Have you ever paused while drafting an email and wondered whether the phrase “I am very much looking forward” is actually correct? You’re not alone. This expression shows up everywhere—from business communication and project management updates to scheduling, meetings, and online booking confirmations—yet many writers hesitate before hitting send. In this guide, we’ll break down the grammar behind the focus keyword “I am very much looking forward”, explore when it works, and show you how to use it with confidence. We’ll look at tone, formal writing expectations, and subtle style differences you might notice between US and UK English, all while keeping the conversation clear and practical.
By the end, you’ll understand why the phrase sometimes feels awkward, how style guides explain its structure, and when a simpler alternative makes your message more effective. You’ll also see how consistency matters when you manage your calendar, handle time management, or broadcast updates across teams. This article gives you a precise yet approachable look at English usage, helping you write messages that feel polished, natural, and appropriate for every setting—from quick internal notes to polished client correspondence.
Is It Correct to Say “I Am Very Much Looking Forward”?
Yes, the phrase “I am very much looking forward” is grammatically correct. It’s a polite and professional expression used to show genuine anticipation about something happening in the future.
Most native speakers use it in:
- Business emails
- Formal invitations
- Polite social messages
- Professional announcements
- Customer support communication
Although the phrase is correct, it leans toward formality. That’s why you rarely hear someone say it casually in conversation. Friends usually say “I can’t wait” instead.
Still, the expression remains standard and widely accepted in English for one good reason. It communicates emotion without sounding childish, exaggerated, or too casual.
Breaking Down the Phrase: Word-by-Word Grammar
Understanding each part of the phrase helps you see why it works so smoothly in English.
The Verb “Look Forward” (Core of the Phrase)
“Look forward” is a phrasal verb that expresses positive anticipation. When someone “looks forward” to something, they feel excited or hopeful about an upcoming event.
Examples:
- I look forward to your reply
- We look forward to meeting you
- The team looks forward to the presentation
Notice something important. The verb always takes the preposition “to.”
You cannot say:
I look forward meeting you
I look forward your response
Correct form:
I look forward to meeting you
I look forward to your response
This rule does not change even when intensifiers are added.
The Intensifier “Very Much” (Why It Fits Perfectly)
“Very much” is an intensifying adverbial phrase that strengthens emotional tone.
It answers the question:
How strongly are you looking forward to something?
The phrase works because it modifies the emotional degree of the verb phrase “look forward.”
Without it, the meaning becomes softer:
- “I am looking forward” — polite and neutral
- “I am very much looking forward” — polite and emotionally warm
You can compare intensifier strength with this table:
| Intensifier | Emotional Strength | Tone |
| a bit | Low | Casual, soft |
| very much | Medium-high | Polite, formal, enthusiastic |
| really | Medium | Neutral, friendly |
| so much | High | Emotional, casual |
| extremely | Very high | Dramatic or professional depending on context |
“Very much” hits a sweet spot. You show warmth without sounding dramatic.
The Role of Intensifiers in Expressing Emotion
Intensifiers add flavor to a sentence just like seasoning lifts a dish. Too little makes your message flat. Too much makes it overwhelming.
What Intensifiers Do
- Increase emotional clarity
- Help the reader understand your excitement
- Strengthen tone without adding unnecessary adjectives
- Improve flow in formal writing
When Intensifiers Improve the Message
- Introducing a major collaboration
- Confirming an important appointment
- Responding to professional invitations
- Announcing partnership agreements
Example:
“I am very much looking forward to our discussion on Monday”
This sounds sincere but still professional.
When Intensifiers Feel Forced
Avoid them when:
- Writing ultra-short emails
- Messaging close friends
- Communicating in technical, legal, or scientific content
- Giving negative news
Example:
I am very much looking forward to discussing your dismissal.
This sounds unnatural and insensitive.
Understanding Quantifiers vs Intensifiers
People often confuse quantifiers with intensifiers because both modify other words. Yet their functions are different.
Quick Comparison Table
| Type | Definition | Examples | Works with “looking forward”? |
| Quantifiers | Express amount or quantity | many, few, several, much | No |
| Intensifiers | Strengthen meaning or emotion | very, really, so, extremely | Yes |
You cannot say:
I am many looking forward
I am several looking forward
Quantifiers measure things
Intensifiers measure emotion
That’s why “very much” works perfectly in the phrase.
Why “Very Much” Works With “Looking Forward”
Native speakers consider the combination a natural collocation. A collocation is a group of words that appear together so often that they sound “right” to the ear.
Examples of other collocations:
- heavy rain
- quick fix
- strong argument
- fast learner
Similarly:
- look forward + very much
The rhythm feels smooth because English prefers adverbial intensifiers after linking verbs or phrasal verbs.
Correct:
I am very much looking forward
Incorrect:
I am looking forward very much
(This is grammatically acceptable but extremely outdated and awkward.)
Native speakers almost never attach “very much” to the end because it disrupts the natural flow.
When to Use “I Am Very Much Looking Forward” (With Real Examples)
Use the phrase when you want polite enthusiasm with a gentle emotional lift.
Formal Professional Emails
You’ll often see it in business communication.
Examples:
- I am very much looking forward to our meeting on Thursday
- I am very much looking forward to hearing your thoughts
- I am very much looking forward to starting this partnership
These lines sound polished and respectful.
Polite Social Invitations
When you want to show appreciation:
- I am very much looking forward to dinner with your family
- I am very much looking forward to seeing everyone at the celebration
When the Tone Needs Genuine Enthusiasm
Use it when the event is meaningful:
- Weddings
- Graduations
- Major business launches
- First meetings
- Milestone celebrations
The phrase works beautifully when you want to show warm sincerity without sounding too casual.
When You Should Not Use This Expression
Although correct, it isn’t always the best choice.
Casual Conversations
Friends don’t talk like this:
I am very much looking forward to the movie tonight
They’ll say:
Can’t wait for the movie tonight
I’m excited for tonight
Short Text Messages
The phrase feels too long for texting:
I am very much looking forward to our call
Better:
Looking forward to our call
When Over-politeness Sounds Unnatural
Politeness can feel stiff if the relationship is relaxed.
Example:
Using it with coworkers you’re close to may sound overly formal.
Strong Alternatives to “I Am Very Much Looking Forward”
Here’s a categorized list to help you pick the best tone.
Formal Alternatives
- I look forward to…
- I sincerely look forward to…
- I greatly anticipate…
- I am eager to…
- I appreciate the opportunity to…
Polite Neutral Alternatives
- I’m looking forward to…
- I can’t wait to…
- I’m excited about…
Casual Everyday Alternatives
- Can’t wait!
- Really looking forward to it
- So excited for this
Overused Alternatives to Avoid
- Looking forward!! (too many exclamation marks)
- Super excited (feels childish in professional settings)
- Totally can’t wait (too casual)
“Looking Forward” vs Other Expressions of Anticipation
Let’s compare common expressions.
“Can’t Wait”
- Highly emotional
- Very casual
- Not suitable for formal emails
“Eager to”
- Positive and professional
- Shorter than “very much looking forward”
“Excited about”
- Friendly
- Suitable for semi-formal messages
“Anticipate”
- Very formal
- Best for academic, corporate, or legal writing
Example:
“We anticipate finalizing the report next week”
This doesn’t replace “looking forward.” It serves a different purpose.
A Short History of the Phrase “Looking Forward”
The expression dates back to the 1800s. Early English writers used “look forward” to imply hopeful expectation. Over time, business English adopted it as a polite and diplomatic expression.
By the mid-1900s, “I look forward to hearing from you” became a standard closing line in professional letters.
The phrase survives because it conveys enthusiasm without sounding emotional or childish. Modern emails adopted the trimmed version “Looking forward” but the full form remains the most respectful in formal communication.
Common Grammar Issues Related to This Expression
Readers searching about “I am very much looking forward” often search for these related grammar issues. This section covers them clearly and simply.
“If There Was” vs “If There Were”
Use “if there were” for imaginary or unreal situations.
- If there were more time, we could finish this today
- If there were no delays, we would arrive early
Use “if there was” for real past events.
- If there was an issue yesterday, let me know
“Needs To Be Done” vs “Needed To Be Done”
- Needs to be done = present requirement
- Needed to be done = past requirement
Examples:
“The report needs to be done by Friday.”
“The corrections needed to be done before submission.”
Is “Well Wishes” Correct?
Technically no.
The correct form is “best wishes” or “well-wishes” with a hyphen. Most native speakers avoid “well wishes” because it sounds incomplete.
Is “Thanks for the Other Day” Correct?
Yes, it’s a natural and common phrase.
People use it to thank someone for a recent event or help.
Punctuation Rules That Affect This Expression
When to Use a Period
You place a period after the entire sentence.
Correct:
I am very much looking forward to our conversation.
Sentence Structure and Tone
How you structure the sentence influences tone.
- Long sentences sound formal
- Short sentences sound confident and direct
Independent vs Dependent Clauses (Quick Guide)
| Clause Type | Definition | Example |
| Independent | Can stand alone | I am very much looking forward to meeting you |
| Dependent | Needs an independent clause | because I value your ideas |
Combined Example:
I am very much looking forward to meeting you because I value your input.
Real-World Examples: Correct and Incorrect Uses
Below are polished examples for different contexts.
Business Email Examples
- Correct: I am very much looking forward to our strategy meeting.
- Correct: I am very much looking forward to reviewing your proposal.
- Incorrect: I am looking forward very much to your reply.
Academic Examples
- Correct: I am very much looking forward to presenting the findings.
- Correct: I look forward to discussing the research results.
Social Examples
- Correct: I’m very much looking forward to celebrating with you.
- Incorrect: I very much look forward to celebrating.
(The verb after “to” must be gerund form: celebrating)
Quick Reference Table: Which Version Should You Use?
| Version | Tone | Best Use |
| I am very much looking forward | Warm, formal | Business emails, polite messages |
| I am looking forward | Polite, neutral | General communication |
| Looking forward | Short, friendly | Emails, casual professional tone |
| I look forward | Formal and direct | Corporate writing |
| I can’t wait | Casual and emotional | Friends and informal chats |
| I’m eager to | Professional and enthusiastic | Work settings |
| I’m excited to | Semi-formal | Events and friendly communication |
Mini Practice Exercise
Choose the best option for each sentence.
- ______ reviewing your resume.
- a) I am very much looking forward to
- b) I can’t wait to
- ______ the dinner party this weekend.
- a) I look forward to
- b) Can’t wait for
- ______ hearing from you soon.
- a) Looking forward to
- b) I am very much looking forward to
Answers:
1-a, 2-b, 3-b
Read More: Mastering the Subtleties of “My Question Is” in American English Grammar
Case Study: How Tone Changes Professional Emails
Here’s a real-world comparison based on an email scenario.
Case Study Scenario
A hiring manager wants to confirm an interview with a candidate.
Email Version A — Weak and Flat
I am looking forward to our interview.
This works but lacks warmth.
Email Version B — Too Casual
Can’t wait to chat with you about the position.
This breaks the professional tone.
Email Version C — Ideal for Professional Settings
I am very much looking forward to our interview and the chance to learn more about your experience.
This version:
- Sounds warm and respectful
- Maintains professionalism
- Communicates enthusiasm
- Encourages positive emotional response
This case study shows why the phrase remains popular in business communication.
Conclusion:
In the end, the phrase “I am very much looking forward” is completely acceptable, as long as you use it in the right context and finish the idea clearly. When you understand how the structure works, you can choose whether to keep it for formal writing or switch to a smoother alternative that fits your tone. Good communication depends on clarity and consistency, especially when you’re managing meetings, planning projects, or updating a calendar across teams.
Use what you learned here to write messages that feel confident, natural, and aligned with modern English usage standards. Whether you prefer the straightforward style common in US workplaces or the slightly more traditional tone found in UK settings, you now have the tools to decide what sounds best. The key is simple. Pick the phrasing that communicates your intention clearly and supports the professional presence you want to maintain.
FAQS
1. Is it correct to say “I am very much looking forward”?
Yes, it is grammatically correct, but it works best when followed by a specific action or event, such as “I am very much looking forward to our meeting”. Using it alone can feel incomplete in business communication or formal writing.
2. What is the difference between “I am looking forward” and “I am very much looking forward”?
Adding “very much” emphasizes enthusiasm, but in professional contexts, overuse can sound overly formal or awkward. Consistency and tone matter in emails, project management updates, or calendar invitations.
3. Can I use “I am very much looking forward” in emails to clients?
Yes, but pair it with a clear action, like confirming a meeting or online booking. This ensures your message stays polished and professional in US or UK English contexts.
4. Are there alternative phrases that sound more natural in formal writing?
Yes, options like “I look forward to” or “I am excited about” often feel smoother while maintaining professionalism. These are especially useful in broadcasting updates or time management-related communications.
5. How do style guides treat “I am very much looking forward”?
style guides recommend using it sparingly in formal writing. They suggest simpler constructions for clarity, particularly in emails, project plans, or team scheduling messages, to avoid awkward phrasing.
Mia Rose is a passionate language expert at Grammar Apex, dedicated to helping individuals enhance their grammar and writing skills with clarity and confidence. With a keen eye for detail and a love for effective communication, she provides insightful tips, practical advice, and easy-to-understand explanations.