The phrase “Looking forward to” is a common and polite way to express excitement or anticipation about something in the future — a meeting, event, plan, or conversation. While it’s a reliable go-to phrase in both casual and professional contexts, using it repeatedly can feel repetitive. Whether you’re writing emails, speaking with clients, or messaging a friend, having more expressive options helps you sound polished and thoughtful.
Here are 25 better or alternative ways to say “Looking forward to”, each with clear examples and usage tips to make your language richer and more engaging.
1. Eagerly anticipating
Meaning:
Shows intense excitement about something that is going to happen.
Detailed Explanation:
More expressive than “looking forward to,” this phrase emphasizes genuine anticipation.
Scenario Example:
I’m eagerly anticipating our collaboration on this exciting project.
Best Use:
Emails, formal writing, enthusiastic tones.
Tone:
Excited, professional.
2. Can’t wait for
Meaning:
Expresses strong, casual excitement for something upcoming.
Detailed Explanation:
Great for informal settings where you want to show a high level of enthusiasm.
Scenario Example:
Can’t wait for our trip next weekend — it’s going to be amazing!
Best Use:
Friendly messages, texts, social media.
Tone:
Casual, upbeat.
3. Excited about
Meaning:
Conveys happiness and anticipation about an upcoming event or task.
Detailed Explanation:
A warm and versatile alternative suitable for various situations.
Scenario Example:
I’m really excited about starting the new role next month.
Best Use:
Personal and semi-formal communication.
Tone:
Positive, genuine.
4. Awaiting with excitement
Meaning:
Waiting for something with joyful anticipation.
Detailed Explanation:
A polished and slightly formal way to express anticipation.
Scenario Example:
I’m awaiting with excitement our upcoming product launch.
Best Use:
Work emails, project updates.
Tone:
Professional, eager.
5. I’m thrilled about
Meaning:
Expresses strong enthusiasm and happiness.
Detailed Explanation:
More emotional than “looking forward to,” often used for meaningful events.
Scenario Example:
I’m thrilled about speaking at your event next week.
Best Use:
Invitations, accomplishments, public speaking.
Tone:
Passionate, uplifting.
6. Counting down the days
Meaning:
Shows impatience or excitement as something approaches.
Detailed Explanation:
This adds a bit of playfulness or emotion to your anticipation.
Scenario Example:
Counting down the days until your wedding — it’ll be beautiful!
Best Use:
Personal notes, informal messages.
Tone:
Casual, emotional.
7. Anxious to begin
Meaning:
Indicates a strong desire to start something soon.
Detailed Explanation:
Good for situations where you’re prepared and ready to act.
Scenario Example:
I’m anxious to begin working together and seeing the results.
Best Use:
Team emails, client work.
Tone:
Motivated, slightly formal.
8. Eager to see
Meaning:
Communicates excitement to witness or meet something/someone.
Detailed Explanation:
Subtler than “can’t wait,” and fits both formal and informal tones.
Scenario Example:
I’m eager to see how your project turns out!
Best Use:
General communication.
Tone:
Warm, light.
9. Happy to be part of
Meaning:
Shows appreciation and anticipation for participation.
Detailed Explanation:
Emphasizes inclusion and positivity more than timing.
Scenario Example:
Happy to be part of this exciting initiative!
Best Use:
Team emails, group messages.
Tone:
Friendly, collaborative.
10. Anticipating
Meaning:
Simple and formal way to express you’re waiting for something.
Detailed Explanation:
Short and elegant — fits best in professional writing.
Scenario Example:
I’m anticipating our scheduled discussion next week.
Best Use:
Business communication, formal letters.
Tone:
Professional, neutral.
11. Looking ahead to
Meaning:
Mentions excitement for something planned in the future.
Detailed Explanation:
Very close to “looking forward to,” but with a slight variation in style.
Scenario Example:
Looking ahead to our annual team retreat.
Best Use:
Emails, internal communication.
Tone:
Optimistic, polished.
12. Can’t wait to catch up
Meaning:
Friendly way to say you’re eager to talk or meet again.
Detailed Explanation:
A personal phrase, best for people you know well.
Scenario Example:
Can’t wait to catch up over lunch next week!
Best Use:
Friends, colleagues.
Tone:
Warm, friendly.
13. Enthusiastic about
Meaning:
Shows confidence and excitement about the upcoming experience.
Detailed Explanation:
It conveys professionalism while still sounding excited.
Scenario Example:
I’m enthusiastic about presenting this to our leadership team.
Best Use:
Work presentations, emails.
Tone:
Energetic, confident.
14. Keen to start
Meaning:
Communicates motivation and readiness.
Detailed Explanation:
Common in British English, but works globally in the right setting.
Scenario Example:
Keen to start the training on Monday!
Best Use:
Work emails, onboarding.
Tone:
Motivated, clean.
15. Awaiting the opportunity
Meaning:
Politely shows you’re looking forward to being involved.
Detailed Explanation:
A bit more formal and reserved than most phrases.
Scenario Example:
Awaiting the opportunity to contribute to your upcoming campaign.
Best Use:
Cover letters, proposals.
Tone:
Professional, respectful.
16. Can’t wait to get started
Meaning:
Casual and enthusiastic way to show readiness.
Detailed Explanation:
Very expressive and engaging — perfect for upbeat messages.
Scenario Example:
Can’t wait to get started on this exciting new journey!
Best Use:
Team chats, project kick-offs.
Tone:
Energetic, informal.
17. Excited to join
Meaning:
Conveys excitement about joining a group or effort.
Detailed Explanation:
Simple but impactful, especially in onboarding or new member messages.
Scenario Example:
Excited to join the team and contribute!
Best Use:
Team introductions, new hires.
Tone:
Welcoming, energetic.
18. Anticipating great things
Meaning:
Suggests hope and excitement about the outcome.
Detailed Explanation:
Adds optimism and positivity to any future event.
Scenario Example:
We’re anticipating great things from this launch.
Best Use:
Marketing, teamwork, business goals.
Tone:
Inspiring, hopeful.
19. Can’t wait to collaborate
Meaning:
Shows excitement about working with someone.
Detailed Explanation:
Useful in project-based environments and partnership emails.
Scenario Example:
Can’t wait to collaborate on this exciting project!
Best Use:
Teamwork, business partnerships.
Tone:
Friendly, professional.
20. Ready and excited for
Meaning:
Communicates mental and emotional readiness.
Detailed Explanation:
It emphasizes both preparation and joy.
Scenario Example:
Ready and excited for tomorrow’s big meeting.
Best Use:
Business or personal.
Tone:
Balanced, upbeat.
21. Looking forward with excitement
Meaning:
A more descriptive and emotional version of the original phrase.
Detailed Explanation:
Combines clarity with feeling — good for speeches or messages.
Scenario Example:
Looking forward with excitement to what lies ahead.
Best Use:
Public speaking, written content.
Tone:
Emotive, optimistic.
22. It will be a pleasure
Meaning:
Expresses that you expect the experience to be enjoyable.
Detailed Explanation:
Formal and courteous — perfect in professional replies.
Scenario Example:
It will be a pleasure to meet with you next week.
Best Use:
Client meetings, formal events.
Tone:
Polite, professional.
23. I’m happy to be involved
Meaning:
Expresses appreciation for inclusion and upcoming participation.
Detailed Explanation:
Warm and humble — great for team-based environments.
Scenario Example:
I’m happy to be involved in this planning session.
Best Use:
Team collaboration, projects.
Tone:
Friendly, modest.
24. I’m enthusiastic about what’s coming
Meaning:
Excited and hopeful about the future.
Detailed Explanation:
Optimistic and engaging — it keeps the tone positive.
Scenario Example:
I’m enthusiastic about what’s coming this quarter!
Best Use:
Newsletters, progress reports.
Tone:
Upbeat, motivational.
25. Eager to move forward
Meaning:
Expresses readiness for the next step.
Detailed Explanation:
This is a constructive and action-oriented version of “looking forward.”
Scenario Example:
Eager to move forward with the next phase of our project.
Best Use:
Project updates, professional communication.
Tone:
Focused, proactive.
Conclusion
Using “Looking forward to” is polite, but varying your language with alternatives like “Eager to begin”, “Excited about”, or “Can’t wait to collaborate” brings clarity, enthusiasm, and freshness to your message. These phrases help express not just anticipation — but also emotion, professionalism, and tone that fits the moment.
