LOOK FORWARD TO

National Parks

📖 Definition

To 'look forward to' means to anticipate something with excitement or eagerness. It often implies positive expectations about an upcoming event or experience.

Examples in context

📖 Definition

To 'look forward to' means to anticipate something with excitement or eagerness. It often implies positive expectations about an upcoming event or experience.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable
No
The verb cannot be separated from its particle.
Register
Neutral
It is equally used in both formal and informal contexts.
Transitive
Yes
The verb requires an object to complete its meaning.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense Form Example
Present Simple look forward to They look forward to the summer holidays each year.
Past Simple looked forward to She looked forward to the concert for weeks.
Present Continuous looking forward to He is looking forward to his new job starting next month.
Present Perfect have looked forward to We have looked forward to this event for a long time.

💡 When to Use

Anticipating events
Use it when you are excited about something scheduled in the future, be it an event or a personal milestone.
Example: "I'm looking forward to visiting my relatives next week."
Expressing future plans
Use it to convey enthusiasm or eagerness for activities you plan to do, indicating anticipation.
Example: "They are looking forward to their upcoming vacation."
Expecting positive outcomes
Often used to indicate anticipation of rewarding experiences or beneficial results.
Example: "We look forward to the completion of the project."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Wrong preposition
❌ Wrong: I look forward for meeting you.
✅ Correct: I look forward to meeting you.
💡 Tip: Always use 'to' after 'look forward'.
Misplaced object
❌ Wrong: I look forward my holidays.
✅ Correct: I look forward to my holidays.
💡 Tip: Ensure 'to' is placed before the object.
Incorrect tense
❌ Wrong: She look forward to the weekend.
✅ Correct: She looks forward to the weekend.
💡 Tip: Make sure the verb agrees with the subject.
Practice

LOOK FORWARD TO - 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 has been ___ to the wedding for months."

look forward
look forward to
look forwards to
looking to forward

"To look forward to tomorrow while cherishing today creates a balance between hope and gratitude in life’s journey through time."

In Context

In the spring of 1914, a young British soldier named Henry eagerly looked forward to the adventures that awaited him in the military. With Europe on the brink of war, Henry and his fellow servicemen boarded the train, brimming with camaraderie and excitement. Initially, the prospect of war seemed distant, and like many of his peers, Henry looked forward to proving his valor on the battlefield. As months passed, the harsh realities of World War I became increasingly evident. The soldiers' lives were reshaped by the relentless routine of trench warfare. Letters from Henry spoke of the longing for home and how it gave him solace amidst adversity. Every letter written was an attempt to look forward to a hopeful reunion with his family. By 1918, as the war drew to a weary end, the soldier’s letters reflected a different anticipation. He now looked forward to peace, a future without the threat of battle, where family and friends could once again gather in normalcy. When the Armistice was finally signed in November, Henry’s homecoming marked the fulfillment of his hopes. Surrounded by loved ones, he cherished the simple joy of looking forward to a peaceful future, a sentiment shared by many veterans who endured the Great War.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Look Forward To

What is the origin of 'look forward to'?

+
The phrase 'look forward to' has been used since the late 19th century. It combines 'look' meaning 'to direct one's gaze' and 'forward' indicating the future. The full expression conveys anticipation and expectation for future events, evolving through colloquial usage over decades.

Can 'look forward to' be used in formal and informal contexts?

+
'Look forward to' is versatile and suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its neutral register ensures it's appropriate in professional emails, while also common in casual conversation, conveying anticipation regardless of the setting.

What is the difference between 'look forward to' and 'anticipate'?

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'Look forward to' usually implies excitement and eagerness, while 'anticipate' can denote expectation without emotional connotation. While both involve looking ahead to future events, 'look forward to' is more informal and emotive than 'anticipate'.

Related Phrasal Verbs

Explore more phrasal verbs in our dictionary:

count onwait forhope forlong foryearn for
Browse All National Parks Phrasal Verbs
National Parks Phrasal Verbs - WeeklyCross
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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