Is “Looking Forward to Working With You” Correct? A Complete Grammar and Professional Usage Guide explains tone, clarity, and professional usage. In business communication, your first impression often starts with a single phrase in an email or letter. Over the years, after writing hundreds of emails, I’ve noticed how readers react quickly to tone. When someone encounters “Looking forward to working with you,” it usually signals friendly, respectful, and professional intent. In workplace or corporate correspondence, whether you’re reaching out to a new client, hiring manager, or future colleague, the phrase helps set tone for the relationship. It works naturally in networking, outreach, introductions, and informal follow-ups because it shows confidence, clarity, and credibility without sounding stiff.
From a grammar and professional usage perspective, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely accepted in both formal and semi-formal business contexts. It fits smoothly into proposals, email templates, and job offer replies. I’ve consistently seen it proven its worth in client onboarding emails, project kickoffs, and partnership confirmations. Its beauty lies in simplicity and effectiveness. It delivers a clear message of collaboration, optimism, and mutual respect. When paired with the right salutation, greeting, or opening line, it avoids sounding cold or mechanical, while still remaining safe and polite.
Context still matters. In some situations, especially when building solid connections or starting new projects, you may want to adjust the expression for stronger engagement or deeper connection. Through practice, I’ve learned that small shifts in language can improve impact, perception, and overall communication skills. Whether you are crafting a proposal, connecting with a new colleague, or polishing your message before you close, the phrase remains an ideal and incredibly easy choice. If you ever doubt how to end a note professionally, it continues to be a safe bet that supports positive interaction, long-term collaboration, and meaningful engagement.
Why “Looking Forward to Working With You” Matters in Professional Communication
Small phrases carry big signals.
When you write “looking forward to working with you,” you communicate three things instantly:
- Anticipation
- Cooperation
- Positive intent
In business communication, those signals matter. Research from Harvard Business Review shows that warmth and competence are the two primary traits people evaluate in professional settings. This phrase leans into warmth without sacrificing professionalism.
It’s efficient.
It’s neutral.
It’s widely understood.
That’s why it dominates modern email communication.
Where It Commonly Appears
You’ll see it in:
- Job acceptance emails
- Post-interview thank-you notes
- Client onboarding messages
- Vendor introductions
- Partnership confirmations
- Team collaboration emails
In short, it thrives wherever a working relationship is about to begin.
But frequency creates a problem. When everyone uses it, it risks sounding automatic.
Is “Looking Forward to Working With You” Correct?
Yes. It is grammatically correct.
However, the correctness depends on structure.
Let’s unpack the grammar carefully.
Grammar Breakdown: Why “Looking Forward to Working With You” Is Correct
The key lies in understanding one rule:
“Look forward to” is a phrasal verb followed by a preposition.
That means “to” is not an infinitive marker here. It’s a preposition.
And prepositions are followed by:
- A noun
- A pronoun
- Or a gerund (verb + -ing)
So the structure becomes:
look forward to + noun/gerund
Why “Working” Must End in -ing
Correct structure:
- I look forward to working with you.
- We look forward to meeting you.
- She looks forward to starting the project.
Incorrect structure:
- I look forward to work with you.
- We look forward to meeting you.
The second set fails because “work” and “meet” are base verbs. After a preposition, that form doesn’t work.
Quick Comparison Table
| Incorrect Version | Why It’s Wrong | Correct Version |
| Looking forward to work with you | “work” isn’t a gerund | Looking forward to working with you |
| I look forward to work together | Missing gerund | I look forward to working together |
| Looking forward working with you | Missing preposition | Looking forward to working with you |
This grammar rule never changes. It’s stable across formal and informal settings.
Full Sentence vs. Sentence Fragment
Now let’s address another common question.
Is it okay to write:
Looking forward to working with you.
Technically, this is a fragment. It lacks a subject.
The full sentence reads:
I am looking forward to working with you.
Or:
I look forward to working with you.
Yet in email communication, fragments often feel natural. Especially in closings.
When a Fragment Works
It works when:
- It appears at the end of an email
- The subject (“I”) is already implied
- The tone is conversational
Example:
Thank you for your time today.
Looking forward to working with you.
That reads naturally. No confusion.
When It Feels Incomplete
Avoid fragments when:
- Writing formal contracts
- Drafting official letters
- Communicating in highly traditional industries
In those cases, stick with the complete sentence.
Tense Variations and What They Signal
The tense you choose subtly shifts tone.
Present Simple: “I look forward to working with you”
- Most formal
- Common in business letters
- Feels polished
Present Continuous: “I’m looking forward to working with you”
- Slightly warmer
- Sounds conversational
- Often used in email
Plural Voice: “We look forward to working with you”
- Used by companies
- Projects team unity
- Feels established
Here’s how tone shifts:
| Version | Tone Level | Common Context |
| I look forward to working with you | Formal | Contracts, official letters |
| I’m looking forward to working with you | Semi-formal | Email communication |
| We look forward to working with you | Corporate | Business partnerships |
The grammar stays correct. The tone changes.
What “Looking Forward to Working With You” Communicates Emotionally
Words don’t just convey meaning. They transmit intent.
This phrase communicates:
- Cooperation
- Openness
- Optimism
- Professional goodwill
It doesn’t promise excitement.
It doesn’t oversell enthusiasm.
It simply signals readiness.
That balance explains its popularity.
When It Sounds Generic
Here’s the problem.
Because it’s common, it can feel robotic.
Especially when:
- It appears in every email
- No context surrounds it
- It follows a template
Example of weak usage:
Thank you for your email.
Looking forward to working with you.
There’s nothing wrong grammatically. But there’s nothing memorable either.
How to Make It Sound Genuine
Specificity changes everything.
Instead of:
Looking forward to working with you.
Try:
Looking forward to collaborating on the Q3 rollout.
Or:
I’m looking forward to helping your team streamline the onboarding process.
Now the phrase feels intentional.
Add Context
You can improve it by including:
- Project name
- Timeline
- Shared goal
- Outcome
That tiny detail makes it human.
When to Use “Looking Forward to Working With You”
Let’s explore specific scenarios.
After Accepting a Job Offer
This is one of the strongest uses.
Example:
I appreciate the opportunity and I’m looking forward to working with you and the marketing team.
Why it works:
- The relationship is confirmed
- The tone fits
- The anticipation feels natural
After Closing a Deal
Example:
We’re excited about this partnership and look forward to working with you on the product launch.
It signals commitment without overpromising.
During Client Onboarding
Example:
Our team looks forward to working with you over the next six months.
Adding duration strengthens clarity.
In Post-Interview Emails
Example:
Thank you for the conversation today. I look forward to working with you if selected for the role.
Notice the conditional clause. That protects tone.
When to Avoid or Replace It
Even though looking forward to working with you is correct, context still matters.
Avoid it when:
- The agreement isn’t finalized
- Negotiations are ongoing
- You need authority instead of warmth
- You’ve already used it repeatedly
For example, during contract revisions:
We look forward to working with you once terms are finalized.
That keeps professionalism intact.
Strong Alternatives to “Looking Forward to Working With You”
Sometimes variety improves impact.
More Formal Alternatives
- I anticipate a productive collaboration.
- We look forward to contributing to this initiative.
- I welcome the opportunity to collaborate.
More Conversational Alternatives
- Excited to get started.
- Glad we’re teaming up.
- Looking forward to diving in.
More Specific Versions
- Looking forward to launching this project next month.
- Excited to collaborate on the system redesign.
- Looking forward to helping your team improve efficiency.
The difference lies in detail.
Common Grammar Mistakes to Avoid
Here are frequent errors:
- ❌ Looking forward to work with you
- ❌ Looking forward working with you
- ❌ I look forward working to you
- ❌ Looking forward to working with yourself
The last one is common in corporate writing. “Yourself” is incorrect here. Use “you.”
Cultural Considerations in Business Communication
Tone varies globally.
In US business culture:
- Warmth is valued
- Positive anticipation feels normal
In some European contexts:
- Direct statements may replace enthusiasm
- Simplicity often feels stronger
In East Asian contexts:
- Politeness formulas may be longer
- Formal structure matters more
Always match tone to cultural expectations.
Placement: Where Should You Put It in an Email?
Placement affects impact.
As a Closing Line
Most common.
Thank you for your time.
Looking forward to working with you.
Before a Call to Action
I look forward to working with you. Please let me know a convenient time for our kickoff call.
This keeps momentum.
As Part of the Main Body
Use when:
- Reinforcing collaboration
- Confirming timeline
Example:
As discussed, we’ll begin next Monday and we look forward to working with you on the rollout.
Micro Case Study: Weak vs. Strong Usage
Weak Email
Hi Sarah,
Thanks for your email. Looking forward to working with you.
Best,
John
Problems:
- Generic
- No context
- Feels automatic
Improved Version
Hi Sarah,
Thank you for outlining the onboarding timeline. We’ll prepare the documentation this week and look forward to working with you on the March launch.
Best,
John
Why it works:
- Mentions timeline
- References specific goal
- Signals preparation
Specificity builds credibility.
Quick Tone Test Checklist
Before sending, ask yourself:
- Is the collaboration confirmed?
- Does this sound natural out loud?
- Have I already used this phrase recently?
- Would adding one detail improve clarity?
- Does the tone match the relationship stage?
If the answer is yes, you’re safe.
Conclusion
In professional settings, small wording choices shape big outcomes. “Looking forward to working with you” remains a grammatically correct, widely accepted, and reliable phrase across formal and semi-formal business contexts. It communicates collaboration, optimism, and mutual respect without sounding stiff or mechanical. When used thoughtfully—based on tone, relationship, and situation—it strengthens credibility and supports long-term professional connection. Mastering when and how to use it isn’t just about grammar; it’s about clarity, confidence, and strategic communication.
FAQs
Q1. Is “Looking forward to working with you” grammatically correct?
Yes, it is grammatically correct. The phrase uses a gerund (“working”) after the preposition “to,” which follows standard English grammar rules.
Q2. When should I use “Looking forward to working with you” in an email?
You can use it when starting a new project, responding to a job offer, onboarding a client, confirming a partnership, or beginning collaboration with a colleague.
Q3. Is the phrase too generic for professional communication?
It can feel generic if overused without personalization. Adding context or a specific reference to the project or goal makes it sound more genuine.
Q4. Can I use this phrase in formal business emails?
Yes. It works well in both formal and semi-formal emails, especially in corporate correspondence, proposals, and professional introductions.
Q5. What are some professional alternatives to this phrase?
Alternatives include “I look forward to collaborating with you,” “Excited to begin our work together,” or “I look forward to contributing to the project.”
Q6. Should I avoid this phrase in any situation?
Avoid it when there is no confirmed collaboration or when the tone requires strong urgency or authority. In such cases, a more direct closing may be more appropriate.
