Is It Correct to Say “I Am Very Much Looking Forward”? This is a question many English learners and writers ask when they want to express excitement about a future event. The phrase “I am very much looking forward” is commonly used in everyday conversations, emails, and messages to show eagerness or anticipation. While it often sounds natural and enthusiastic, some people wonder whether it is grammatically correct or appropriate in both casual and formal situations.
In many contexts, this expression works well because it clearly conveys excitement and positive expectation. People often use it when talking about upcoming plans such as meetings, vacations, or special occasions. However, language experts sometimes debate whether the phrase sounds slightly incomplete on its own or if it should be followed by “to” and a noun or verb. Understanding how the phrase is structured can help you communicate more clearly and confidently.
At the same time, the way we use phrases like this often depends on context. In formal writing—such as professional emails or official communication—the phrase may appear more polished when used in its complete form, like “I am very much looking forward to hearing from you.” In casual conversations, people might choose simpler alternatives like “I’m really looking forward to it.” Learning when and how to use these variations can improve both your written and spoken English while helping you sound more natural and fluent.
Quick Answer: Is “I Am Very Much Looking Forward” Grammatically Correct?
The short answer is no. The phrase “I am very much looking forward” is incomplete on its own.
The reason is simple. The verb phrase “look forward to” requires an object. Without that object, the sentence stops abruptly and feels unfinished.
Why the Sentence Feels Incomplete
The expression “look forward to” functions as a phrasal verb, which means it must connect to something that follows it.
For example:
| Incorrect Sentence | Correct Sentence |
| I am very much looking forward. | I am very much looking forward to the meeting. |
| I am very much looking forward. | I am very much looking forward to hearing from you. |
| I am very much looking forward. | I am very much looking forward to it. |
Notice the pattern. Every correct example includes “to + something.”
Without that ending, the sentence lacks grammatical closure.
The Correct Core Structure
The correct structure looks like this:
Subject + am/is/are + looking forward + to + noun or gerund
Examples:
- I am looking forward to the event.
- I am looking forward to meeting you.
- I am very much looking forward to working together.
This structure appears frequently in professional communication, academic writing, and polite conversation.
Understanding the Grammar Behind “Looking Forward To”
To fully understand the phrase, it helps to examine the grammar that shapes it.
“Look Forward To” Is a Phrasal Verb
A phrasal verb combines a verb with a preposition or adverb to create a new meaning.
In this case:
look + forward + to
The phrase means to anticipate something with pleasure or excitement.
“Look forward to” means to feel happy and excited about something that will happen.
Examples include:
- I look forward to your reply.
- She looks forward to traveling this summer.
- We look forward to seeing you again.
Each example contains an object that completes the phrase.
Why “To” Matters
The word “to” in this phrase functions as a preposition, not an infinitive marker.
That distinction matters because it changes the word that follows.
When “to” is a preposition, it must be followed by:
- a noun, or
- a gerund (-ing verb)
Examples:
| Structure | Example |
| to + noun | looking forward to the meeting |
| to + gerund | looking forward to meeting you |
Incorrect usage happens when writers treat “to” as an infinitive marker.
Example mistake:
❌ looking forward to meet you
✅ looking forward to meeting you
Why “Very Much” Is Used in the Phrase
The phrase “very much” acts as an intensifier. It increases the emotional strength of the statement.
Instead of simply expressing anticipation, it emphasizes enthusiasm.
Example Comparison
| Sentence | Tone |
| I’m looking forward to the event. | Neutral |
| I’m very much looking forward to the event. | Strong enthusiasm |
However, modern English tends to favor concise phrasing.
Many native speakers prefer:
“I’m looking forward to it.”
Instead of:
“I am very much looking forward to it.”
When “Very Much” Sounds Natural
It works best in:
- formal emails
- professional invitations
- official announcements
- academic communication
Example:
I am very much looking forward to collaborating with your research team.
The Correct Sentence Structure Explained
Understanding the structure helps prevent common grammar mistakes.
Standard Formula
Subject + be verb + looking forward + to + noun/gerund
Real Examples
| Sentence | Explanation |
| I’m looking forward to the conference. | noun object |
| I’m looking forward to speaking with you. | gerund |
| I’m very much looking forward to the event. | intensifier used |
Why This Structure Matters
English phrasal verbs depend on specific word patterns. If the structure changes, the meaning becomes unclear.
Using the correct pattern ensures:
- grammatical accuracy
- professional tone
- natural English flow
Common Mistakes People Make With This Phrase
Even experienced English writers make errors with “looking forward to.”
Understanding these mistakes helps you avoid them.
Ending the Sentence Too Early
One of the most frequent errors involves stopping the sentence too soon.
Example:
❌ I am very much looking forward.
Readers immediately expect something after “forward.”
Correct version:
✅ I am very much looking forward to our meeting next week.
Using the Wrong Verb Form
Another common mistake involves the verb after “to.”
Incorrect example:
❌ looking forward to meet you
Correct version:
✅ looking forward to meeting you
This happens because “to” acts as a preposition, not an infinitive.
Overusing “Very Much”
Adding “very much” repeatedly can make writing sound formal or outdated.
Example:
I am very much looking forward to very much enjoying the event.
That sentence sounds awkward.
A cleaner version works better:
I’m looking forward to the event.
When “Very Much Looking Forward” Works Well
Despite the concerns, the phrase still appears in many professional contexts.
Situations Where It Fits
- corporate communication
- academic correspondence
- formal invitations
- diplomatic language
Example:
I am very much looking forward to welcoming you at the annual conference.
Why Professionals Use It
The phrase adds politeness and enthusiasm, which helps maintain a respectful tone in formal settings.
Read More: Mastering the Subtleties of “My Question Is” in American English Grammar
Natural Alternatives Native Speakers Prefer
Modern English favors shorter and clearer expressions.
Here are alternatives that sound natural.
Casual Alternatives
- I’m looking forward to it.
- I can’t wait.
- I’m excited about it.
- I’m eager to hear from you.
Professional Alternatives
- I look forward to your reply.
- I look forward to speaking with you.
- I look forward to working together.
- I look forward to our meeting.
Friendly Alternatives
- I’m excited to see what happens.
- I’m really looking forward to it.
Each option communicates anticipation while keeping the sentence concise.
Real Examples From Professional Emails
Understanding real usage helps reinforce grammar rules.
Business Email Example
I am very much looking forward to discussing the proposal next week.
Networking Message Example
I’m looking forward to meeting you at the conference.
Follow-Up Email Example
I look forward to hearing from you soon.
These examples appear frequently in professional communication.
Tone Comparison: Formal vs Natural English
Different contexts require different tones.
| Phrase | Tone | Best Use |
| I am very much looking forward to it | formal | professional emails |
| I’m looking forward to it | neutral | everyday communication |
| I can’t wait | casual | friends |
| I look forward to your reply | formal | business emails |
Choosing the right tone helps avoid sounding either too stiff or too informal.
Why Native Speakers Often Skip “Very Much”
Three main reasons explain this trend.
Preference for Concise Language
Modern communication values clarity and brevity.
Example:
I’m looking forward to our meeting.
This version sounds clean and natural.
Informal Digital Communication
Emails, chats, and messaging platforms encourage shorter sentences.
Cultural Language Shift
Language evolves toward efficiency. Many traditional phrases become shorter over time.
Quick Grammar Checklist
Before using the phrase, confirm these points.
- The sentence includes “to.”
- The word after “to” is a noun or gerund.
- The sentence does not end abruptly.
- The tone matches the situation.
If all conditions apply, the sentence will sound natural.
Examples of Correct Sentences
Here are several correct examples of “looking forward to” usage.
- I’m looking forward to seeing you tomorrow.
- I’m looking forward to the event.
- I’m very much looking forward to working together.
- I look forward to hearing your ideas.
- I’m looking forward to your presentation.
These examples follow the correct grammatical pattern.
Case Study: Email Communication in Business
In professional environments, email language affects perception.
Consider two examples.
Version A
I am very much looking forward.
This version sounds incomplete and confusing.
Version B
I’m looking forward to discussing the project with you.
This version sounds clear and professional.
Why Version B Works
- The object clarifies meaning
- The sentence flows naturally
- The tone matches professional communication
Small grammar choices can significantly impact credibility.
Expert Linguistic Insight
Language experts often highlight the importance of phrasal verbs.
Linguist David Crystal explains:
“Phrasal verbs shape everyday English and require careful structure.”
Because phrasal verbs behave differently from simple verbs, they demand precise grammar.
Conclusion
In summary, “Is It Correct to Say “I Am Very Much Looking Forward” is a common question for many English learners and writers who want to express excitement about future events. The phrase itself is generally acceptable and widely used in everyday communication. However, it usually works best when it is followed by “to” plus a noun or gerund, such as “I am very much looking forward to meeting you” or “I am very much looking forward to the event.” Using the full structure makes the sentence sound clearer and grammatically complete.
Understanding how and when to use this phrase can improve both your written and spoken English. In professional emails or formal communication, the complete version sounds more polished and respectful. In casual conversations, people often shorten it to expressions like “I’m really looking forward to it” or “I can’t wait.” By paying attention to context and audience, you can choose the most natural and effective way to express anticipation.
FAQs
1. Is it grammatically correct to say “I am very much looking forward”?
Yes, it can be correct, but it usually sounds incomplete if it is not followed by “to” and an object or action. A better sentence would be “I am very much looking forward to seeing you.”
2. Why do people use “I am very much looking forward”?
People use this phrase to express strong anticipation, excitement, or eagerness about something that will happen in the future, such as a meeting, event, or response.
3. What is the correct structure of the phrase?
The correct structure is usually:
“I am very much looking forward to + noun/verb (ing form).”
Example: I am very much looking forward to working with you.
4. Can this phrase be used in formal emails?
Yes, it is commonly used in professional emails because it sounds polite and respectful. For example: “I am very much looking forward to your reply.”
Muhammad Usman is the founder of Pure English Guide, a dedicated platform that simplifies English grammar, vocabulary, and writing rules for learners worldwide. With a strong passion for language education, he creates clear, well-researched, and practical guides that help students and professionals understand complex grammar concepts with ease. His mission is to make English learning simple, structured, and accessible for everyone.