“I Am Very Much Looking Forward”? A Complete Guide

From experience, I am very much looking forward to showing why “I Am Very Much Looking Forward” sounds natural in everyday English language use but still needs clarity, knowing, and understanding to stay clear and structured for readers.

The phrase may look complete at first glance, yet it can be grammatical but grammatically unfinished, which raises correctness issues for formal writing and professional settings.I’ve typed this line in an email, paused halfway, and wondered if I missed something, because the wording looks right and works in communication but may feel awkward to some people, including many native speakers.

The goal is to help, because the phrase carries and captures emotion, such as feelings, excitement, enthusiasm, and eagerness when you anticipate future events like a vacation, interview, or meeting. In speaking, talking, a chat, or conversations, it feels normal and part of the way we communicate, but using it correctly helps you avoid common mistakes that cause incorrect sentences.

Over time, I’ve seen how small choices influence how others perceive your skills and professional tone. When you dig deeper and look closer, you notice the difference between best and better usage, and you never second-guess again after reading through everything.

Table of Contents

What “I Am Very Much Looking Forward” Actually Means

When someone uses the phrase “I am very much looking forward”, they express polite anticipation. The speaker signals excitement, interest, or readiness for something in the future.

However the phrase cannot stand alone. It’s grammatically incomplete without an object. That missing object is the reason writers often feel that something isn’t quite right.

Here’s what’s happening beneath the surface:

The phrase sets up an expectation.
The verb structure requires a noun or gerund to complete the meaning.
Without that final piece, the sentence feels like an idea that stops in midair.

For example:

“I am very much looking forward…”
(Your brain expects the next word.)

The moment you hear or read that line, you naturally wait for what comes after—like hearing from you or the meeting tomorrow. This built-in expectation is what makes the grammar so important.

Grammar Breakdown: The Real Structure Behind “Look Forward To”

To understand why the phrase needs an object, you need to understand the verb structure. Look forward to is not a regular verb phrase. It’s what grammarians call a phrasal-prepositional verb, or sometimes a three-word multi-word verb.

Here’s the breakdown:

Look → main verb
Forward → adverb modifying the verb
To → preposition, not an infinitive marker

That final point matters more than anything else. When writers see the word to, they assume they should follow it with a verb in the infinitive form—like to go, to meet, or to talk.

But in this construction, to behaves like the to in listen to or agree to. That means the object must be a noun or gerund, not an infinitive verb.

So the structure looks like this:

Component	Function
look	verb
forward	adverb
to	preposition
object	required noun or gerund

Because the phrase ends with a preposition, you need something after it to anchor the meaning.

That’s why “I am very much looking forward” feels unfinished.

The Object Requirement: Gerund vs Noun

Since look forward to ends with a preposition, the grammar demands an object. You can use:

A gerund (a verb ending in -ing)
A noun
A noun phrase

Here are correct and natural examples.

Using Gerunds

I am very much looking forward to meeting you.
I am very much looking forward to hearing your thoughts.
I am very much looking forward to attending the conference.

Gerunds make the sentence flow smoothly and sound natural in both spoken and written English.

Using Nouns

I am very much looking forward to the event.
I am very much looking forward to your reply.
I am very much looking forward to the weekend.

The noun object can be something abstract or concrete. It doesn’t matter as long as the object completes the structure.

Why Infinitives Don’t Work

Because to is a preposition here, using an infinitive after it is incorrect.

For example:

I am very much looking forward to meet you.
This sentence is grammatically wrong.

Replace the infinitive meet with the gerund meeting, and the sentence becomes correct.

Understanding the Modifier “Very Much”

The words very much intensify the feeling of anticipation. They don’t change the grammar structure, but they do change tone.

Here’s what you need to know:

Very much adds emphasis and makes the sentence more polite or enthusiastic.
It modifies the degree of anticipation.
It must appear before the full verb phrase is completed.

For example:

I am very much looking forward to working with you.
This flows smoothly and sounds polished.

Where people get into trouble is when they place it in odd spots. We’ll cover incorrect placements later.

When to Use “Very Much”

Use it when you want to sound:

warm
appreciative
genuinely eager
professionally courteous

It works especially well in business emails.

When Not to Use It

If the context is extremely formal—like academic writing or legal documents—“very much” may feel too emotional.
However in most professional settings, it’s perfectly acceptable and widely used.

Sentence Structure Rules: Acceptable Word Orders

You have several correct options when writing the phrase. Each one adjusts the tone slightly.

Correct Structures

I am very much looking forward to your response.
I’m very much looking forward to speaking with you.
I am really looking forward to your visit.
I am looking forward very much to hearing from you. (Less common but still correct.)

Acceptable Variations

These still follow proper grammar but shift emphasis or tone:

I’m looking forward to your response very much.
I am truly looking forward to our conversation.
I am especially looking forward to meeting the team.

Structures to Avoid

These forms sound unnatural or grammatically incorrect:

✗ I am looking very much forward to hearing from you.
(awkward modifier placement)
✗ I am very much looking forward.
(incomplete sentence)
✗ I am very much looking forward to meet you.
(incorrect object form)

A good rule of thumb is simple:
Keep “very much” close to the main verb phrase without interrupting the grammar.

Common Errors With “I Am Very Much Looking Forward” (and How to Fix Them)

Even experienced writers fall into predictable traps when using this phrase. Let’s break down the mistakes and give you clear, practical fixes.

Leaving Out the Object

This is the most common issue.

✗ I am very much looking forward.
This sentence stops before it conveys meaning.

Corrected versions:

I am very much looking forward to hearing from you.
I am very much looking forward to the meeting.

Using the Infinitive Instead of the Gerund

Because “to” looks like an infinitive marker, writers often follow it with a verb in its base form.

I am very much looking forward to talk with you.
I am very much looking forward to meet you.

Corrected versions:

I am very much looking forward to talking with you.
I am very much looking forward to meeting you.

Incorrect Placement of “Very Much”

Placing the modifier in the wrong location disrupts rhythm and clarity.

I am looking very much forward to hearing from you.
This sounds robotic.

Corrected versions:

I am very much looking forward to hearing from you.
I am looking forward to hearing from you very much. (Acceptable but uncommon.)

Ending the Sentence After “Forward”

This often happens in rushed business emails.

I am very much looking forward.
The reader is left wondering, looking forward to what?

Correct versions:

I am very much looking forward to your response.
I am very much looking forward to meeting you.

Dropping the Preposition “To”

Some speakers cut “to” without realizing the meaning changes.

I am very much looking forward meeting you.
This is incorrect because the verb demands the preposition.

Correct version:

I am very much looking forward to meeting you.

Formal vs Informal Usage: Choosing the Right Tone

The phrase “I am very much looking forward” works differently depending on your audience. Tone matters in communication, especially in professional contexts.

Formal Usage: When the Phrase Fits Perfectly

The phrase works well in:

job applications
business emails
networking messages
client or vendor communication
academic correspondences
interview follow-ups

Formal communication often requires politeness and clarity. This structure delivers both.

Example (Formal Email)

“I am very much looking forward to discussing the next steps with your team.”

Why it works:

It sounds respectful
The tone is warm but controlled
It signals professionalism

Informal Usage: Softer and More Casual Alternatives

When writing to friends, family, or close colleagues, the phrase may sound stiff. You can relax the structure easily.

Informal Alternatives

I’m really looking forward to it.
Can’t wait to see you!
I’m excited about the weekend.
I’m looking forward to hanging out.

These sound natural in casual settings where warmth matters more than formality.

Strong Alternatives to “I Am Very Much Looking Forward”

Using the same phrase too often—especially in email—can feel repetitive. Here are polished alternatives grouped by tone.

Professional Alternatives

I am eager to discuss this further.
I look forward to your response.
I appreciate your time and look forward to next steps.
I am excited about the opportunity to collaborate.

Warm and Polite Alternatives

I’m really looking forward to connecting.
I truly look forward to meeting you.
I’m delighted at the chance to work together.

Casual Alternatives

Can’t wait!
I’m excited to meet up.
I’m looking forward to seeing you soon.

Elevated or Elegant Alternatives

These options work well for speeches, presentations, or formal invitations.

It will be a pleasure to meet you.
I anticipate our conversation with great interest.
I await your reply with appreciation.

Real-Life Examples With Clear Explanations

Using real sentences helps everything click into place. Each example below shows how the phrase functions in context.

Business Email Example

“I am very much looking forward to reviewing the proposal with you tomorrow.”

Why it works:
The sentence is polished, direct, and complete. It expresses enthusiasm without sounding informal.

Job Interview Follow-Up

“Thank you for the opportunity to speak today. I am very much looking forward to the possibility of joining your team.”

Why it works:
The phrase expresses gratitude, confidence, and eagerness in a single line.

Casual Text Message

“I’m really looking forward to the concert tonight!”

Why it works:
Simple, friendly, and perfectly natural for an informal setting.

Quick Reference Table: Correct vs Incorrect Usage

Version	Correct?	Explanation
I am very much looking forward to meeting you.	✔	Gerund + correct structure
I am very much looking forward to your reply.	✔	Noun object works
I am very much looking forward.	✗	Incomplete sentence
I am very much looking forward to meet you.	✗	Infinitive used incorrectly
I am looking very much forward to hearing from you.	✗	Incorrect modifier placement
I look forward to hearing from you.	✔	Standard structure
I’m looking forward to it.	✔	Informal but correct

Mini Checklist: How to Know Your Sentence Is Correct

Use this checklist before sending your message:

Does your sentence end with a noun or gerund?
Did you keep very much close to the main verb phrase?
Did you avoid using an infinitive after “to”?
Does the tone match your audience (formal or casual)?
Does the sentence sound natural when read out loud?

If you can answer yes to all of these, your sentence is correct.

Conclusion

“I Am Very Much Looking Forward” feels natural and expressive, which explains why it appears so often in everyday English. When you understand its structure and intent, you can use it with confidence across casual and professional settings. The key is awareness. Match the phrase to your audience, context, and purpose. When used thoughtfully, it adds warmth, clarity, and genuine enthusiasm to your message without sounding awkward or incomplete.