Have you ever paused before hitting “send” on an email, wondering if it’s correct to say “Looking forward to working with you”? You’re not alone. This phrase appears in countless messages—from meeting invitations to project management updates—but its tone, formality, and grammar can leave even seasoned professionals second-guessing. In today’s fast-paced world of business communication, where every word shapes perception, understanding when and how to use this expression correctly matters. Whether you’re scheduling a call, managing a calendar, or confirming details through an online booking platform, the right closing phrase reinforces professionalism and warmth at the same time.
In this guide, we’ll unpack the grammar, tone, and context behind “looking forward to working with you,” explore subtle English usage nuances, and highlight when it fits best in formal writing. We’ll also touch on differences between US and UK style guides, helping you maintain consistency across corporate emails, broadcasting messages, and client correspondence. By the end, you’ll not only know whether it’s grammatically correct—you’ll also understand how to use it naturally in everyday meetings, introductions, and professional exchanges that reflect both confidence and courtesy.
Is It Correct to Say “Looking Forward to Working With You?”
Absolutely. The phrase “Looking forward to working with you” is grammatically correct and considered polite, professional, and positive.
It signals enthusiasm, collaboration, and future action. It’s a staple in:
- Business emails
- Client communication
- Interviews and hiring
- Networking outreach
- Project onboarding
Why it works:
It uses the correct structure: look forward to + gerund (working).
Looking forward to working with you
Looking forward to work with you (incorrect verb form)
But here’s the nuance:
The sentence technically has an implied subject. It originally comes from:
I am looking forward to working with you.
In modern professional English, leaving off the subject (“I am”) feels concise and natural, especially in email sign-offs.
Formal vs Informal Usage
| Version | Tone | Best For |
| I am looking forward to working with you. | Very professional | Corporate roles, clients, C-level |
| I’m looking forward to working with you. | Professional, warm | Most workplace communication |
| Looking forward to working with you. | Friendly, concise | Casual business emails, internal teams |
| Looking forward to working with you! | Energetic | Creative industries, startups |
Tip: If in doubt, use the full sentence. It’s safe anywhere.
When to Use This Phrase
Use it when:
- A collaboration is confirmed
- You’ve accepted an offer or project
- The other party has agreed to next steps
- You want to end an email professionally and warmly
Situations where it fits perfectly:
- After being hired
- After onboarding a client
- After confirming a project kickoff
- After an introduction email from a mutual contact
- After finalizing contract terms
Example:
Thank you for the signed proposal. I’m looking forward to working with you and launching this campaign together.
This sentence reinforces partnership and professionalism without sounding pushy.
When NOT to Say “Looking Forward to Working With You”
Avoid using it:
- Before collaboration is confirmed
- When you haven’t discussed future work
- During initial pitching where assumptions feel premature
- When the tone of the conversation is strictly exploratory
- In very casual internal chats (Teams, Slack, informal texts)
Wrong usage example:
Shall we schedule a call? Looking forward to working with you.
Why it feels off: no agreement yet. A better choice:
Happy to connect further to explore opportunities. Let me know your availability for a quick call this week.
Grammar Breakdown: Why This Phrase Is Correct
Key Rule
The phrase look forward to must be followed by a gerund (-ing form).
- Look forward to working
- Look forward to meeting
- Look forward to hearing
- Look forward to collaborating
Incorrect Examples
| Incorrect Phrase | Correct Version |
| Looking forward to work with you | Looking forward to working with you |
| Look forward to hear from you | Look forward to hearing from you |
| Looking forward working with you | Looking forward to working with you |
| Look forward for working with you | Look forward to working with you |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
| Mistake | Why It’s Wrong | Correct Form |
| Using “to work” instead of “to working” | Incorrect verb structure | Looking forward to working |
| Using after rejection or uncertainty | Sounds presumptive | Use a neutral closing |
| Using with negative context | Confusing tone | Adjust positivity level |
| Sending without context | Feels generic | Add specifics |
Pro tip: Attach a next step when possible to sound confident and professional.
Tone Guide: Choosing the Right Version
| Situation | Preferred Wording | Tone |
| Formal corporate email | I look forward to working with you. | Polished, respectful |
| Client onboarding | We look forward to working with you. | Collaborative |
| Internal teammate you already know | Looking forward to working with you again. | Warm, familiar |
| Creative industries / startups | Excited to work together on this! | Energetic |
Examples in Real Work Scenarios
Job Offer Acceptance
Thank you for the opportunity. I’m looking forward to working with you and contributing to the team.
Client Kickoff
We look forward to working with you. I’ll send the project roadmap by Thursday.
Networking Connection
Great connecting today. I look forward to working with you in the near future.
Internal Team Collaboration
Excited to work on this together. Let’s sync on tasks tomorrow.
Polite & Professional Alternatives
Sometimes variety communicates thoughtfulness. Instead of repeating the same phrase, try these:
Formal Alternatives
- I look forward to collaborating with you.
- I look forward to moving this project forward together.
- I look forward to our partnership.
Professional & Warm
- Excited to team up on this initiative.
- Glad to have the opportunity to work together.
- Looking forward to building something meaningful together.
Confident & Leader-like
- Eager to get started and achieve results.
- Ready to hit the ground running together.
- I anticipate excellent outcomes from our collaboration.
Friendly & Casual
- Excited to work with you on this!
- Can’t wait to get started together.
- Happy we’re teaming up on this.
Tone-Based Alternatives Table
| Tone Style | Alternative Phrase |
| Very Formal | I look forward to collaborating with you. |
| Standard Professional | I’m looking forward to working with you. |
| Warm / Friendly | Looking forward to working together soon. |
| Positive / Energetic | Excited to partner on this project! |
| Reserved / Diplomatic | I anticipate working with you. |
| Executive Politeness | We look forward to delivering great results together. |
How to Make the Phrase Stronger
A polished writer doesn’t drop the phrase and walk away. They add specific value or a clear next step.
Enhancement Strategy
Add detail
State intent
Provide reassurance
Offer next action
Basic:
Looking forward to working with you.
Improved:
I’m looking forward to working with you. I’ll share the kickoff plan tomorrow.
Even better:
Looking forward to working with you to streamline the onboarding process and shorten delivery time. Expect the project outline in your inbox by Friday.
Read More: Bespeckled vs Bespectacled — Which Is Correct?
Case Study: Using the Phrase Strategically
Scenario
A freelance designer receives a contract from a tech startup.
Weak Reply
Looking forward to working with you!
Sounds okay, but vague and unanchored.
Strong Reply
Thanks for sending the agreement. I’m looking forward to working with you and bringing the new product visuals to life. I’ll send the creative brief outline and timeline tomorrow so we can get moving smoothly.
Outcome
This version:
- Shows commitment
- Signals professionalism
- Builds trust
- Sets expectations
- Moves the project forward
Clients remember communicators who create clarity and momentum.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is it grammatically correct to say “Looking forward to working with you”?
Yes, it’s grammatically correct. The phrase uses a gerund (“working”) after the preposition “to,” which is the proper grammatical structure. It’s a polite and natural way to express enthusiasm for future collaboration.
2. Can I say “Looking forward to work with you” instead?
No, that’s incorrect. The correct form is “looking forward to working with you”, because “to” in this phrase is part of the expression—not part of an infinitive verb. Therefore, it must be followed by the -ing form (gerund), not the base verb.
3. Is “Looking forward to working with you” formal or informal?
It’s semi-formal, making it suitable for both professional and friendly communication. You can use it in business emails, project management updates, or even casual work messages. If you want a more formal tone, consider “I look forward to working with you.”
4. What are some alternatives to “Looking forward to working with you”?
You can try:
- “Excited to collaborate with you.”
- “Can’t wait to get started together.”
- “Eager to begin this partnership.”
- “I’m looking forward to our collaboration.”
Each variation can fit different tones—from professional to conversational.
5. Do style guides in the US and UK differ on this phrase?
Not significantly. Both US and UK style guides accept “Looking forward to working with you” as correct. However, UK English may lean slightly toward more formal phrasing in written correspondence, while US English often embraces a warmer, conversational tone.
Final Thought
In the end, it’s absolutely correct to say “Looking forward to working with you”—as long as you use it in the right context. This friendly yet professional phrase bridges warmth and respect, making it perfect for business communication, project management, and even formal writing. Just remember to match your tone to the situation: slightly more polished for corporate emails, and conversational for casual meetings or online collaborations.
Whether you follow US or UK style guides, what truly matters is clarity, consistency, and sincerity. So next time you’re wrapping up an introduction or confirming a calendar invite, feel confident using this phrase—it signals enthusiasm, teamwork, and genuine readiness to collaborate.
Ethan Miller is the writer behind GrammarApex.com, where he shares practical tips, word alternatives, and writing guides to help you communicate with clarity and confidence.