When I’m writing an email or speaking with native speakers, I am very much looking forward to sharing tips that prevent awkward moments and improve grammar and structure naturally.
Understanding confident, fluent English means using this phrase correctly, without hesitation or unnecessary pause, while maintaining professionalism, style, tone, and avoiding any misuse or doubts in your communication skills.
In both formal and casual conversations, applying the right phraseology and context makes your writing, speaking, and messages practical, polished, and professional. Including details, examples, alternatives, or a quick breakdown ensures your intentions are exactly understood. By following rules, logic, and a structured approach, you create effective, better, and positive impressions while staying aware of your audience, keeping simpler words, sending signals of enthusiasm, and replacing outdated habits with clarity.
Why This Phrase Causes So Much Confusion
At first glance, the phrase looks simple. It contains familiar words and expresses a common idea. Yet it keeps tripping people up for a few reasons.
First, looking forward to behaving differently from most verb phrases. Many writers assume to introduce an infinitive. That assumption leads to one of the most common errors in modern English.
Second, very much adds emphasis, but emphasis always affects tone. Too little sounds flat. Too much sounds dated or overly formal.
Third, this phrase appears most often in writing, not speech. People rarely say it casually. That gap between written and spoken English makes writers second-guess themselves.
The result feels like walking a grammatical tightrope. One wrong step, and the sentence sounds unnatural.
Understanding the Core Structure of “I Am Looking Forward To”
To understand I am very much looking forward, you have to start with the base phrase.
Looking forward to functions as a fixed expression. It doesn’t behave like a normal verb followed by an infinitive. Instead, it acts more like a verb-plus-preposition unit.
Here’s the key point:
“To” is a preposition, not part of an infinitive.
That single fact explains most errors surrounding this phrase.
Because to acts as a preposition, it must be followed by:
- A noun
- A pronoun
- A gerund (verb ending in -ING)
That rule never changes.
Correct examples:
- I am looking forward to the meeting
- I am looking forward to your reply
- I am looking forward to hearing from you
Incorrect example:
- I am looking forward to meet you
Understanding this structure removes confusion immediately.
Word-by-Word Breakdown of “I Am Very Much Looking Forward”
Each word in the phrase plays a specific role. When you understand those roles, the phrase stops feeling mysterious.
“I am”
This opening sets tense and tone. The present continuous form expresses a current emotional state rather than a future action. You aren’t doing anything yet. You’re feeling anticipation now.
That subtlety gives the phrase a polite and reflective tone.
“Looking forward”
This part conveys anticipation and positive expectation. It implies eagerness without urgency. The phrase sounds optimistic and respectful, which explains its popularity in professional writing.
“To”
As mentioned earlier, to functions as a preposition here. That single detail controls what can follow.
The object
The phrase collapses without an object. Saying I am very much looking forward without completing the thought feels unfinished and awkward.
Correct structure:
- I am very much looking forward to our conversation
Incorrect structure:
- I am very much looking forward.
The Role of “Very Much”
The phrase very much exists purely for emphasis. It intensifies anticipation, but it also raises the level of formality.
That intensity works well in certain contexts:
- Formal emails
- Polite closings
- Expressions of sincere appreciation
However, it can sound excessive in casual situations.
Compare the difference:
- I am looking forward to meeting you.
- I am very much looking forward to meeting you.
The second version feels more formal and deliberate. Neither is wrong. The choice depends on tone and audience.
Correct Placement of “Very Much”
Placement matters more than most people realize.
The most natural and widely accepted placement looks like this:
- I am very much looking forward to…
This placement flows smoothly and mirrors traditional usage in formal English.
Other placements can sound awkward or overly stylized:
- I am looking forward very much to…
- I am looking very much forward to…
While technically understandable, these versions disrupt rhythm and feel less natural.
Is “I Am Very Much Looking Forward” Grammatically Correct?
Yes. I am very much looking forward is grammatically correct when used properly.
However, grammatical correctness doesn’t guarantee good style.
The phrase works best when:
- The context is professional or formal
- The emphasis feels sincere
- The object clearly follows
It works poorly when:
- Used casually with friends
- Overused in short messages
- Paired with incorrect grammar
Native speakers understand it immediately, but they also notice the tone. That awareness makes style choices just as important as grammar.
Examples That Sound Natural and Polished
Professional examples
- I am very much looking forward to our meeting next week.
- I am very much looking forward to discussing this opportunity further.
Neutral examples
- I am looking forward to your response.
- I am looking forward to working with you.
Personal but polite examples
- I am very much looking forward to seeing you again.
- I am looking forward to catching up soon.
Notice how very much appears sparingly. When overused, it loses impact.
Common Mistakes Writers Keep Making
Leaving the Object Out
This error makes the sentence feel incomplete.
Incorrect:
- I am very much looking forward.
Correct:
- I am very much looking forward to your reply.
Using an Infinitive Instead of a Gerund
This mistake happens because writers misinterpret too.
Incorrect:
- I am very much looking forward to meeting you.
Correct:
- I am very much looking forward to meeting you.
Misplacing “Very Much”
Misplacement interrupts flow.
Less natural:
- I am looking forward very much to meeting you.
More natural:
- I am very much looking forward to meeting you.
Tone and Context: Formal vs Informal Usage
Tone determines whether this phrase feels appropriate.
Formal writing
In formal emails, letters, and professional correspondence, the phrase works well. It sounds respectful and polished.
Informal writing
In casual messages, the phrase can feel stiff. Native speakers usually drop very much or switch to simpler wording.
Spoken English
People rarely say the full phrase out loud. When they do, it often sounds deliberate or ceremonial.
When You Should Skip “Very Much” Entirely
Sometimes less sounds stronger.
Skip very much when:
- Writing short emails
- Communicating frequently with colleagues
- Aiming for warmth over formality
Simple alternatives often sound more confident:
- I’m looking forward to it.
- Looking forward to hearing from you.
Better Alternatives Based on Context
Formal alternatives
- I look forward to our continued collaboration.
- I look forward to your response.
Neutral or professional alternatives
- I’m excited to discuss this further.
- I appreciate the opportunity and look forward to next steps.
Casual alternatives
- Can’t wait to see you.
- Excited to catch up.
Each alternative shifts tone while keeping meaning intact.
Real-World Usage Examples
Business email case study
Scenario: A follow-up email after an interview.
Effective:
I am very much looking forward to hearing from you and discussing the next steps.
Why it works:
- Polite
- Professional
- Clear anticipation
Academic setting case study
Scenario: A student writing to a professor.
Effective:
I am very much looking forward to your feedback on my research proposal.
Why it works:
- Respectful
- Formal
- Appropriate to hierarchy
Personal message case study
Scenario: Messaging a friend.
Less effective:
I am very much looking forward to seeing you tonight.
More natural:
I’m really looking forward to seeing you tonight.
Quick Comparison Table
| Phrase | Formality Level | Best Use Case | Tone Impact |
| I am very much looking forward to | High | Business, academia | Polite, formal |
| I am looking forward to | Medium | Professional emails | Neutral |
| Looking forward to | Medium-low | Friendly work emails | Approachable |
| Can’t wait to | Low | Personal messages | Casual, enthusiastic |
Conclusion
Using the phrase I Am Very Much Looking Forward correctly can make a big difference in both professional and casual communication. It shows confidence, fluency, and professionalism, while avoiding awkwardness, misuse, or hesitation. By understanding the grammar, structure, and context, and by matching your style to your audience, you ensure your writing and speaking leave a positive impression. Remember to keep your language clear, precise, and practical, and pair the phrase with details, examples, or signals of enthusiasm to make your intentions exactly understood every time.
FAQs
Q1. What does “I Am Very Much Looking Forward” mean?
The phrase expresses anticipation, excitement, or eagerness for a future event, action, or meeting, showing politeness and professionalism.
Q2. How do I use “I Am Very Much Looking Forward” in an email?
You can write: “I am very much looking forward to our meeting next week.” Pair it with clear, polished, and practical language to sound confident and fluent.
Q3. Is “I Am Very Much Looking Forward” formal or informal?
It is mostly formal or semi-formal, suitable for professional emails, writing, or polite conversations. You can also use it in casual contexts with minor adjustments.
Q4. Can I replace “I Am Very Much Looking Forward” with simpler words?
Yes. Alternatives include: “I look forward to…” or “I’m excited about…” but the full phrase adds style, professionalism, and polished tone.
Q5. Why do some people find it awkward to use?
Awkwardness comes from hesitation, incorrect grammar, or misuse in casual conversations. Following rules and maintaining clarity removes the issue.
Q6. How do I make my message sound more confident using this phrase?
Combine it with clear, precise, structured language, add details, examples, or a quick breakdown, and send signals of enthusiasm to appear confident and professional.
