Phrasal verbs "look ahead" vs "look forward to"

Differences between look ahead and look forward to

Look ahead means to think about or plan for the future, while look forward to means to feel excited or happy about something that will happen in the future.

Meanings and Definitions: look ahead vs look forward to

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Look ahead

• 1. To plan or prepare for the future.

  It is about looking ahead for problems and closing them down, preferably before they happen.

• 2. To think about or plan for the future.

  Look ahead and make the most of social prospects.

Look forward to

• 1. Wait for or anticipate something pleasant.

  I'm LOOKING FORWARD TO meeting you.

Usage Examples: look ahead, look forward to in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

look ahead

Example

We should always look ahead and plan for our future.

Example

She looks ahead and sets goals for herself.

look forward to

Example

I look forward to our vacation next month.

Example

She looks forward to her birthday party.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Look ahead

plan for the future

To make arrangements or preparations for events or situations that will happen in the future.

Example

We need to plan for the future and start saving money for our retirement.

anticipate what's coming

To think about or prepare for what will happen in the future.

Example

As a project manager, it's important to anticipate what's coming and plan accordingly to avoid delays or issues.

foresee the future

To predict or anticipate what will happen in the future based on current trends or information.

Example

The economist foresees a recession in the next year based on the current economic indicators.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Look forward to

can't wait for

To feel excited or eager about something that will happen in the future.

Example

I can't wait for the weekend to go hiking with my friends.

eagerly anticipate

To feel excited or enthusiastic about something that will happen in the future.

Example

The kids eagerly anticipated their trip to Disneyland for months.

count down the days

To keep track of the days remaining until an event or occasion that one is looking forward to.

Example

She counted down the days until her wedding day with excitement and anticipation.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “look”

• look round
• look over
• look down on
• look in on
• look on as

Phrasal Verbs with “ahead”

• get ahead
• push ahead
• go ahead
• move ahead
• forge ahead

Phrasal Verbs with “to”

• stretch to
• cling to
• pass to
• see to
• attend to

Differences in look ahead vs look forward to: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: look ahead or look forward to?

Both phrases are commonly used in everyday conversation, but look forward to is more frequently used. It's a common expression used to express anticipation or excitement about something in the future.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of look ahead and look forward to

Look ahead and look forward to are both informal phrases suitable for casual conversations. However, look forward to can be used in more formal settings like business or academic contexts.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of look ahead and look forward to

The tone of look ahead is often more serious and practical, while look forward to has a more positive and enthusiastic tone.

look ahead & look forward to: Synonyms and Antonyms

Look ahead

Synonyms

• plan
• prepare
• anticipate
• envision
• forecast
• project
• ponder
• think ahead

Antonyms

• ignore
• neglect
• overlook
• disregard
• dwell on the past
• look back

Look forward to

Synonyms

• anticipate
• await
• expect
• hope for
• eagerly await
• be excited about
• can't wait for

Antonyms

• dread
• fear
• worry about
• be anxious about
• not look forward to