Have you ever hesitated before writing “I am very much looking forward” in an email or message?
You’re not alone. Many English learners (and even native speakers) pause at this phrase, wondering if it’s correct or sounds awkward. The truth is — it can be correct, but only when used properly.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn what the phrase really means, how to use it naturally, and what common mistakes to avoid.
You’ll also get practical examples, alternatives, and a quick grammar breakdown to sound fluent and confident in any situation.
Understanding the Phrase “I Am Very Much Looking Forward”
The phrase “I am very much looking forward” expresses anticipation and enthusiasm for a future event. You’ll often see it in professional emails or polite messages, like:
“I am very much looking forward to meeting you next week.”
This sentence communicates eagerness and politeness — a perfect mix for business or formal communication.
What Each Word Contributes
| Word | Function | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| I | Subject | The speaker expressing emotion |
| am | Verb (present continuous auxiliary) | Indicates the current state or feeling |
| very much | Adverbial phrase | Adds intensity or emphasis |
| looking forward | Phrasal verb | Expresses anticipation or eagerness |
So, the phrase as a whole conveys I’m eagerly anticipating something good that’s coming soon.
Grammar Breakdown: How the Phrase Works
The phrase “look forward to” is a phrasal-prepositional verb, which means it consists of a verb + adverb + preposition working together to form one meaning.
Let’s break it down grammatically:
- “Look forward” → Verb phrase showing expectation.
- “to” → Preposition that must be followed by a noun or a gerund (-ing form).
Example:
âś… Correct: I am looking forward to meeting you.
❌ Incorrect: I am looking forward to meet you.
Here, “meeting” is a gerund (a verb acting as a noun). That’s why the second example is grammatically wrong — the infinitive to meet doesn’t fit after “looking forward to.”
The Role of “Very Much”
Adding “very much” strengthens the emotional tone. It makes your anticipation sound sincere and enthusiastic rather than mechanical.
Compare these examples:
- Neutral: I am looking forward to your reply.
- Polite and warm: I am very much looking forward to your reply.
The difference is subtle yet powerful. The phrase “very much” emphasizes depth of feeling. It’s polite, positive, and works beautifully in formal writing.
Correct Placement of “Very Much”
Always place “very much” before “looking forward.”
| Correct | Incorrect |
|---|---|
| I am very much looking forward to seeing you. | I am looking forward very much to seeing you. |
The second form isn’t technically wrong but sounds unnatural and overly stiff in modern English.
Is “I Am Very Much Looking Forward” Grammatically Correct?
Yes — but only when it’s followed by an object.
The phrase must be completed with “to + noun/gerund.”
If you stop at “I am very much looking forward”, the sentence feels incomplete because the verb requires an object.
Examples:
- âś… I am very much looking forward to working with you.
- ❌ I am very much looking forward. (incomplete)
In writing, always finish the phrase. Think of “looking forward to” as one inseparable unit — it demands something after “to.”
Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them
Many learners stumble on this phrase because it looks deceptively simple. Here are the most common pitfalls and how to correct them.
1. Omitting the Object
- ❌ I am very much looking forward.
- âś… I am very much looking forward to your response.
2. Using the Infinitive Instead of the Gerund
- ❌ I am looking forward to meet you.
- âś… I am looking forward to meeting you.
Tip: After “to,” always use a noun or a verb + ing.
3. Misplacing “Very Much”
- ❌ I am looking forward very much to our meeting.
- âś… I am very much looking forward to our meeting.
Rule of thumb: Keep “very much” close to “am” for smooth rhythm.
Context Matters: Formal vs. Informal Usage
The tone of “I am very much looking forward” leans formal, making it perfect for professional correspondence. However, in everyday speech, native speakers often shorten or simplify it.
Where to Use It
| Context | Example | Tone |
|---|---|---|
| Business email | I am very much looking forward to collaborating with your team. | Formal, polite |
| Academic writing | I am very much looking forward to presenting my research. | Formal, respectful |
| Job interview email | I am very much looking forward to meeting you in person. | Professional, courteous |
When to Choose a Simpler Version
In casual chats, opt for smoother, more natural alternatives:
- “I’m really looking forward to it!”
- “Can’t wait to see you!”
- “I’m excited about next week!”
These feel friendlier and conversational — better suited for personal messages or social media.
Better Alternatives to “I Am Very Much Looking Forward”
Repetition can make your writing sound robotic. Try these alternatives depending on tone and setting:
Formal Alternatives
- I’m eager to…
- I anticipate…
- I’m awaiting…
Example: “I’m eager to discuss the proposal further.”
Neutral/Professional
- I’m looking forward to…
- I’m excited to…
- I’m happy to…
Example: “I’m excited to begin this new chapter with your company.”
Casual Alternatives
- Can’t wait to…
- Really looking forward to…
- So excited for…
Example: “Can’t wait to hang out this weekend!”
Real-World Examples and Case Studies
Here’s how native speakers use the phrase in real contexts.
Example 1: Business Email
Dear Sarah,
Thank you for the detailed brief. I am very much looking forward to working with your design team on this campaign.
Best,
Daniel
Why it works: Polite, clear, and professional. It expresses enthusiasm without sounding pushy.
Example 2: Academic Setting
I am very much looking forward to presenting my findings at the conference next month.
Why it works: Shows commitment and eagerness in a scholarly tone.
Example 3: Personal Message
I’m really looking forward to catching up soon. It’s been too long!
Why it works: Warm, natural, and conversational.
Quick Reference Table
| Situation | Correct Phrase | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Business Email | I am very much looking forward to working with you. | “I am very much looking forward to working with your team.” |
| Job Interview | I am looking forward to meeting you. | “I am very much looking forward to meeting you on Thursday.” |
| Friendly Message | I’m really looking forward to it! | “I’m really looking forward to the concert.” |
| Academic Email | I am looking forward to presenting my paper. | “I am very much looking forward to presenting my research next month.” |
| Event Reply | I’m excited about attending. | “I’m excited about attending the annual meetup.” |
FAQs About “I Am Very Much Looking Forward”
Is it correct to say “I am very much looking forward”?
Yes, it’s correct only if followed by “to + noun/gerund.” Without an object, it’s incomplete.
Can I say “I’m looking forward very much”?
You can, but it sounds old-fashioned. The natural, modern placement is “I’m very much looking forward.”
What’s the difference between “I look forward” and “I’m looking forward”?
“I look forward” is simple present, often used in formal writing. “I’m looking forward” sounds more personal and current — perfect for emails or spoken English.
Is “very much” necessary?
No, it’s optional. Use it when you want to emphasize politeness or enthusiasm, especially in formal writing.
What can I say instead of “I am very much looking forward”?
Try “I’m really looking forward to…”, “I can’t wait to…”, or “I’m excited about…” depending on how casual or formal you want to sound.
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Conclusion
The phrase “I am very much looking forward” is grammatically correct, but only when completed properly. Remember these golden rules:
- Always follow “looking forward to” with a noun or gerund.
- Keep “very much” before “looking forward” for natural rhythm.
- Use it confidently in formal and professional settings.
- Switch to simpler alternatives in casual speech.
Once you understand its structure and tone, you’ll write smoother, friendlier, and more polished sentences — whether it’s a business email or a friendly chat.
Hi! I’m Sami, a 28-year-old content writer with a love for words and storytelling. Writing has always been my way of expressing ideas, sharing knowledge, and connecting with people. I enjoy creating engaging and well-researched content—whether it’s blogs, articles, or social media posts—that not only informs but also inspires readers. My goal is to turn complex ideas into clear, creative, and meaningful pieces of writing that leave a lasting impact.
