Meaning
anticipate with pleasure
Primary Function
Expressing positive anticipation
Communicative Purpose
Expressing excitement or polite eagerness about a future event or interaction
Pattern
look forward to
Core Structure
look forward to
Função primária
Expressing positive anticipation
Propósito comunicativo
Expressing excitement or polite eagerness about a future event or interaction
Situações de gatilho
Receiving an invitation, scheduling a meeting, being notified of an upcoming event
Contextos
formal/informal correspondence (letters, emails), everyday conversation, professional socializing
Padrão
look forward to
Estrutura central
look forward to
Slots de substituição
event (e.g., the party, meeting, hearing from you)
Colocados típicos
- really
- very much
- eagerly
Substituições comuns
- anticipate (formal alternative)
Erros comuns
Using the infinitive after 'to' — e.g., *'I look forward to meet you' instead of 'I look forward to meeting you'; 'to' is a preposition here, not part of an infinitive.
Similar / contraste
can't wait to (more informal)
Interferências
Learners often mistake 'to' as an infinitive marker rather than a preposition, leading to errors like 'look forward meeting you'. Emphasize that 'to' requires a noun or gerund.
Família do chunk
- forward-looking (adj.)
Nuance
A standard polite expression with adjustable intensity through adverbs like 'really' or 'very much'; conveys genuine anticipation without obligation.
Efeito pragmático
Creates a warm, positive tone in both professional and personal communication, signaling enthusiasm for future contact or events.
Dica de memória
look forward
Nota
This expression is commonly used in formal and informal communication to convey positive anticipation. It is often used in closing letters or emails to express eagerness for future contact or events.
Upgrade path
look forward to doing something in the future
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