“Looking forward to seeing you” is a phrase we use when anticipating a meeting or encounter with someone. It’s a simple yet powerful way to convey excitement and eagerness. But understanding how to use this phrase correctly, in different contexts, and with the proper grammar can make all the difference between sounding professional or informal, eager or distant.
In this blog, we’ll explore the meaning behind “looking forward to seeing you”, examples of how and when to use it, the correct grammar rules to follow, and alternative phrases to express the same sentiment. Whether you’re writing a formal business email, texting a friend, or preparing for a family gathering, knowing the right way to use this phrase will help ensure your message lands perfectly.
What Does “Looking Forward to Seeing You” Mean?
This phrase expresses anticipation and excitement about meeting someone. It implies that you are eagerly awaiting an upcoming encounter, be it in a personal, professional, or social setting. The phrase is typically used to end messages or emails, signalling a positive expectation for a future interaction.
For example:
- “I’m looking forward to seeing you tomorrow at the meeting.”
- “Looking forward to seeing you again after such a long time!”
This phrase conveys warmth and enthusiasm. It’s a polite and positive way to express your eagerness, which is why it’s common in many types of communication, from casual texts to formal emails.
How to Use “Looking Forward to Seeing You” in Different Contexts
Let’s dive deeper into how to use the this phrase in various contexts, such as professional, romantic, family, academic, reunion, and volunteer settings. Understanding how to tailor the phrase to different situations ensures you communicate your message effectively and appropriately. Below are some detailed examples of how to use this phrase in different scenarios.
Professional Context
In professional settings, this phrase is often used to express enthusiasm for meetings, appointments, or events. It’s a polite, positive way of confirming your anticipation while maintaining a formal tone.
When to Use:
- Business meetings: When confirming an upcoming meeting with colleagues or clients.
- Networking events: When you’re looking forward to connecting with professionals in your field.
- Interviews: When confirming a job interview or interview follow-up.
Examples:
- “I’m looking forward to seeing you at the team meeting on Thursday.”
- Perfect for professional contexts where you’re confirming a scheduled meeting or event.
- “Looking forward to seeing you at the conference next week; it’ll be great to catch up.”
- A professional yet friendly tone for networking or reconnecting with a colleague.
- “I’m looking forward to meeting with you tomorrow to discuss the project.”
- Used when you want to confirm a specific agenda for a business-related meeting.
- “We’re looking forward to seeing you at the product launch event.”
- A formal, courteous way to express eagerness for a significant business event.
Family Context
In family settings, it conveys excitement and warmth, and is typically used in more informal and affectionate ways. It’s often used when anticipating family gatherings, holidays, or casual get-togethers.
When to Use:
- Family reunions: When anticipating seeing extended family members.
- Holiday gatherings: Perfect for family occasions like Thanksgiving, Christmas, or birthdays.
- Casual family meetups: Informal get-togethers or weekend visits.
Examples:
- “I’m really looking forward to seeing you all for Christmas dinner.”
- A great way to express excitement for a family holiday gathering.
- “Looking forward to seeing you tomorrow for our family BBQ!”
- Used to express anticipation for an informal, casual family gathering.
- “I can’t wait to see you at the family reunion next weekend!”
- A heartfelt and warm expression of excitement for an upcoming family reunion.
- “Looking forward to seeing you this weekend for some family time!”
- A casual, informal way to express eagerness for spending time with family.
Romantic Context
In romantic relationships, it conveys affection and excitement about spending time with a partner or a romantic interest. It can also be used to build anticipation for an upcoming date or meeting.
When to Use:
- Romantic dates: Expressing eagerness for an upcoming date with a significant other.
- Weekend plans: Looking forward to spending time together after a busy week.
- Long-distance relationships: Building anticipation before seeing a partner after a time apart.
Examples:
- “I’m looking forward to seeing you tonight for our dinner date.”
- A sweet and excited way of confirming plans for a romantic evening.
- “Looking forward to seeing you this weekend; I’ve missed you!”
- Ideal for a casual, loving message when you can’t wait to reconnect after time apart.
- “I’m really looking forward to seeing you again after this long week.”
- A personal, affectionate way of letting your partner know you’re excited for some quality time together.
- “Looking forward to seeing you soon – I can’t wait to spend the day with you!”
- Perfect for a more intimate setting when anticipating time spent with a romantic partner.
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Reunion Context
For reunions, whether they are with old friends, colleagues, or family, “Looking forward to seeing you” is an excellent way to convey enthusiasm about reconnecting with people you haven’t seen in a long time.
When to Use:
- School reunions: To express excitement for reconnecting with classmates.
- Old friends: For social gatherings with people you’ve lost touch with.
- Work reunions: When reconnecting with former colleagues or past business partners.
Examples:
- “Looking forward to seeing everyone at the 10-year reunion this weekend!”
- A perfect expression for school or college reunions, where excitement and nostalgia are key.
- “I’m really looking forward to seeing you again after all these years.”
- A warm and heartfelt way to express anticipation before a reunion with someone you haven’t seen in ages.
- “Looking forward to seeing you at the alumni gathering next month.”
- A more formal way to express eagerness for an upcoming reunion event, such as a college or professional alumni gathering.
- “Can’t wait to see you again after so long; I’m looking forward to catching up.”
- Ideal for reconnecting with old friends and family you haven’t seen for a while.
Academic Context
In academic settings, it can be used by teachers, students, or academic staff to express excitement for future meetings, classes, or academic events. It’s commonly used when confirming meetings, lectures, or group study sessions.
When to Use:
- Student-teacher meetings: When confirming an upcoming office hour or academic discussion.
- Study groups: When anticipating meeting classmates for group study.
- Lectures or seminars: When attending or participating in academic events.
Examples:
- “I’m looking forward to seeing you during office hours to discuss your paper.”
- A professional, academic way of expressing eagerness to meet a student.
- “Looking forward to seeing you in class tomorrow; we’ll be discussing the new topic.”
- A teacher expressing anticipation for an upcoming lesson with students.
- “I’m really looking forward to seeing you at the seminar this Friday!”
- Used when confirming attendance for an academic event or seminar.
- “Looking forward to seeing you all at the study group this afternoon.”
- Perfect for students confirming a group study session or academic gathering.
Volunteer Context
In a volunteer setting, it can be used to express eagerness to work together for a cause, attend volunteer events, or participate in team-building activities with other volunteers.
When to Use:
- Volunteer events: Confirming your participation in an upcoming volunteering activity.
- Community outreach: Expressing excitement about engaging with others for a good cause.
- Team collaborations: When working with a group of volunteers.
Examples:
- “Looking forward to seeing you at the community service event on Saturday!”
- A great way to confirm participation in a volunteer event.
- “I’m looking forward to seeing you at the fundraising dinner next week!”
- Used when looking forward to a charitable event or gathering.
- “We’re looking forward to seeing you at the volunteer orientation session on Monday.”
- A professional yet enthusiastic way of expressing eagerness to meet other volunteers.
- “Can’t wait to see you at the park tomorrow for our environmental clean-up!”
- Casual and friendly, perfect for volunteers gathering for an outdoor event or activity.
The Grammar Behind “Looking Forward to Seeing You”
Here’s a table that breaks down the grammar behind this phrase, explaining the key components and how each part contributes to the meaning and structure of the phrase.
| Component | Explanation | Example Sentence |
| Looking Forward | Present participle phrase expressing anticipation or eagerness about something in the future. | “I’m looking forward to the event next week.” |
| To | A preposition that connects the phrase “looking forward” with the action (seeing you). It is necessary here to indicate the future goal or result of the anticipation. | “We are looking forward to seeing you soon.” |
| Seeing | The gerund form of the verb “see”; it functions as a noun here, describing the action being anticipated. | “Looking forward to seeing you at the reunion.” |
| You | A personal pronoun that indicates the subject or person being looked forward to. It makes the sentence direct and personal. | “I’m looking forward to seeing you tomorrow.” |
| Verb tense: Present Continuous | The phrase uses the present continuous tense to indicate an ongoing or future expectation. “Looking forward” indicates anticipation for something upcoming. | “I am looking forward to seeing you later.” |
| Verb tense: Gerund | The gerund “seeing” functions as a noun, acting as the object of the preposition “to.” This helps convey an ongoing action that the speaker anticipates. | “Looking forward to seeing you at the party.” |
| Subtle Politeness | The phrase conveys a polite and positive tone by expressing eagerness and respect for the person being addressed. | “We are really looking forward to seeing you soon!” |
Key Grammar Points:
- Looking Forward is a fixed expression in the present continuous form. It’s a phrase used to express anticipation, so it’s always followed by the preposition “to.”
- To is a preposition here, connecting the phrase “looking forward” to the action that will occur, “seeing”.
- The gerund form of the verb (i.e., seeing) functions as a noun in the sentence, which is why the preposition “to” is followed by a gerund rather than an infinitive.
- You is a pronoun that serves as the object of the verb “seeing”. It makes the sentence more personal and directly addresses the person being anticipated.
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Understanding Verb Tense:
- Present Continuous Tense: The verb “looking forward” is in the present continuous form to show the current act of anticipation and the expectation that it will continue into the future.
Additional Examples to Clarify:
| Example Sentence | Explanation |
| “I’m looking forward to seeing you tomorrow.” | Present continuous tense used to express anticipation for a future event (meeting tomorrow). |
| “She is looking forward to meeting with you soon.” | Future-oriented expectation with a focus on an upcoming meeting. The verb “meeting” is a gerund. |
| “We were looking forward to seeing everyone at the event.” | Past continuous tense indicating that at some point in the past, anticipation for an event was happening. |
| “They are looking forward to meeting you next week.” | Indicates eagerness for a future event (meeting), using “meeting” as a noun (gerund). |
By breaking down the structure in this way, you can better understand the grammar behind this phrase and why it’s used so frequently to express excitement and anticipation in both casual and professional contexts.
30 Example Sentences Using “Looking Forward to Seeing You”
Here are 30 additional example sentences using this phrase to give you a better idea of how to use it in various contexts:
- I’m looking forward to seeing you at the gala next Friday!
- Looking forward to seeing you tomorrow at our coffee meeting.
- I’m looking forward to seeing you at the team retreat next month.
- We are all looking forward to seeing you at the office party.
- Looking forward to seeing you at the concert this weekend.
- I was looking forward to seeing you after the long weekend break.
- Looking forward to seeing you soon to catch up on everything.
- I’m looking forward to seeing you this evening for dinner.
- We’re looking forward to seeing you at the wedding next month!
- Looking forward to seeing you tomorrow at the gym for our workout session.
- I’m looking forward to seeing you after your trip abroad.
- Can’t wait to see you next week at the conference.
- I look forward to seeing you in person at the seminar.
- Looking forward to seeing you after the holiday season.
- We’re looking forward to seeing you all at the family barbecue on Sunday.
- I was looking forward to seeing you today, but I understand things came up.
- Looking forward to seeing you next time you’re in town!
- I’m looking forward to seeing you during the weekend getaway.
- Looking forward to seeing you at our scheduled appointment on Thursday.
- Can’t wait to see you tomorrow at the workshop!
- Looking forward to seeing you again after all these years at the reunion.
- I look forward to seeing you at the museum tour tomorrow.
- We are looking forward to seeing you at the charity auction event.
- I’m really looking forward to seeing you this weekend for our road trip.
- Looking forward to seeing you at the family gathering over the holidays.
- I’m looking forward to seeing you at the presentation tomorrow afternoon.
- Looking forward to seeing you for our dinner date this weekend.
- I was really looking forward to seeing you at the concert, but I missed you!
- Looking forward to seeing you all after the new year.
- I’m looking forward to seeing you when you get back from your travels.
These examples demonstrate how versatile this phrase can be, whether it’s for casual, formal, or professional situations. Using it with specific timeframes and contexts enhances the clarity and excitement behind your message.
Adding Personal Touches to Your Message
One way to make your message more heartfelt is by personalizing it. A personalized message shows that you care about the recipient and the meeting. This can be as simple as mentioning something specific about the upcoming event, or acknowledging the time passed since your last meeting.
Example:
- “Looking forward to seeing you tomorrow, it’s been too long since we last met.”
- “I’m looking forward to seeing you all tomorrow at the reunion. It’s going to be a blast catching up!”
These small personal touches create a connection and make your message feel more genuine.
Greetings and Closings
Using appropriate greetings and closings adds a professional or friendly tone to your message. Whether you’re writing an email or a text, the right greeting and closing can make your message stand out.
Formal Greetings and Closings
Greetings:
- “Dear [Name],”
- “Hello [Name],”
Closings:
- “Best regards,”
- “Sincerely,”
- “Yours truly,”
Example Formal Email:
- “Dear Mr. Brown, I’m looking forward to seeing you at our meeting next Monday. Best regards, [Your Name]”
Informal Greetings and Closings
Greetings:
- “Hi [Name],”
- “Hey [Name],”
Closings:
- “Cheers,”
- “Take care,”
- “See you soon,”
Example Informal Text:
- “Hi Mark, Looking forward to seeing you tonight! Cheers, [Your Name]”
Tone Matters: Formal vs. Informal Usage
Knowing when to use “looking forward to seeing you” formally or informally is key to maintaining the right tone.
Formal Tone
In formal contexts, you might say, “I look forward to seeing you soon” or “I am looking forward to meeting you.” You can use these phrases when writing professional emails, in business correspondence, or when dealing with clients or colleagues.
Informal Tone
In informal settings, it’s common to shorten the phrase slightly or use it in a more relaxed way. For example, “Looking forward to seeing you” or “Can’t wait to see you” works perfectly in casual conversations with friends, family, or acquaintances.
Alternative Phrases to Express “Looking Forward to Seeing You”
While this phrase is a widely used and friendly expression, there are several alternative phrases you can use to convey the same sentiment, depending on the context, tone, or level of formality. These alternatives can help you sound more natural, avoid repetition, or tailor your message to fit the specific situation. Below, we explore several options for expressing anticipation or eagerness to meet someone.
1. “I Can’t Wait to See You”
This is a more informal and enthusiastic way to express eagerness to see someone. It conveys a stronger sense of excitement than “looking forward to seeing you” and is typically used in more personal or casual settings.
- Example: “I can’t wait to see you at the concert tomorrow!”
Tone: Informal, enthusiastic, and friendly.
2. “Excited to See You”
This phrase is slightly less intense than “I can’t wait” but still conveys a clear sense of enthusiasm. It’s commonly used in both personal and semi-professional settings.
- Example: “I’m excited to see you this weekend for our dinner plans!”
Tone: Casual, but with a warm and friendly feeling. Can also be used in semi-professional contexts when expressing excitement for a meeting.
3. “Looking Forward to Our Meeting”
A more formal alternative to “Looking forward to seeing you”, especially suitable for professional or business contexts. It emphasizes the upcoming meeting or discussion rather than just the casual act of seeing someone.
- Example: “I’m looking forward to our meeting next Monday to discuss the project.”
Tone: Formal, professional, and focused on the event or purpose of the meeting.
4. “I’m Looking Forward to Catching Up”
This phrase is perfect for situations where the purpose of the meeting is to reconnect or have a friendly chat. It conveys a sense of looking forward to a deeper or meaningful conversation rather than just seeing someone.
- Example: “I’m looking forward to catching up with you over coffee tomorrow!”
Tone: Casual, friendly, and warm. Often used in social settings or among friends and colleagues.
5. “I’m Eager to See You”
This is another enthusiastic way of expressing anticipation but with a slightly more formal tone than “I can’t wait to see you.” It’s a good choice when you want to express excitement while maintaining a sense of politeness.
- Example: “I’m eager to see you after all this time! Let’s catch up soon.”
Tone: Friendly, polite, and a bit more formal than “can’t wait.”
6. “I’m Thrilled to See You”
This expression conveys a higher level of excitement than the standard “looking forward to seeing you.” It works well in situations where you want to emphasize how pleased or happy you are to see someone.
- Example: “I’m thrilled to see you this weekend! It’s been ages since we last hung out.”
Tone: Warm, personal, and highly enthusiastic.
7. “I’m So Excited to See You”
This version is more emotionally expressive than the simple “Looking forward to seeing you.” It’s often used in very personal contexts, such as with friends or romantic partners.
- Example: “I’m so excited to see you tomorrow; it’s been far too long!”
Tone: Casual, friendly, and extremely enthusiastic.
8. “Can’t Wait to See You Again”
This alternative is perfect when you have already seen someone recently and are looking forward to the next meeting. It expresses both excitement and a sense of ongoing connection.
- Example: “Can’t wait to see you again at the reunion next month!”
Tone: Casual and personal, often used in a social or family context.
9. “Looking Forward to Seeing Everyone”
This variation is useful when addressing a group rather than a single individual. It conveys excitement about seeing a group of people, whether it’s for a family gathering, team meeting, or social event.
- Example: “Looking forward to seeing everyone at the team dinner tomorrow!”
Tone: Neutral and friendly, suitable for both personal and professional group settings.
10. “I’m Excited to Meet You”
A more direct way of expressing excitement for the first meeting or introduction. While similar to “Looking forward to seeing you,” it is specifically used when you haven’t yet met the person or are excited about your first interaction.
- Example: “I’m excited to meet you at the conference next week!”
Tone: Neutral to formal. Often used in professional settings or when meeting someone for the first time.
11. “I Look Forward to Meeting You”
This is the formal alternative often used in business or professional correspondence, especially when you have a scheduled appointment or meeting with someone. It’s polite and respectful while still conveying anticipation.
- Example: “I look forward to meeting you at the board meeting tomorrow.”
Tone: Formal and professional, suitable for emails or official communication.
12. “I Can’t Wait for Our Meeting”
Similar to “I can’t wait to see you,” this phrase focuses on the upcoming interaction in a professional or business context. It’s perfect for when you’re anticipating a productive meeting or important discussion.
- Example: “I can’t wait for our meeting tomorrow to discuss the new strategy.”
Tone: Professional but enthusiastic.
13. “Can’t Wait to Catch Up”
This is a friendly, informal expression commonly used among friends, colleagues, or acquaintances when you want to reconnect and chat. It suggests a sense of excitement for catching up on life, events, or shared experiences.
- Example: “Can’t wait to catch up with you over lunch next week!”
Tone: Informal, casual, and friendly.
14. “I Look Forward to Our Time Together”
This phrase works well when you want to convey a sense of personal connection and anticipation about a specific event or activity. It’s often used in both personal and professional contexts.
- Example: “I look forward to our time together at the seminar next month.”
Tone: Friendly and warm, though it can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
15. “I’m Looking Forward to Spending Time with You”
This variation focuses more on the quality time you’ll spend together, rather than just the meeting itself. It conveys a sense of eagerness for meaningful interaction, making it more personal.
- Example: “I’m looking forward to spending time with you at the family gathering this weekend!”
Tone: Warm, personal, and more intimate.
16. “I’m Eager to Meet You”
This phrase expresses a strong desire or interest in meeting someone, often used in formal or semi-formal settings, such as job interviews, professional networking, or social events.
- Example: “I’m eager to meet you at the upcoming conference.”
Tone: Slightly formal or professional.
17. “Looking Forward to Seeing You Soon”
This variation emphasizes the immediacy of the upcoming interaction. It works well when the meeting is scheduled soon and you’re confirming your excitement for the upcoming event.
- Example: “Looking forward to seeing you soon at the gala tonight!”
Tone: Neutral, with an implied sense of urgency or closeness in time.
18. “I Can’t Wait to Catch Up with You”
Another informal option, this phrase is particularly used when you haven’t seen someone in a while and are eager to reconnect. It’s often used among friends, colleagues, or people with whom you share a personal relationship.
- Example: “I can’t wait to catch up with you over dinner next week!”
Tone: Friendly, personal, and enthusiastic.
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Conclusion
“Looking forward to seeing you” is a versatile phrase that can be used in many situations to express anticipation and excitement. Whether you’re meeting with colleagues, friends, family, or clients, understanding how to use this phrase correctly will help ensure your message is clear, polite, and conveys the right level of enthusiasm.
Remember, it’s not just about the words you use but also how you frame them within your context. Adding time specifics, using professional greetings and closings, and adding a personal touch will make your message resonate with the recipient.
Alison Darnbough is an experienced blogger and grammar enthusiast at Grammar Blend. With a passion for language and a knack for clarity, she transforms complex grammar concepts into accessible guides. Alison has a background in linguistics and a love for teaching, making her insights invaluable for readers of all levels. When she’s not writing, she enjoys exploring new words and sharing her love of language with others.
