Alternatives to “I’m Looking Forward To”

Alternatives to “I’m Looking Forward To”

Hello, dear English learners, and welcome to a new lesson. If you write emails regularly — whether for work, study, or exam preparation — you’ve probably used the phrase “I’m looking forward to…” countless times. It’s polite, safe, and widely accepted. The only problem is that we tend to rely on it a little too much. When every message ends the same way, our writing loses life and variety. Alternatives to “I’m looking forward to”

To help you sound more natural and confident, here are 15 useful expressions you can use instead. They work beautifully in formal emails, semi-formal messages, essays, and even friendly communication. They’re especially handy for those preparing for B2 First and C1 Advanced, where flexible language is essential.

Before we dive in, a quick reminder:

When you use look forward to, the to acts as a preposition. That means it must be followed by a noun or a gerund (-ing form).

✔ I look forward to hearing from you.

✔ I look forward to your reply.

✘ I look forward to hear from you. (incorrect)

Right — let’s explore some alternatives.

I’m eagerly awaiting…

A polite way to show genuine interest.

• I’m eagerly awaiting your response.
• We are eagerly awaiting the final decision.

I’m excited about…

Good for warm, professional communication.

• I’m excited about working together.
• We’re excited about the upcoming project. Alternatives to “I’m looking forward to”

I’m keen to… / I’m keen on…

A very natural choice in British English.

• I’m keen to hear your feedback.
• We’re keen on strengthening our cooperation.

I’m anticipating…

Useful when you expect something soon.

• I’m anticipating your reply.
• We’re anticipating a productive meeting.

I’m hopeful that…

Shows optimism without sounding too emotional.

• I’m hopeful that we can reach an agreement.
• We’re hopeful that this proposal will meet your needs.

I hope to… / I hope that…

Simple, neutral, and always appropriate.

• I hope to hear from you soon.
• I hope that we can continue our discussion next week.

I can’t wait to…

Friendly and enthusiastic (perfect for informal emails).

• I can’t wait to see you again.
• We can’t wait to welcome our new students. Alternatives to “I’m looking forward to”

We await your response.

Very formal; often used in business contexts.

• We await your response regarding the contract.
• We await your confirmation of the delivery date.

We appreciate your prompt reply.

Often used when requesting something politely.

• We appreciate your prompt reply to this matter.
• We would appreciate your cooperation.

Thank you in advance for…

A polite way to acknowledge help you expect to receive.

• Thank you in advance for your help.
• Thank you in advance for reviewing the document.

I look ahead to…

Sounds confident and forward-thinking.

• We look ahead to a successful partnership.
• I look ahead to discussing this in person.

We are pleased to…

Great for sharing updates or positive news.

• We are pleased to continue our collaboration.
• We are pleased to invite you to the event.

I welcome the opportunity to…

Ideal for formal or semi-formal communication.

• I welcome the opportunity to discuss this further.
• We would welcome the opportunity to work with you.

I’m eager to…

Shows strong, positive anticipation.

• I’m eager to hear your thoughts.
• We’re eager to begin the next stage of the project. Alternatives to “I’m looking forward to”

I’m counting the days until…

This one is more personal and emotional.

• I’m counting the days until I see you again.
• They’re counting the days until their holiday starts.

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