🌟 Is It Correct to Say Looking Forward to Working With You?

Making a great first impression often starts with your words. Whether you’re writing an email to a new client, a hiring manager, or a future colleague, a single phrase can set the tone for the relationship.

One of the most common expressions professionals use is “Looking forward to working with you.”

But is it grammatically correct? Does it sound too formal or too casual? Should you use it in every situation?

Let’s break down this phrase, understand its correct usage, and explore how to use it effectively without sounding robotic or repetitive.

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Why This Phrase Matters in Modern Communication

Language is more than grammar—it’s about connection. The phrase “Looking forward to working with you” conveys enthusiasm, positivity, and professionalism, making it one of the most frequently used closings in business communication.

In professional emails, tone matters. A well-chosen phrase like this can:

• Build rapport instantly
• Signal cooperation and mutual respect
• Create a positive expectation for future interaction

Example:

“I’m looking forward to working with you on this project.”
This short line tells the recipient you’re eager and cooperative—without being over the top.

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Grammar Breakdown: Is “Looking Forward to Working With You” Correct?

Yes, it’s grammatically correct—but there’s a specific reason why.

Let’s dissect it:

Part of Phrase	Function	Example
Looking forward	Present participle phrase showing anticipation	“I’m looking forward…”
to	Preposition linking to the next word	“to…”
working	Gerund (verb + ing functioning as noun)	“to working…”
with you	Prepositional phrase showing who	“with you.”

So, the correct structure is:
“I am looking forward to [noun/gerund].”

✅ Correct: I’m looking forward to working with you.
❌ Incorrect: I’m looking forward to work with you.

💡 Tip: The word to here is a preposition, not part of the infinitive “to work.” That’s why it must be followed by a gerund (–ing) form, not a base verb.

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Why Correct Usage Matters

Small grammatical slips might seem harmless, but in business communication, they can influence perception.

Here’s why it matters:

• Professionalism: Mistakes in common phrases can appear careless.
• Credibility: Precise grammar reflects strong attention to detail.
• Clarity: Correct wording eliminates confusion and maintains tone consistency.

Example of Impact:

Version	Impression
“Looking forward to work with you.”	Sounds awkward and non-native
“Looking forward to working with you.”	Sounds fluent, natural, and professional

Even non-native speakers quickly build trust through accuracy and confidence in tone.

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When and Where to Use “Looking Forward to Working With You”

This phrase shines in formal and semi-formal settings. You’ll find it useful in various contexts:

✅ Best Situations to Use It:

• After a successful job interview: “Thank you for the opportunity. I’m looking forward to working with you soon.”
• When joining a new company: “Excited to be part of the team. Looking forward to working with you all.”
• After signing a client contract: “It’s great to have you on board. Looking forward to working with you.”
• Collaborating between departments or partners: “Our teams align perfectly. We’re looking forward to working with you.”

🌍 Cultural Notes:

• In American English, this phrase is polite yet friendly.
• In British English, it’s often replaced by slightly more formal alternatives like “I look forward to working with you.”

Both are correct—the difference lies mainly in tone preference.

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When to Avoid or Replace the Phrase

Even the best phrases can sound wrong in certain contexts. Overusing “Looking forward to working with you” may dilute its warmth.

⚠️ Avoid It When:

• You haven’t secured the job yet (it may sound presumptive). ❌ “Looking forward to working with you” after an interview isn’t ideal.
  ✅ Use “I look forward to the opportunity to work with your team” instead.
• You’re ending multiple emails with the same phrase—it can feel robotic.
• The recipient’s tone is strictly formal or neutral, and you want to mirror it.

🧭 Quick Tone Test:

If your email starts with “Dear Mr. Thompson” and uses phrases like “As per our agreement,” go with the formal “I look forward to working with you.”

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Tone and Professional Warmth: Getting It Just Right

Tone is the invisible handshake of written communication. You want warmth without crossing into overfamiliarity.

Tone Type	Example	When to Use
Formal	“I look forward to working with you.”	Business letters, senior executives
Neutral	“Looking forward to working with you.”	Everyday business emails
Friendly	“Can’t wait to start working with you!”	Teams you already know well
Warm and Polite	“Really looking forward to working together.”	Client relationships, collaborations

✨ Pro Tip: Add a personal touch. Mention the project, goal, or context—it shows genuine enthusiasm.

Example:

“Looking forward to working with you on the new marketing campaign.”

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How to Use It Naturally in Emails and Letters

In emails, placement and punctuation can affect how your message reads. Typically, it fits best near the closing section.

✅ Correct Placement Example:

Best regards,  
John  
Looking forward to working with you.

⚙️ Usage Tips:

• Avoid excessive punctuation like “!!”
• Capitalize only the first word: Looking forward to working with you.
• Don’t mix tenses: never say “I look forward to be working with you.”

Common Mistakes Table:

Mistake	Why It’s Wrong	Correct Form
“Looking forward to work with you.”	Uses verb instead of gerund	“Looking forward to working with you.”
“I am look forward to working with you.”	Wrong verb form	“I am looking forward to working with you.”
“Looking forward to working with you!” (too often)	Repetitive, predictable	Use alternatives occasionally

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Practical Examples and Variations

After Job Acceptance

“I’m thrilled to join your team. Looking forward to working with you all and contributing to our upcoming projects.”

Client Introduction

“Thank you for choosing our firm. We’re looking forward to working with you to achieve your business goals.”

Team Collaboration

“Great connecting with you! Looking forward to working with you on the product launch.”

Case Study: Before and After

Situation	Before	After
New hire email	“I am excited for working with you.”	“I’m looking forward to working with you.”
Client project email	“Looking forward for work with your team.”	“Looking forward to working with your team.”
Partner collaboration	“Can’t wait to work with you guys.”	“Looking forward to working with you on this initiative.”

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Strong Alternatives and Synonyms

Variety keeps communication fresh. Below are alternatives organized by tone and formality:

Tone	Alternative Phrases	Example
Formal	“I look forward to collaborating with you.”	“I look forward to collaborating with you on this matter.”
Friendly	“Excited to team up with you!”	“Excited to team up with you on this project.”
Polite	“Eager to begin working together.”	“Eager to begin working together on the campaign.”
Casual	“Can’t wait to get started!”	“Can’t wait to get started with your team.”

When to choose each:

• Use formal for corporate or hierarchical relationships.
• Use friendly/polite for peers or clients with established rapport.
• Use casual internally within teams.

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Using Positive Language to Strengthen Professional Relationships

Positive phrasing like “Looking forward to working with you” goes beyond etiquette—it’s psychologically powerful.

Why It Works:

• It expresses optimism and collaboration.
• It builds emotional resonance, especially in written communication.
• It sets expectations for mutual respect and teamwork.

Example Comparison:

Neutral	Positive & Engaging
“I’ll contact you next week.”	“Looking forward to connecting next week!”
“We will discuss it later.”	“I’m looking forward to discussing this further.”

“Words create worlds.” – Deborah Tannen, linguist and author

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Common Questions and Misconceptions

Is “Looking forward to working with you” too casual?

Not at all. It’s neutral and adaptable. You can make it more formal by saying “I look forward to working with you.”

Can I say it before work begins?

Yes, as long as collaboration is confirmed. It shows readiness and enthusiasm.

Is ‘looking forward to work with you’ ever acceptable?

No. It’s grammatically incorrect because “to” here functions as a preposition, not part of an infinitive.

What if I’m not genuinely excited?

You can soften it to: “I appreciate the opportunity to collaborate with you.” It stays polite without false enthusiasm.

Can it sound repetitive?

Yes—if used in every email. Rotate with alternatives like “Excited to get started” or “Looking forward to collaborating.”

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Best Practices for Using the Phrase Effectively

Here are practical dos and don’ts:

Do	Don’t
Use it after an offer, acceptance, or confirmed collaboration	Use it before confirmation
Match tone with context	Overuse in every message
Proofread for grammar	Add excessive punctuation
Add project-specific details	Leave it generic
Alternate with synonyms occasionally	Copy-paste templates

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Sample Email Templates Featuring “Looking Forward to Working With You”

New Client Introduction

Hi [Client Name],

Thank you for choosing [Your Company]. We’re thrilled to begin this journey with you and deliver outstanding results.

Looking forward to working with you.

Best regards,
[Your Name]

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Post-Interview Follow-Up

Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],

Thank you for meeting with me yesterday. I truly enjoyed learning about your company culture and upcoming projects.

I’m looking forward to working with you and contributing to your team’s success.

Best,
[Your Name]

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New Team Collaboration

Hey [Team Name],

Excited to start this new project with all of you! Let’s make it a success.

Looking forward to working with everyone.

Cheers,
[Your Name]

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Project Kickoff Confirmation

Hello [Partner Name],

Everything is set for the kickoff next week. I appreciate your preparation and support throughout.

Looking forward to working with you and your team on this initiative.

Kind regards,
[Your Name]

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FAQs

What’s the difference between “Looking forward to working with you” and “I look forward to working with you”?

Both mean the same. The former is slightly more casual; the latter is more formal and polished.

Can I use it in formal letters?

Yes, but prefer “I look forward to working with you” for official business letters.

Should I include it in every email?

No. Use it selectively to maintain authenticity and avoid redundancy.

Is it okay to say “Looking forward to work with you all”?

No. The correct form is “Looking forward to working with you all.”

What are friendlier alternatives?

Try: “Can’t wait to start collaborating,” or “Excited to begin this journey with you.”

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Conclusion

The phrase “Looking forward to working with you” remains a timeless, polite, and effective way to express enthusiasm for future collaboration. It bridges professionalism with friendliness—when used correctly.

Remember:

• Grammar counts. Always use “working,” not “work.”
• Tone should reflect context.
• Avoid overuse by mixing in genuine variations.

A simple, sincere phrase can open doors to strong professional relationships and lasting impressions.