Have you ever written “I am very much looking forward” in an email and wondered whether the sentence was complete? This expression is commonly used in professional emails, business communication, personal messages, and everyday English to show excitement or anticipation. However, its grammatical structure can be confusing, especially when you are unsure whether to add to, a noun, or a verb ending in -ing.
The phrase “I am very much looking forward” is grammatically possible, but it usually needs additional words to complete the thought. For example, you can say, “I am very much looking forward to meeting you” or “I am very much looking forward to the event.” Understanding how this expression works will help you write more natural sentences, avoid common grammar mistakes, and communicate enthusiasm confidently. In this guide, you will learn its meaning, correct sentence patterns, practical examples, and differences from similar expressions.
Quick Answer: What Does “I Am Very Much Looking Forward” Mean?
“I am very much looking forward” expresses strong excitement or positive anticipation about something that will happen in the future. It is usually followed by to + a noun or an -ing verb. For example, “I am very much looking forward to meeting you” is grammatically correct and appropriate for professional and personal communication.
Why People Confuse It
People often confuse this expression because the word to can function as either a preposition or part of an infinitive. In the expression look forward to, to is a preposition, so it is followed by a noun, pronoun, or gerund (a verb ending in -ing).
For example:
- Correct: I am very much looking forward to meeting you.
- Incorrect: I am very much looking forward to meet you.
- Correct: I am very much looking forward to the meeting.
Another source of confusion is the phrase’s completeness. Saying “I am very much looking forward” can sound unfinished because listeners usually expect you to explain what you anticipate.
The key is to understand the expression’s structure and choose the appropriate ending for your sentence.
First Word: “I Am Very Much Looking Forward” — Meaning and Structure
The phrase consists of several parts, each with a specific grammatical role.
- I: The subject, referring to the speaker.
- Am: The present-tense form of be, used with I.
- Very much: An adverbial expression that emphasizes the strength of the feeling.
- Looking forward: A verb phrase expressing anticipation or excitement about a future event.
Together, these words communicate that you feel enthusiastic about something expected to happen.
Is “I Am Very Much Looking Forward” a Complete Sentence?
It can function as a grammatical clause, but it normally feels incomplete when used by itself because the thing being anticipated has not been identified.
For example:
- Incomplete in ordinary context: “I am very much looking forward.”
- Complete: “I am very much looking forward to our conversation.”
- Complete: “I am very much looking forward to seeing you again.”
In certain contexts, the shorter phrase might be understood from earlier conversation, but including the object or activity usually makes your meaning clearer.
Why Use “Very Much”?
The words very much intensify the expression. They indicate that the speaker feels particularly enthusiastic or eager.
Compare these sentences:
- “I am looking forward to the conference.”
- “I am very much looking forward to the conference.”
Both are correct, but the second emphasizes the speaker’s anticipation more strongly.
Second Word: “Looking Forward To” — Correct Grammar and Usage
The expression look forward to means to feel pleased, excited, or eager about something expected in the future.
It is commonly used in professional correspondence, invitations, personal conversations, and announcements.
Rule 1: Use a Noun After “To”
When the anticipated thing is a person, event, activity, or object, you can place a noun or noun phrase after to.
Examples:
- I am very much looking forward to the conference.
- I am very much looking forward to your visit.
- I am very much looking forward to our discussion.
- I am very much looking forward to the weekend.
Rule 2: Use a Verb Ending in “-ing”
When you describe an activity, use the gerund form of the verb.
Examples:
- I am very much looking forward to meeting you.
- I am very much looking forward to working with your team.
- I am very much looking forward to hearing your thoughts.
- I am very much looking forward to visiting your office.
Rule 3: Do Not Use the Base Verb After “To”
Because to is a preposition in this expression, it should not be followed directly by the base form of a verb.
Incorrect: I am very much looking forward to meet you.
Correct: I am very much looking forward to meeting you.
Incorrect: I am very much looking forward to hear from you.
Correct: I am very much looking forward to hearing from you.
Remember that the grammar of look forward to differs from expressions such as want to meet or hope to hear, where to introduces an infinitive.
Comparison Table: “Looking Forward” Expressions
| Expression | Meaning or use | Example |
| I am looking forward to | Expresses positive anticipation | I am looking forward to the event. |
| I am very much looking forward to | Emphasizes strong anticipation | I am very much looking forward to meeting you. |
| I look forward to | Common in professional emails | I look forward to hearing from you. |
| I can’t wait to | Informal, enthusiastic anticipation | I can’t wait to see you. |
| I am excited about | Expresses enthusiasm | I am excited about the project. |
| I eagerly await | More formal and sometimes literary | I eagerly await your response. |
| I am looking forward for | Generally incorrect in this expression | Use “looking forward to” instead. |
When to Use “I Am Very Much Looking Forward”
This phrase is useful when you want to communicate enthusiasm politely. However, its suitability depends on the situation and the tone you want to convey.
1. In Professional Emails
Use it when discussing an upcoming meeting, project, interview, collaboration, or business event.
Example:
“I am very much looking forward to discussing the proposal with you.”
This sentence sounds professional and communicates genuine interest.
2. In Job Applications and Interviews
The expression can help you show enthusiasm about a potential opportunity.
Example:
“I am very much looking forward to the opportunity to discuss how my experience could contribute to your team.”
Use this kind of wording when it fits the context, and avoid repeating it excessively throughout the same email.
3. In Personal Messages
You can use it when expressing excitement about seeing friends, meeting relatives, or attending a special occasion.
Example:
“I am very much looking forward to seeing everyone at the family gathering.”
In casual conversations, a simpler expression such as “I can’t wait to see everyone” may sound more natural.
4. In Formal Invitations and Announcements
It works well when expressing anticipation about an event or occasion.
Example:
“We are very much looking forward to welcoming you to our annual celebration.”
5. When Confirming Future Plans
Use it to acknowledge arrangements and express positive expectations.
Example:
“Thank you for confirming the appointment. I am very much looking forward to our discussion.”
Examples: “I Am Very Much Looking Forward” in Sentences
Here are 15 practical examples for emails, work, education, and everyday communication.
- I am very much looking forward to meeting you in person.
- I am very much looking forward to working with your team.
- I am very much looking forward to hearing from you soon.
- I am very much looking forward to the upcoming conference.
- I am very much looking forward to our next meeting.
- I am very much looking forward to visiting your office next week.
- I am very much looking forward to discussing the project in greater detail.
- I am very much looking forward to your presentation.
- I am very much looking forward to celebrating this achievement with everyone.
- I am very much looking forward to learning more about the opportunity.
- I am very much looking forward to seeing you at the wedding.
- I am very much looking forward to starting my new role.
- I am very much looking forward to receiving your feedback.
- I am very much looking forward to spending the holidays with my family.
- I am very much looking forward to the possibility of collaborating with your organization.
Examples for Professional Emails
After a job interview:
“Thank you for taking the time to speak with me. I am very much looking forward to hearing from you about the next steps.”
Before a business meeting:
“Thank you for arranging the meeting. I am very much looking forward to discussing our plans with you.”
When accepting an invitation:
“Thank you for the invitation. I am very much looking forward to attending the event.”
When starting a new job:
“I am very much looking forward to joining the team and contributing to its future success.”
These examples demonstrate how the expression can convey enthusiasm while maintaining a polite and professional tone.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even fluent English speakers sometimes misuse this expression. The following mistakes are particularly common.
Mistake 1: Saying “Looking Forward for”
Incorrect: I am very much looking forward for your reply.
Correct: I am very much looking forward to your reply.
The standard expression is look forward to, not look forward for.
Mistake 2: Using the Base Verb After “To”
Incorrect: I am looking forward to meet you.
Correct: I am looking forward to meeting you.
Use the -ing form when a verb follows this expression.
Mistake 3: Forgetting to Complete the Thought
Awkward: I am very much looking forward.
Better: I am very much looking forward to our meeting.
Add the activity, event, or thing you anticipate unless the context makes it obvious.
Mistake 4: Using Too Many Intensifiers
Overstated: I am extremely, very much, incredibly looking forward to meeting you.
Better: I am very much looking forward to meeting you.
One appropriate intensifier is usually enough.
Mistake 5: Using an Overly Formal Expression in Casual Conversation
Formal: I am very much looking forward to seeing you this evening.
Casual: I can’t wait to see you tonight!
Both are correct, but the second is more conversational.
Mistake 6: Confusing “Looking Forward To” With “Look Forward To”
Both forms can be correct, depending on the sentence.
- Present continuous: “I am looking forward to meeting you.”
- Simple present: “I look forward to hearing from you.”
The simple present is especially common in professional email closings.
Memory Trick: How to Remember the Correct Grammar
Use this simple rule:
LOOK FORWARD TO + NOUN OR VERB-ING
Think of to as part of the expression rather than as a signal that an infinitive must follow.
Examples:
- Looking forward to the event.
- Looking forward to your reply.
- Looking forward to meeting you.
- Looking forward to working together.
A quick test is to replace the activity with a noun. If the sentence works with “the meeting,” “the event,” or “your visit,” you are probably using the expression correctly.
For example:
“I am looking forward to meeting you.”
You can also say:
“I am looking forward to the meeting.”
Both sentences follow the same grammatical pattern.
American vs. British English
The expression “I am very much looking forward to” is grammatically correct in both American and British English. There is no major difference in the basic grammar or meaning.
However, some stylistic preferences may vary.
American English
American speakers commonly use expressions such as:
- I am looking forward to meeting you.
- I am really looking forward to the event.
- I can’t wait to see you.
In business writing, “I look forward to hearing from you” is also a familiar closing expression.
British English
British speakers also use:
- I am very much looking forward to meeting you.
- I am looking forward to hearing from you.
- I look forward to seeing you soon.
The phrase very much looking forward to can sound particularly polished in formal British correspondence, although it is not exclusive to British English.
Which Version Should You Choose?
For professional communication in either variety, “I am looking forward to meeting you” is natural and widely understood. Add very much when you want to emphasize enthusiasm.
The most important rule is grammatical: use to followed by a noun or an -ing form when completing the expression.
Similar Words and Expressions
Several alternatives can express the same idea, but each has a slightly different tone.
1. Looking Forward To vs. Excited About
Both communicate positive anticipation.
- “I am looking forward to the conference.”
- “I am excited about the conference.”
Looking forward to emphasizes anticipation, while excited about places more emphasis on the feeling of enthusiasm.
2. Looking Forward To vs. Can’t Wait To
Can’t wait to is more informal and often sounds more enthusiastic.
- Formal: I am looking forward to seeing you.
- Informal: I can’t wait to see you.
Remember that can’t wait to is normally followed by the base verb, unlike look forward to.
3. Looking Forward To vs. Eager To
Eager to communicates a strong desire to do something.
- I am looking forward to meeting the team.
- I am eager to meet the team.
The first emphasizes anticipation; the second emphasizes willingness or enthusiasm.
4. Looking Forward To vs. Anticipating
Anticipating can be used for both positive expectations and events that may be neutral or negative.
- I am looking forward to the holiday.
- I am anticipating a busy week.
The meaning of anticipating depends more heavily on context.
5. Looking Forward To vs. I Look Forward To
Both expressions are correct, but their grammatical forms and typical contexts differ.
- “I am looking forward to meeting you” emphasizes your current feeling of anticipation.
- “I look forward to meeting you” is concise and common in professional communication.
Neither form is universally better. Choose the one that fits your message.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is “I am very much looking forward” grammatically correct?
Yes, the phrase can be grammatically possible, but it usually feels incomplete without additional context. A more complete sentence is “I am very much looking forward to meeting you.”
2. What does “I am very much looking forward to” mean?
It means that you feel particularly excited or pleased about something expected to happen. For example, “I am very much looking forward to the conference” expresses strong positive anticipation.
3. Should I say “looking forward to meet” or “looking forward to meeting”?
Use “looking forward to meeting.” In this expression, to is a preposition, so it is followed by a noun or an -ing verb form.
4. Is “I am very much looking forward to hearing from you” correct?
Yes. It is grammatically correct and suitable for professional emails, job applications, and business correspondence. It communicates that you are eager to receive a response.
5. Is “I am looking forward to” formal or informal?
It works in both formal and informal situations. Adding very much emphasizes your enthusiasm and can sound especially appropriate in polite professional communication.
6. Can I use “I am very much looking forward to” in a job application?
Yes. You can use it to express enthusiasm about an interview, an opportunity, or the possibility of joining a company. Keep the surrounding message specific and professional.
7. What is a shorter alternative to “I am very much looking forward to”?
Depending on the situation, you could say “I look forward to,” “I am excited about,” or “I can’t wait to.” The last option is generally more informal.
8. Is “I look forward to hearing from you” better than “I am looking forward to hearing from you”?
Both are correct. “I look forward to hearing from you” is a common professional closing, while “I am looking forward to hearing from you” emphasizes your present anticipation. The best choice depends on the tone of your message.
Final Verdict:
The expression “I am very much looking forward” is understandable, but it usually needs a complement to communicate a complete thought. The most natural pattern is “I am very much looking forward to + noun or verb-ing.” For example, “I am very much looking forward to the meeting” and “I am very much looking forward to meeting you” are both correct.
This phrase is suitable for professional emails, business meetings, job applications, invitations, and personal messages. If you want a more concise professional tone, “I look forward to hearing from you” is an excellent alternative. For casual conversation, “I can’t wait to see you” may sound more natural. Whichever expression you choose, remember to use the correct grammatical structure and match your wording to the audience.
Remember This
- Correct pattern: I am very much looking forward to meeting you.
- Use a noun: I am looking forward to the event.
- Use a gerund: I am looking forward to working with you.
- Avoid: I am looking forward to meet you.
- Professional alternative: I look forward to hearing from you.
I’m Aria White, a passionate word enthusiast who enjoys exploring grammar, vocabulary, and meaningful word connections. I create simple, helpful content that makes matching words easier, clearer, and enjoyable.
