What are the definitions of “look forward to”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

1Wait for or anticipate something pleasant.
I'm LOOKING FORWARD TO meeting you.

What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “look forward to”?

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb look forward to is to wait for or anticipate something pleasant or exciting. It is often used when talking about future events or plans that you are excited about.

What are the different verb forms of “look forward to”?

Root Verb	look forward to
Third Person Singular Present	looks forward to
Present Participle	looking forward to
Simple Past	looked forward to
Past Participle	looked forward to

Example

I look forward to our vacation next month.

Example

She looks forward to her birthday party.

Example

We are looking forward to the concert this weekend.

Example

He looked forward to the job interview.

Example

They had looked forward to the event for months.

What kind of phrasal verb is “look forward to”?

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)

Transitive verb

“look forward to” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.

Example

I look forward to your reply.

Example

She looks forward to the holidays.

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.

Inseparable

“look forward to” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.

Example

I look forward to your reply.

Example

She looks forward to the holidays.

What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “look forward to”?

Look forward to seeing someone

Anticipate meeting someone in person, often after a long time apart.

Example

I look forward to seeing you at the reunion.

Look forward to hearing from someone

Anticipate receiving news or a response from someone.

Example

I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Look forward to doing something

Anticipate participating in an activity or event.

Example

We look forward to attending the conference next year.

Good things to know

Does “look forward to” have an informal or formal tone?

Look forward to is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal situations. It is commonly used in everyday conversations, as well as in more formal settings, such as business emails or formal invitations.

What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “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