This expression describes pleased anticipation of a future event.

The idea

In neutral everyday English, look forward to takes a noun, pronoun or verb ending in -ing: look forward to meeting. The object follows the whole expression.

Examples

  • I look forward to the concert.
  • We are looking forward to meeting your family.
  • She looks forward to her holiday every year.
  • They looked forward to seeing the garden.
  • Do you look forward to your walks?
  • He is looking forward to it.

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Watch out

Here to is a preposition, so avoid look forward to meet; do not split the expression.

Try it yourself

  1. Choose the correct option. I look forward ___ the trip. (to / at)

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    to

    to completes the fixed expression.

  2. Choose the correct option. We look forward to ___ the show. (seeing / see)

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    seeing

    seeing follows the preposition and describes the anticipated activity.

  3. Choose the correct option. The festival is tomorrow; I look forward to ___. (it / its)

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    it

    it refers back to the anticipated event.

Use it today

Describe an event you are pleased to anticipate.