m eager about”. These alternatives can also enhance your language depending on the purpose.
Q5: Why is it considered the best way to express excitement?
Because it feels normal, everyday, and shows eagerness while staying grammatically correct. It balances emotion with precision, making it a strong choice in most contexts.
