Is “I Am Very Much Looking Forward” Correct? A Complete, Clear Guide to Using It Naturally

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By Jonathan Pierce

When you write emails, job applications, or even casual messages, I Am Very Much Looking Forward can express enthusiasm, eagerness, and anticipation while keeping your communication clear and confident. This phrase shows that you’re not just speaking or writing words, but conveying purpose, emotion, and intentions, making your messages feel human and structured.

Using this phrase effectively relies on attention to details, choices of words, and overall fluency. When I prepare for meetings or emails, I ensure my expressions are natural, polished, and appropriate for the audience. Even small adjustments in phrases can enhance the clarity, impact, and effectiveness of your communication, helping your thoughts land exactly as you intend.

I’ve noticed that using this phrase across conversations—from chat to formal writing—helps maintain a confident, human, and structured tone. By combining learning, experience, and practice, you make your messages both precise and authentic. Whether you’re speaking, writing, or communicating in formal or casual settings, I Am Very Much Looking Forward consistently conveys clarity, purpose, and enthusiasm.

Table of Contents

Is “I Am Very Much Looking Forward” Correct? Quick Answer

Let’s cut straight to it.

👉 No, the phrase is NOT correct on its own.
👉 Yes, it becomes correct when you complete it properly.

Why it feels incomplete

“I am very much looking forward…” leaves the reader hanging. It’s like starting a sentence and never finishing your thought.

You’re telling someone you’re excited. But what about?

Correct vs Incorrect Examples

SentenceCorrect?Why
I am very much looking forwardMissing object
I am very much looking forward to meeting youComplete and natural
I am looking forward to your replyClean and professional
I am very much looking forward to hear from youWrong verb form

Simple rule:
👉 Always finish the sentence with something after “to”

What “Looking Forward To” Really Means

At its core, this phrase expresses anticipation and positive expectation.

You’re telling someone:

“I expect this to happen and I feel good about it.”

Why people use it so often

  • It sounds polite
  • It shows enthusiasm
  • It softens communication
  • It works in both formal and casual settings

Real-life comparison

  • “I expect your reply” → sounds cold
  • “I’m looking forward to your reply” → sounds warm and professional

That small shift changes the tone completely.

Grammar Breakdown (Simple and Practical)

Let’s break this down without turning it into a grammar lecture.

Core Structure

Every correct sentence follows this pattern:

Subject + am/is/are + looking forward to + object

Example

  • I am looking forward to meeting you
  • She is looking forward to the event
  • We are looking forward to your feedback

Why “To” Is NOT an Infinitive Here

This is where most mistakes happen.

You might think “to” works like this:

  • to eat
  • to go
  • to see

But in this phrase, “to” is a preposition, not part of an infinitive verb.

What does that mean?

After a preposition, you must use:

  • a noun, or
  • a gerund (-ing verb)

Quick comparison

StructureExampleCorrect?
Infinitiveto see you
Gerundto seeing you
Nounto the meeting

Memory trick that works

Replace the phrase with this:

“I am excited about…”

  • excited about seeing you
  • excited about see you

Same rule. Easy fix.

The Golden Rule: Always Add an Object

This is the one rule you must remember.

👉 Never end the sentence at “looking forward”

What counts as an object?

Gerund (-ing verb)

  • meeting you
  • hearing from you
  • working together

Noun

  • the event
  • your reply
  • the opportunity

Examples You Can Copy

  • I am very much looking forward to hearing from you
  • I am looking forward to our meeting
  • I am very much looking forward to working with your team

Where “Very Much” Actually Fits

Now let’s talk about the tricky part: “very much.”

People often place it incorrectly. That makes the sentence sound stiff or unnatural.

Best Placement

👉 Put “very much” before “looking forward”

  • I am very much looking forward to meeting you ✅

What sounds less natural

  • I am looking forward very much to meeting you ⚠️
  • I very much am looking forward to meeting you ❌

Why placement matters

English rhythm matters more than strict rules.

Good sentences flow naturally. Bad ones feel robotic.

Sentence Patterns You Can Use Instantly

Instead of guessing, use these proven patterns.

Professional Pattern

  • I am looking forward to your response
  • I am very much looking forward to discussing this further

Neutral Everyday Pattern

  • I’m looking forward to meeting you
  • I’m looking forward to hearing your thoughts

Friendly Conversational Pattern

  • Looking forward to it
  • Can’t wait to see you

Common Mistakes (And How to Fix Them Fast)

Let’s fix the mistakes people make again and again.

Leaving the Sentence Hanging

❌ I am very much looking forward
✅ I am very much looking forward to hearing from you

Fix: Always complete the thought.

Using the Wrong Verb Form

❌ looking forward to see you
✅ looking forward to seeing you

Fix: Always use -ing form

Overusing “Very Much”

❌ I am very much looking forward to your reply (in every email)

It sounds stiff if you repeat it too often.

Better:

  • I’m looking forward to your reply
  • I appreciate your response

Word Order Problems

❌ I very much am looking forward
✅ I am very much looking forward

Fix: Keep it simple and natural.

Formal vs Informal Usage

Context matters more than grammar here.

Formal Situations

Use it in:

  • Business emails
  • Job applications
  • Professional communication

Examples:

  • I am looking forward to your reply
  • I am very much looking forward to our meeting

Informal Situations

Keep it shorter and lighter.

Examples:

  • Looking forward to it
  • Can’t wait
  • See you soon

Better Alternatives That Sound More Natural

Sometimes “very much” feels heavy.

Here are cleaner options.

Professional Alternatives

  • I’m looking forward to your reply
  • I’m eager to hear from you
  • I’d appreciate your feedback

Casual Alternatives

  • Can’t wait to see you
  • Really excited about this
  • Looking forward to it

When to avoid “very much”

  • Everyday emails
  • Quick replies
  • Casual conversations

Use it only when you want extra emphasis.

Real-Life Examples (With Explanations)

Let’s make this practical.

Business Email Example

Sentence:

I am very much looking forward to discussing this opportunity with you.

Why it works:

  • Professional tone
  • Complete structure
  • Shows enthusiasm without sounding desperate

Job Interview Follow-Up

Sentence:

I am looking forward to hearing your feedback.

Why it works:

  • Polite
  • Confident
  • Not overly emotional

Casual Text Example

Sentence:

Looking forward to it!

Why it works:

  • Short
  • Natural
  • Perfect for informal communication

Case Study: Small Change, Big Impact

Imagine two candidates emailing after an interview.

Candidate A

I am very much looking forward.

Incomplete. Feels careless.

Candidate B

I am very much looking forward to hearing your decision.

Clear. Professional. Polished.

👉 That small change can affect how people judge your communication skills.

Quick Reference Table (Save This)

SituationBest PhraseTone
Formal emailI am looking forward to your replyProfessional
Formal emphasisI am very much looking forward to…Strong
NeutralI’m looking forward to…Balanced
CasualLooking forward to itRelaxed
FriendlyCan’t wait to see youWarm

Advanced Tip: How Native Speakers Actually Use It

Here’s something most guides don’t tell you.

Native speakers often drop unnecessary words.

Instead of:

  • I am very much looking forward to your reply

They say:

  • Looking forward to your reply

Short. Clean. Effective.

When “Very Much” Actually Helps

Use it when you want to:

  • Add emphasis
  • Show strong interest
  • Sound more formal

Example

  • I am very much looking forward to collaborating with your team

It adds weight without sounding emotional.

When It Hurts Your Writing

Avoid it when:

  • You repeat it too often
  • The sentence already sounds strong
  • You want a modern tone

Too much formality can feel outdated.

Final Takeaway: What You Should Remember

Let’s keep it simple.

  • The phrase is correct only when complete
  • Always follow “to” with a noun or -ing verb
  • Place “very much” before “looking forward”
  • Use it sparingly for emphasis
  • When unsure, keep it short and natural

Conclusion

Using I Am Very Much Looking Forward effectively can transform your emails, applications, and conversations. It communicates enthusiasm, clarity, and purpose, making your messages feel structured and authentic. With a bit of attention to details, word choices, and context, you can make even simple sentences convey emotion and confidence, leaving a strong impression on your audience. Practising this phrase across formal and casual settings ensures your communication is always polished, natural, and impact.

FAQs

Q1: Is it okay to use “I Am Very Much Looking Forward” in casual emails?

Yes, it works in both formal and casual contexts. It shows enthusiasm and anticipation while keeping your message clear.

Q2: Can this phrase sound too formal?

It can, if overused or placed in the wrong context. Pair it with natural language to keep your tone friendly yet professional.

Q3: How do I make this phrase feel more personal?

Add specific details about what you’re looking forward to, and balance it with everyday words to convey authenticity and human touch.

Q4: Does using this phrase improve clarity in communication?

Absolutely. It highlights intentions, conveys emotion, and ensures your audience understands your message without confusion.

Q5: Are there alternatives to this phrase for variety?

Yes, alternatives like “I’m excited about”, “Can’t wait for”, or Looking forward to” work well depending on your context and audience.

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