Looking forward is one of those phrases we all use without thinking — in emails, messages, conversations, and even formal writing. It’s polite, safe, and familiar, but sometimes it can feel a little flat or repetitive. When we want to sound more warm, thoughtful, or emotionally present, choosing a better alternative can make a real difference.
In this article, I’ll walk you through 25 meaningful, natural sounding alternatives to “looking forward,” each explained with clear examples, best use scenarios, and moments to avoid them. I’ve used many of these phrases myself in professional emails, personal notes, and heartfelt conversations — and I can confidently say they change how your message is received.
1. Excited About
This phrase conveys energy, positivity, and emotional involvement.
Best use: Friendly emails, casual work chats, personal messages
Not to use: Very formal or serious situations
Other ways to say: Thrilled by, eager about
Example: I’m excited about working together on this project.
2. Eager To
Eager to sounds motivated and proactive, making it perfect for professional communication.
Best use: Job applications, teamwork discussions
Not to use: Emotional or sensitive conversations
Other ways to say: Ready to, keen to
Example: I’m eager to learn more about your approach.
3. Can’t Wait For
This phrase feels warm, enthusiastic, and personal.
Best use: Friends, family, informal messages
Not to use: Corporate or legal writing
Other ways to say: Counting down to, so excited for
Example: I can’t wait for our next catch up.
4. Anticipating
Anticipating adds a thoughtful, slightly formal tone.
Best use: Professional emails, announcements
Not to use: Casual texting
Other ways to say: Expecting, awaiting
Example: I’m anticipating your response.
5. Hopeful About
This phrase carries gentle optimism and sincerity.
Best use: Emotional or supportive conversations
Not to use: When certainty is required
Other ways to say: Optimistic about, positive about
Example: I’m hopeful about what lies ahead.
6. Keen On
Keen on feels friendly and confident, especially in British or international English.
Best use: Informal professional settings
Not to use: Highly formal documents
Other ways to say: Interested in, enthusiastic about
Example: I’m keen on exploring this idea further.
7. Delighted By
This phrase expresses graceful appreciation and warmth.
Best use: Thank you emails, polite replies
Not to use: Casual texting
Other ways to say: Pleased with, happy about
Example: I’m delighted by your invitation.
8. Enthusiastic About
Enthusiastic about shows commitment and passion.
Best use: Professional introductions, proposals
Not to use: Emotional apologies
Other ways to say: Passionate about, excited by
Example: I’m enthusiastic about contributing to the team.
9. Ready For
This phrase implies confidence and preparedness.
Best use: Work settings, challenges
Not to use: Emotional conversations
Other ways to say: Prepared for, set for
Example: I’m ready for the next step.
10. Interested In
A neutral and versatile option.
Best use: Emails, networking, inquiries
Not to use: Emotional messages
Other ways to say: Curious about, keen on
Example: I’m interested in learning more.
11. Thrilled About
This expresses strong excitement and joy.
Best use: Celebratory moments
Not to use: Formal business writing
Other ways to say: Overjoyed by, excited about
Example: I’m thrilled about the opportunity.
12. Open To
Open to suggests flexibility and approachability.
Best use: Collaboration discussions
Not to use: When firm commitment is needed
Other ways to say: Receptive to, willing to consider
Example: I’m open to your suggestions.
13. Positive About
This phrase communicates calm confidence.
Best use: Professional reassurance
Not to use: Emotional vulnerability
Other ways to say: Optimistic about, hopeful about
Example: I feel positive about the outcome.
14. Awaiting
Awaiting sounds formal and patient.
Best use: Business emails
Not to use: Casual chats
Other ways to say: Waiting for, anticipating
Example: I’m awaiting your confirmation.
15. Glad About
This phrase feels simple and sincere.
Best use: Personal or semi formal messages
Not to use: Legal or technical writing
Other ways to say: Happy about, pleased with
Example: I’m glad about your decision.
16. Pumped For
Very casual and energetic.
Best use: Friends, informal texts
Not to use: Professional communication
Other ways to say: Excited for, hyped about
Example: I’m pumped for the weekend.
17. Curious About
This shows intellectual interest without pressure.
Best use: Learning environments
Not to use: Emotional topics
Other ways to say: Interested in, keen on
Example: I’m curious about your approach.
18. Optimistic About
Optimistic about conveys confidence mixed with hope.
Best use: Professional reassurance
Not to use: When certainty is required
Other ways to say: Hopeful about, positive about
Example: I’m optimistic about the future.
19. Happy To
This phrase feels polite, helpful, and warm.
Best use: Offering support
Not to use: When strong enthusiasm is needed
Other ways to say: Glad to, pleased to
Example: I’d be happy to assist.
20. Looking Ahead To
A natural variation that still sounds familiar.
Best use: Emails, planning conversations
Not to use: Casual texting
Other ways to say: Anticipating, awaiting
Example: I’m looking ahead to our meeting.
21. Fired Up About
Expresses high motivation and energy.
Best use: Team motivation
Not to use: Formal writing
Other ways to say: Excited about, enthusiastic about
Example: I’m fired up about this launch.
22. Welcoming
This implies openness and warmth.
Best use: Invitations, community messages
Not to use: Technical writing
Other ways to say: Open to, embracing
Example: I’m welcoming this opportunity.
23. Embracing
Embracing suggests acceptance and positivity.
Best use: Change related conversations
Not to use: Casual chats
Other ways to say: Welcoming, accepting
Example: I’m embracing this new chapter.
24. Passionate About
This expresses deep emotional investment.
Best use: Personal branding, interviews
Not to use: Neutral updates
Other ways to say: Enthusiastic about, driven by
Example: I’m passionate about meaningful work.
25. Ready And Willing
This phrase shows commitment and availability.
Best use: Professional offers
Not to use: Emotional messages
Other ways to say: Prepared and eager, open and ready
Example: I’m ready and willing to help.
Why People Pick These Alternatives
People choose alternatives to looking forward because words carry emotion, and repetition can dilute meaning. In my own experience — especially in professional writing — switching to a more intentional phrase often leads to better responses, warmer conversations, and clearer emotional tone.
These expressions help you:
- Sound genuine, not generic
- Match the emotional weight of the moment
- Build trust and connection
- Communicate with clarity and care
Choosing the right phrase isn’t about sounding fancy — it’s about sounding human. And when your words feel human, people listen.
