The phrase “looking forward” is commonly used to express anticipation or excitement about something that will happen in the future. Whether in professional emails or casual conversations, it helps convey eagerness, positivity, or polite expectation.
But if you use it too often, it can start to sound repetitive or too formal. That’s why it’s helpful to know other ways to say “looking forward” that can match the tone of your message — whether professional, friendly, or enthusiastic. Below are 25 fresh and effective alternatives, each with a breakdown of its meaning, usage, and tone.
1. Eager to
Meaning:
Shows strong interest or enthusiasm about something that’s going to happen.
Detailed Explanation:
“Eager to” adds a lively, active tone and works well in both personal and professional contexts.
Scenario Example:
I’m eager to start the new project with your team.
Best Use:
Business emails, teamwork, personal motivation.
Tone:
Energetic, positive, professional.
2. Can’t Wait To
Meaning:
Expresses excitement and impatience in a fun way.
Detailed Explanation:
More casual than “looking forward,” it adds an emotional and enthusiastic flair.
Scenario Example:
I can’t wait to catch up this weekend!
Best Use:
Friends, casual texts, informal settings.
Tone:
Friendly, enthusiastic, lighthearted.
3. Excited About
Meaning:
Shows a happy anticipation for something upcoming.
Detailed Explanation:
“Excited about” adds warmth and positivity, commonly used in emails or social media.
Scenario Example:
I’m excited about the opportunity to work together.
Best Use:
Job emails, events, announcements.
Tone:
Upbeat, professional, welcoming.
4. I Anticipate
Meaning:
Formally expresses an expectation of something in the future.
Detailed Explanation:
A more formal and reserved alternative, ideal for professional communication.
Scenario Example:
I anticipate receiving your feedback by next week.
Best Use:
Formal emails, reports, corporate communication.
Tone:
Professional, formal, polite.
5. Eagerly Awaiting
Meaning:
You’re waiting with anticipation and excitement.
Detailed Explanation:
Adds emotional tone while staying polite and slightly formal.
Scenario Example:
We’re eagerly awaiting your arrival.
Best Use:
Event coordination, customer service, invitations.
Tone:
Warm, polite, optimistic.
6. Counting Down The Days
Meaning:
You’re so excited that you’re literally keeping track of time.
Detailed Explanation:
Great for fun or heartfelt messages; it adds emotion and personal flair.
Scenario Example:
I’m counting down the days until the concert!
Best Use:
Text messages, social media, romantic notes.
Tone:
Excited, casual, playful.
7. Hopeful For
Meaning:
Expresses positive expectation without certainty.
Detailed Explanation:
Used to show optimism, especially when results or outcomes are not guaranteed.
Scenario Example:
We’re hopeful for a successful collaboration.
Best Use:
Business settings, negotiations, formal letters.
Tone:
Optimistic, respectful, reserved.
8. Awaiting
Meaning:
Simple word to show you’re waiting for something.
Detailed Explanation:
Shorter and more formal than “looking forward,” it’s commonly used in brief communications.
Scenario Example:
Awaiting your response at your earliest convenience.
Best Use:
Formal business emails, job applications.
Tone:
Polite, formal, minimal.
9. Can’t Wait to Connect
Meaning:
You’re eager and excited to communicate or meet.
Detailed Explanation:
Adds warmth to digital communication and works well in relationship-building.
Scenario Example:
Can’t wait to connect on Monday’s call!
Best Use:
Networking, team introductions, casual business messages.
Tone:
Friendly, engaging, welcoming.
10. I’m Thrilled To
Meaning:
Shows extreme excitement or joy about something.
Detailed Explanation:
More intense than “looking forward,” great for big moments or achievements.
Scenario Example:
I’m thrilled to be part of this amazing team.
Best Use:
Career announcements, milestones, special events.
Tone:
Excited, proud, celebratory.
11. Hope to See You Soon
Meaning:
Expresses both desire and optimism for a meeting.
Detailed Explanation:
Polite and friendly, often used when plans are informal or pending.
Scenario Example:
It’s been too long — hope to see you soon!
Best Use:
Family, friends, casual or personal emails.
Tone:
Warm, hopeful, affectionate.
12. I’m Keen To
Meaning:
British English phrase showing interest or eagerness.
Detailed Explanation:
Slightly more formal and intellectual than “excited to.”
Scenario Example:
I’m keen to explore this opportunity further.
Best Use:
International English, resumes, formal emails.
Tone:
Professional, courteous, mildly enthusiastic.
13. Awaiting With Interest
Meaning:
You’re interested and curious about what’s to come.
Detailed Explanation:
A polished way to express both anticipation and focus.
Scenario Example:
Awaiting with interest the results of the test phase.
Best Use:
Reports, scientific or product development updates.
Tone:
Polite, intellectual, focused.
14. I’m Anxious To
Meaning:
You’re looking forward with nervous energy or excitement.
Detailed Explanation:
Has both eager and worried undertones — use carefully depending on context.
Scenario Example:
I’m anxious to get started and see how it unfolds.
Best Use:
High-stakes scenarios, intense projects.
Tone:
Urgent, energetic, slightly tense.
15. Hope to Work Together Soon
Meaning:
Shows intention and excitement about potential collaboration.
Detailed Explanation:
Professional yet friendly, especially useful in closing job or proposal emails.
Scenario Example:
Thanks again for your time — hope to work together soon.
Best Use:
Networking, proposals, job outreach.
Tone:
Professional, warm, respectful.
16. Can’t Wait To Get Started
Meaning:
You’re ready and excited to begin.
Detailed Explanation:
Informal yet enthusiastic, this phrase works well to energize a team or situation.
Scenario Example:
This project looks amazing — can’t wait to get started!
Best Use:
Team chats, kickoff meetings, introductions.
Tone:
Excited, motivating, confident.
17. Enthusiastic About
Meaning:
You’re deeply interested in something upcoming.
Detailed Explanation:
Adds professionalism and passion to your messaging.
Scenario Example:
I’m enthusiastic about contributing to this initiative.
Best Use:
Cover letters, speeches, internal memos.
Tone:
Professional, passionate, sincere.
18. We’re Anticipating
Meaning:
A collective way of expressing future excitement.
Detailed Explanation:
Used by teams or groups to show shared enthusiasm.
Scenario Example:
We’re anticipating a strong turnout at the event.
Best Use:
Business updates, press releases.
Tone:
Collective, optimistic, corporate.
19. Eager for What’s Next
Meaning:
Expresses optimism for future opportunities.
Detailed Explanation:
Reflects momentum and confidence — great for transitions or launches.
Scenario Example:
The past year has been great, and I’m eager for what’s next.
Best Use:
Annual reviews, blogs, personal reflections.
Tone:
Positive, hopeful, forward-looking.
20. Looking Ahead To
Meaning:
Your attention is turned to future events or goals.
Detailed Explanation:
Similar to “looking forward” but with a more visionary and proactive feel.
Scenario Example:
We’re looking ahead to Q3 growth and expansion.
Best Use:
Business forecasts, strategic updates.
Tone:
Professional, visionary, confident.
21. Hope You’ll Join Us
Meaning:
Invites someone with positivity and expectation.
Detailed Explanation:
Great when extending invitations or promoting events.
Scenario Example:
We’re hosting a live webinar next Friday — hope you’ll join us!
Best Use:
Marketing, event promotion, announcements.
Tone:
Inviting, upbeat, welcoming.
22. Happy to Begin
Meaning:
You’re ready and content with starting something new.
Detailed Explanation:
A light and gentle way to show your readiness or gratitude.
Scenario Example:
Happy to begin this exciting journey with you all.
Best Use:
Introductions, soft launches, greetings.
Tone:
Polite, grateful, cheerful.
23. I Can’t Wait to Hear More
Meaning:
You’re interested and curious about follow-up information.
Detailed Explanation:
Helps show engagement and attentiveness during conversations or pitches.
Scenario Example:
Your idea sounds fascinating — I can’t wait to hear more!
Best Use:
Meetings, interviews, brainstorming sessions.
Tone:
Inquisitive, encouraging, conversational.
24. With Anticipation
Meaning:
You’re waiting with positive expectations.
Detailed Explanation:
Formal and elegant, ideal for polished writing and business contexts.
Scenario Example:
With anticipation, we await the results of the pilot.
Best Use:
Formal writing, executive summaries.
Tone:
Elegant, polished, patient.
25. Ready When You Are
Meaning:
Shows readiness while putting the control in the other person’s hands.
Detailed Explanation:
A friendly, non-pushy way to show you’re prepared.
Scenario Example:
Just let me know — I’m ready when you are.
Best Use:
Teamwork, collaboration, casual workplace chat.
Tone:
Respectful, informal, cooperative.
Conclusion
“Looking forward” is a staple phrase for expressing excitement or expectation, but having a wide range of alternatives helps you sound more natural, personal, or professional — depending on the context. Whether you’re writing a job email, texting a friend, or setting a meeting, these 25 creative alternatives will help you connect more effectively.
