When sending professional emails, business messages, or formal letters, you’ve probably paused at a common phrase: “Looking forward to working with you.” You may have wondered: is it grammatically correct? Does it sound too casual, or is it perfectly professional? Can it be used in every context?
In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about this phrase. From grammar rules to tone, appropriate contexts, and alternatives, this guide ensures you’ll never second-guess using it again. By the end, you’ll know exactly how, when, and why to use “Looking forward to working with you” in your communication.
Is “Looking Forward to Working With You” Correct?
Yes, “Looking forward to working with you” is grammatically correct.
The key is understanding that “to” in this context is a preposition, not part of an infinitive. That means it must be followed by a gerund (-ing form). In other words, “working” is correct, whereas “work” would be a grammatical mistake.
Quick Grammar Rule:
Looking forward to + noun / gerund (-ing form)
Examples:
- Looking forward to meeting you next week.
- Looking forward to discussing the project details.
- Looking forward to our collaboration.
This structure is widely accepted in professional communication, making it both correct and safe to use in most business contexts.
Is It a Complete Sentence?
Technically, “Looking forward to working with you” is a sentence fragment because it lacks a subject. A fully complete sentence would be:
- I am looking forward to working with you.
However, in modern email etiquette, sentence fragments are often acceptable, especially when used as a closing line. In fact, using the fragment can make your tone slightly friendlier and less formal.
Here’s a quick comparison table:
| Phrase | Formality | Best Use Case |
| I look forward to working with you. | Formal | Contracts, official letters |
| I am looking forward to working with you. | Neutral | Professional emails |
| Looking forward to working with you. | Semi-formal | Ongoing email threads, casual professional communication |
Tip: Choose the version that matches your audience and the tone you want to convey.
What the Phrase Communicates: Tone and Perception
Using “Looking forward to working with you” sends several subtle messages:
- Enthusiasm: You’re excited to collaborate.
- Politeness: It signals respect and courtesy.
- Cooperation: Shows a willingness to engage.
However, overusing it can make your emails feel generic or robotic. Personalizing the phrase slightly can add warmth and authenticity.
Example:
- Generic: Looking forward to working with you.
- Personalized: I’m looking forward to working with you on the Q1 marketing campaign.
When to Use “Looking Forward to Working With You”
This phrase works best in contexts where collaboration or interaction is anticipated. Some real-world scenarios include:
After a Job Offer
- Email example:
“Thank you for the opportunity. Looking forward to working with you and contributing to the team’s success.”
After Landing a Client
- Email example:
“We appreciate your trust. Looking forward to working with you on this exciting project.”
After Scheduling a Meeting
- Email example:
“Thank you for confirming the schedule. Looking forward to working with you during the workshop.”
During Project Kickoff
- Email example:
“The kickoff session is scheduled for Monday. Looking forward to working with you and achieving our goals.”
Using examples like these helps readers see exactly how to integrate the phrase naturally.
When Not to Use It
While generally safe, there are situations where this phrase is inappropriate or premature:
- Before confirmation: Saying it before an agreement is finalized can sound presumptuous.
- Cold outreach emails: It can come across as forced.
- Serious or sensitive topics: Avoid during condolences or crises.
- Strictly formal situations: Use more formal alternatives for contracts or legal documents.
Read More” Bespeckled or Bespectacled – Which Is Correct? The Complete Usage Guide
Common Grammar Mistakes
Even professionals sometimes misuse this phrase. Avoid these common errors:
- ❌ Looking forward to work with you
- ❌ I look forward working with you
- ❌ I am looking forward to work with you
Why they’re wrong: In each case, the verb following “to” must be in -ing form because “to” functions as a preposition.
Professional Alternatives to “Looking Forward to Working With You”
If you want to vary your closings or adapt to different tones, here’s a quick guide:
| Phrase | Tone | Best Use Case |
| I look forward to collaborating with you. | Very formal | Official business letters, legal contracts |
| I anticipate our upcoming collaboration. | Very formal | Corporate emails, executive communication |
| I’m excited to work together. | Neutral | Professional but friendly emails |
| I look forward to partnering with you. | Neutral | Client emails, team projects |
| Can’t wait to get started. | Friendly | Informal team emails, creative projects |
| Excited to team up. | Friendly | Startup or creative work environment |
Subtle Differences: “Working With You” vs. “Working Together”
The choice between “with you” and “together” affects tone:
- Working with you: Direct and personal, emphasizes collaboration with the specific individual.
- Working together: Slightly broader and more collaborative, emphasizes teamwork over individual interaction.
Example:
- Looking forward to working with you on the budget report.
- Looking forward to working together on the Q2 strategy.
Both are correct, but context determines the nuance.
Cultural and Business Context
The phrase is widely accepted in American business emails. In the UK, it’s also acceptable but often paired with “I look forward to…” for slightly higher formality.
Startups or creative teams may prefer warmer and more energetic alternatives like:
- Excited to get started!
- Can’t wait to collaborate!
Corporate environments lean more formal:
- I look forward to working with you.
Understanding your audience ensures the right tone and professionalism.
Is the Phrase Overused?
Yes, in many industries, it’s become a default closing line. While safe, it can feel generic and uninspired if used repeatedly.
Tip for personalizing it:
- Add context: “Looking forward to working with you on the new website redesign.”
- Reflect enthusiasm: “I’m excited to collaborate and bring this project to life.”
Adding specifics makes your message feel authentic, engaged, and thoughtful.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is “Looking forward to work with you” wrong?
Yes, it’s incorrect because “to” must be followed by a gerund.
Is it too informal for emails?
No, it’s semi-formal and widely accepted in professional communication.
Should I use “I am” at the beginning?
Adding “I am” makes it fully grammatically correct and slightly more formal.
Is it passive voice?
No, it’s active, though it functions as a polite, anticipatory phrase.
Conclusion
“Looking forward to working with you” is more than just a common email closing—it’s a versatile phrase that conveys enthusiasm, professionalism, and collaboration. Grammatically, it is correct because “to” functions as a preposition, requiring the verb in -ing form. While technically a sentence fragment, it’s widely accepted in emails and professional communication, especially when used thoughtfully.
The key to using this phrase effectively lies in context, tone, and personalization. For formal communication, adding “I am” or “I look forward to” can enhance professionalism. In semi-formal or friendly environments, the shorter version works well, particularly when paired with specifics about a project, meeting, or collaboration. Overused or generic phrasing, however, can make emails feel impersonal, so adding context or a small detail helps your message stand out.
