LOOK FORWARD

📖 Definition

To feel excited about something that is going to happen, usually because it is something pleasant or desirable due to anticipation or eagerness.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable
No
The verb and particle cannot be separated by an object.
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Neutral
It can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
Transitive
No
No direct object can be placed directly after the verb.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense Form Example
Present Simple look forward to I look forward to the weekend getaway.
Past Simple looked forward to She looked forward to visiting her hometown.
Present Continuous looking forward to They are looking forward to the concert tonight.
Present Perfect have looked forward to We have looked forward to meeting you for weeks.

💡 When to Use

Upcoming events or meetings
Use it when expressing excitement about a scheduled event or meeting that will occur in the future.
Example: “I look forward to our meeting next week.”
Future personal plans
Suitable for sharing excitement or eagerness about personal plans or trips that are scheduled to happen.
Example: “She looks forward to her vacation next month.”
Anticipation of holidays
Appropriate for expressing anticipation for upcoming holidays or festivals.
Example: “Children look forward to Christmas every year.”

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Confusing particle order
❌ Wrong: I forward look to the party.
✅ Correct: I look forward to the party.
💡 Tip: Remember, 'look' always precedes 'forward to'.
Incorrect verb form
❌ Wrong: I am look forward to seeing her.
✅ Correct: I am looking forward to seeing her.
💡 Tip: Use 'looking forward to' for continuous actions.
Missing particle 'to'
❌ Wrong: She looks forward the event.
✅ Correct: She looks forward to the event.
💡 Tip: Never drop 'to'; it's essential.
Practice

LOOK FORWARD – IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

  1. Listen and repeat the audio as many times as needed to improve your pronunciation
  2. Use the audio as a dictation exercise, trying to write what you hear and understand
  3. Create a new sentence following the structure of the example sentences

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

anticipate await

Antonyms

dread

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

“She is ___ to the gala next month.”

forward look
look forward
looking
forwards looking

Frequently Asked Questions about Look Forward

What is the origin of look forward?

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'Look forward' traces back to the 14th century, combining the verb 'look', meaning to gaze or behold, with 'forward', indicating future anticipation, to express eagerness.

Can look forward be used in formal and informal contexts?

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Yes, 'look forward' is flexible and can be used in formal settings like business correspondence or informal settings like casual conversations.

What is the difference between look forward and anticipate?

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'Look forward' is often more informal and personal, while 'anticipate' is more formal and can imply predicting or expecting something.
Alessandra Nóbrega
About the Author

Alessandra Nóbrega

History teacher who fell in love with English! This passion led me to specialize in languages and work on bilingual education projects. With 37 years in education, I believe learning should be meaningful – not just memorization.

Learn more about my journey
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