The phrase “I am very much looking forward” is commonly used when someone wants to express strong excitement or anticipation about something that is expected to happen in the future. You may see it in emails, professional messages, invitations, and everyday conversations.
However, because look forward is a phrasal verb, many English learners are unsure about what should come after it and whether the phrase is grammatically complete.
The good news is that “I am very much looking forward” is grammatically correct, but it usually needs additional words to complete the sentence.
In most situations, you will say “I am very much looking forward to it,” “I am very much looking forward to meeting you,” or “I am very much looking forward to your reply.” Understanding why to is followed by a noun or an ing form is the key to using this expression naturally and correctly.
Quick Answer
“I am very much looking forward” is correct but usually incomplete. The natural structure is “I am very much looking forward to + noun/pronoun/gerund.” For example, “I am very much looking forward to meeting you” means you are very excited about meeting someone.
Why People Confuse It
The confusion usually comes from the word to.
Many English learners see:
I am looking forward to meeting you.
and assume that to meet should be used because to is normally associated with the infinitive.
However, in look forward to, the word to is a preposition, not part of an infinitive.
Because it is a preposition, it is followed by a noun, pronoun, or gerund, not normally the base form of a verb.
Correct:
I am looking forward to meeting you.
Incorrect:
I am looking forward to meet you.
The word very much simply adds emphasis.
Compare:
I am looking forward to meeting you.
I am very much looking forward to meeting you.
Both are correct. The second version expresses stronger enthusiasm and can sound particularly natural in professional correspondence.
First Word: “I Am”
I am is the present tense form of the verb be used with the first person singular pronoun I.
In this expression, it forms the present continuous:
I am looking forward…
The structure is:
I + am + looking
The present continuous is appropriate because the speaker is currently experiencing anticipation about something that will happen later.
For example:
I am looking forward to the weekend.
I am looking forward to seeing you.
I am very much looking forward to the conference.
The phrase does not mean that the person is physically looking ahead. It is an idiomatic expression meaning that they are anticipating something with pleasure or excitement.
Second Word: “Very Much Looking Forward”
The phrase very much intensifies the expression.
Compare:
I am looking forward to the meeting.
I am very much looking forward to the meeting.
The second sentence communicates stronger enthusiasm.
You can also use:
I am really looking forward to the meeting.
I am greatly looking forward to the meeting.
I am eagerly looking forward to the meeting.
However, very much is especially common in formal or polite English.
Is “I am very much looking forward” complete?
Usually, no.
If someone simply says:
I am very much looking forward.
the listener may naturally ask:
Looking forward to what?
The phrase normally requires an object or activity after to.
For example:
I am very much looking forward to it.
I am very much looking forward to meeting you.
I am very much looking forward to your response.
Comparison Table
| Expression | Correct? | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| I am looking forward | Usually incomplete | Anticipation, but missing the object | I am looking forward to it. |
| I am very much looking forward | Usually incomplete | Strong anticipation, but needs completion | I am very much looking forward to it. |
| I am looking forward to it | Correct | Anticipating something | I am looking forward to it. |
| I am very much looking forward to it | Correct | Strong anticipation | I am very much looking forward to it. |
| I am looking forward to meeting you | Correct | Anticipating a meeting | I am looking forward to meeting you. |
| I am looking forward to meet you | Incorrect | Incorrect verb form after preposition | Use “meeting,” not “meet.” |
When to Use Each
“I am looking forward to”
Use this when you want to express anticipation in a natural and neutral way.
I am looking forward to seeing you.
This works well in both professional and personal communication.
“I am very much looking forward to”
Use this when you want to express stronger enthusiasm.
I am very much looking forward to working with you.
This is particularly suitable for professional emails, formal correspondence, and polite communication.
“I am really looking forward to”
This is slightly more conversational.
I am really looking forward to the trip.
It works naturally in everyday English and less formal professional communication.
“I look forward to”
This is especially common in business emails.
I look forward to hearing from you.
It is concise, polite, and professional.
“I am looking forward”
This form usually needs to followed by something.
I am looking forward to the event.
Simply saying:
I am looking forward.
normally sounds unfinished unless the context makes the missing information obvious.
Examples
Here are natural examples using “I am very much looking forward to”.
- I am very much looking forward to meeting you.
- I am very much looking forward to working with your team.
- I am very much looking forward to the conference.
- I am very much looking forward to hearing your thoughts.
- I am very much looking forward to seeing you again.
- I am very much looking forward to your response.
- I am very much looking forward to discussing this matter with you.
- I am very much looking forward to the opportunity to work together.
- I am very much looking forward to attending the event.
- I am very much looking forward to learning more about the project.
- I am very much looking forward to welcoming you to our office.
- I am very much looking forward to spending time with the team.
Examples in professional emails
I am very much looking forward to working with you on this project.
I am very much looking forward to meeting you next week.
I am very much looking forward to hearing from you.
These expressions are polite, positive, and appropriate for professional communication.
Common Mistakes
Mistake 1: Using “to meet” after “looking forward to”
One of the most common mistakes is:
I am looking forward to meet you.
This is incorrect because to in look forward to is a preposition.
The correct form is:
I am looking forward to meeting you.
Mistake 2: Saying “I am looking forward it”
This is incorrect because the preposition to is missing.
Incorrect:
I am looking forward it.
Correct:
I am looking forward to it.
Mistake 3: Using “looking forward for”
The standard expression is:
looking forward to
Not:
looking forward for
Correct:
I am looking forward to your reply.
Mistake 4: Thinking “very much” is required
Very much is optional.
Both are correct:
I am looking forward to meeting you.
I am very much looking forward to meeting you.
The second simply adds emphasis.
Mistake 5: Using the phrase without completing it
I am very much looking forward.
This can sound incomplete.
Better:
I am very much looking forward to meeting you.
Or:
I am very much looking forward to it.
Memory Trick
Remember this simple formula:
LOOK FORWARD TO + NOUN OR ING FORM
For example:
look forward to the meeting
look forward to your reply
look forward to seeing you
look forward to working together
Never forget that the to in this expression behaves like a preposition.
So remember:
Looking forward to meeting, not looking forward to meet.
A useful memory sentence is:
I look forward to + something.
If that “something” is an action, use the ing form.
American vs British English
“I am very much looking forward to…” is correct in both American and British English.
There is no major grammatical difference between the two varieties regarding this expression.
Examples such as:
I am looking forward to meeting you.
and:
I am very much looking forward to hearing from you.
are understood naturally by both American and British speakers.
The phrase can sound somewhat formal, especially with very much, but it is not exclusively British.
In casual American English, speakers may more often use:
I am really looking forward to it.
In formal business communication, however, I am very much looking forward to… is perfectly acceptable in both varieties.
Similar Words
Several expressions can communicate a similar idea.
I am excited about
This directly expresses enthusiasm.
I am excited about meeting you.
I am eager to
This expresses strong interest or enthusiasm.
I am eager to meet you.
Notice the grammar:
eager to meet
but:
looking forward to meeting
I cannot wait to
This is more informal and strongly expresses excitement.
I cannot wait to see you.
I anticipate
This is more formal and can express expectation.
I anticipate a productive discussion.
I am pleased to
This is often used in formal professional communication.
I am pleased to meet you.
It does not necessarily express the same level of anticipation as looking forward to.
I await
This is formal and often used when expecting something.
I await your response.
However, in everyday professional English, I look forward to your response often sounds warmer and more natural.
FAQs
Is “I am very much looking forward” grammatically correct?
Yes, but it is usually incomplete by itself. It normally needs something after to, such as “I am very much looking forward to meeting you.”
Is it correct to say “I am very much looking forward to”?
Yes. The phrase is grammatically correct when followed by a noun, pronoun, or ing form.
For example:
I am very much looking forward to meeting you.
Is “I am very much looking forward to meet you” correct?
No. The correct sentence is:
I am very much looking forward to meeting you.
The preposition to is followed by the gerund meeting.
What does “I am very much looking forward to it” mean?
It means that you are very excited or pleased about something that is expected to happen.
Is “I am very much looking forward to hearing from you” correct?
Yes. It is a polite and professional expression commonly used in emails and other formal communication.
Is “I am very much looking forward” formal?
It can sound somewhat formal, especially because of very much. It is appropriate for professional emails, business correspondence, and polite communication.
What is the difference between “I look forward to” and “I am looking forward to”?
Both express anticipation. I look forward to is especially common in formal emails, while I am looking forward to emphasizes the speaker’s current anticipation.
Which is better, “I am very much looking forward to” or “I am really looking forward to”?
Both are correct. Very much sounds more formal and polished, while really is more conversational.
Final Verdict
“I am very much looking forward” is grammatically correct, but it normally needs to be completed. The most natural structure is “I am very much looking forward to + noun, pronoun, or ing form.”
For example:
I am very much looking forward to meeting you.
I am very much looking forward to it.
I am very much looking forward to your response.
The most important rule is to remember that the to in look forward to is a preposition. Therefore, when it is followed by a verb, use the ing form.
Remember This
Correct:
I am very much looking forward to meeting you.
Correct:
I am very much looking forward to it.
Correct:
I am very much looking forward to your response.
Incorrect:
I am very much looking forward to meet you.
Incorrect:
I am very much looking forward for meeting you.
The easiest formula to remember is:
LOOK FORWARD TO + NOUN / PRONOUN / VERB + ING
Once you remember this pattern, you can confidently use the expression in emails, conversations, professional communication, and formal writing.
Conclusion
The phrase “I am very much looking forward” is a useful expression for showing strong anticipation, enthusiasm, or positive expectation. While the phrase itself is usually incomplete, adding the appropriate object makes it a completely natural English expression. “I am very much looking forward to meeting you” is a particularly common example.
The key grammar point is the structure look forward to. Because to functions as a preposition here, it should be followed by a noun, pronoun, or verb + ing when referring to an action. Remember this rule, and you will avoid one of the most common mistakes involving this expression.
Daniel Charles is a dedicated author and dream interpretation enthusiast at DrameyHut. He specializes in analyzing dream symbols and meanings, offering clear and insightful content for readers. His work aims to help individuals understand their subconscious thoughts, gain clarity, and explore the deeper messages hidden within their dreams.
