Imagine you’ve just received an exciting invitation to a big event, and you’re thrilled but want to mix up how you express your enthusiasm. I remember when I got an invite to a major conference and wanted to convey my excitement in a fresh way.
Instead of the usual “looking forward to it,” I searched for new expressions to keep things interesting. It was a fun exercise that opened up a whole new world of phrases to convey anticipation and eagerness. Since then, I’ve found these alternatives useful for keeping my responses lively and engaging.
What Does “Looking Forward” Mean?
The phrase “looking forward” is used to express anticipation or excitement about something that is expected to happen in the future. It shows that you are eagerly awaiting an event, meeting, or opportunity. Using alternatives to “looking forward” can help convey the same sentiment in a more varied or nuanced way, depending on the context. These expressions can help keep conversations fresh and dynamic while maintaining your enthusiasm.
1. Excited About
When you’re thrilled about an upcoming event and want to show your enthusiasm.
Example: “I’m excited about the new project we’re starting next month.”
When to use: When you want to emphasize your excitement.
When not to use: If you need to be more formal or reserved.
2. Eagerly Anticipating
For situations where you want to express a high level of anticipation.
Example: “I’m eagerly anticipating the release of the new book.”
When to use: When you want to convey strong excitement.
When not to use: In casual or less formal contexts.
3. Can’t Wait For
A casual way to show that you are very excited about something.
Example: “I can’t wait for the weekend getaway!”
When to use: When you want to express a high level of enthusiasm.
When not to use: In professional or formal communications.
4. Keen On
Used to show interest and enthusiasm for an upcoming event.
Example: “I’m keen on attending the networking event next week.”
When to use: When you want to convey interest and eagerness.
When not to use: In very formal situations.
5. Enthusiastic About
To express that you are looking forward to something with a positive attitude.
Example: “I’m enthusiastic about the upcoming team-building activity.”
When to use: When you want to show a positive outlook.
When not to use: If you need to be more neutral.
6. Anticipating With Pleasure
A more formal way to express positive anticipation.
Example: “I’m anticipating with pleasure our upcoming collaboration.”
When to use: In formal or professional settings.
When not to use: In casual conversations.
7. Eagerly Awaiting
To show strong anticipation for something.
Example: “I’m eagerly awaiting the results of the competition.”
When to use: When you want to emphasize eagerness.
When not to use: In informal settings.
8. Looking Forward To
A variation that’s slightly more engaging than the standard phrase.
Example: “I’m looking forward to catching up with you soon.”
When to use: When you want to use a familiar phrase with a personal touch.
When not to use: If you want to avoid repetition.
9. Anxious For
To convey a mix of excitement and nervousness.
Example: “I’m anxious for the big presentation next week.”
When to use: When you’re feeling both excited and nervous.
When not to use: If you want to keep the tone purely positive.
10. Thrilled About
To express high levels of excitement.
Example: “I’m thrilled about the new product launch!”
When to use: When you’re extremely excited.
When not to use: In formal or subdued contexts.
11. Eager For
A straightforward way to show anticipation.
Example: “I’m eager for the vacation to start.”
When to use: When you want to keep it simple.
When not to use: In highly formal situations.
12. Anticipating With Excitement
To express both anticipation and excitement.
Example: “I’m anticipating with excitement the new season of the show.”
When to use: When you want to emphasize both emotions.
When not to use: In very casual or informal settings.
13. Looking Forward To It
A slightly more engaging way to express your anticipation.
Example: “I’m looking forward to it with great enthusiasm.”
When to use: When you want to add a bit of flair to your anticipation.
When not to use: If you prefer to keep it more straightforward.
14. Counting Down the Days
To show that you’re eagerly waiting for something.
Example: “I’m counting down the days until the concert.”
When to use: When you’re very excited and tracking the time.
When not to use: In professional or formal settings.
15. Can’t Wait For It
A casual and enthusiastic way to express anticipation.
Example: “I can’t wait for it to finally happen!”
When to use: When you want to show strong excitement.
When not to use: In formal contexts.
16. Awaiting With Anticipation
A more formal way to express that you’re looking forward to something.
Example: “I’m awaiting with anticipation our upcoming meeting.”
When to use: In formal or professional communications.
When not to use: In casual or informal contexts.
17. Pumped For
A very casual way to express excitement and energy.
Example: “I’m pumped for the big game this weekend!”
When to use: When you want to convey high energy and enthusiasm.
When not to use: In professional or formal settings.
18. Eagerly Expecting
To show anticipation and expectation.
Example: “I’m eagerly expecting the arrival of the new package.”
When to use: When you want to show both anticipation and expectation.
When not to use: In very casual or informal settings.
19. Excitedly Awaiting
To express strong excitement and anticipation.
Example: “I’m excitedly awaiting the announcement of the winners.”
When to use: When you want to emphasize excitement.
When not to use: In very formal contexts.
20. Can’t Wait To
A casual and enthusiastic way to show your eagerness.
Example: “I can’t wait to see the new movie!”
When to use: When you want to express strong eagerness.
When not to use: In formal communications.
21. Looking Forward With Anticipation
A more detailed way to express anticipation.
Example: “I’m looking forward with anticipation to the holiday season.”
When to use: When you want to convey a deep sense of anticipation.
When not to use: In casual conversations.
22. Excited to Experience
To show that you’re enthusiastic about an upcoming experience.
Example: “I’m excited to experience the new exhibit at the museum.”
When to use: When you want to focus on the experience itself.
When not to use: In very formal contexts.
23. Anticipating With Interest
A more formal way to show that you’re interested and looking forward to something.
Example: “I’m anticipating with interest the developments in the project.”
When to use: In professional or formal communications.
When not to use: In casual conversations.
24. Ready for
To show that you’re prepared and excited about something.
Example: “I’m ready for the new challenges ahead.”
When to use: When you want to convey preparedness and enthusiasm.
When not to use: In highly formal settings.
25. Looking Forward With Enthusiasm
A way to convey that you’re eagerly awaiting something with a positive attitude.
Example: “I’m looking forward with enthusiasm to our upcoming collaboration.”
When to use: When you want to show a high level of positive anticipation.
When not to use: In very casual settings.
26. Anxious to See
To express a mix of excitement and impatience.
Example: “I’m anxious to see how the new design turns out.”
When to use: When you’re excited but also a bit impatient.
When not to use: If you want to keep the tone entirely positive.
27. Excited to Discover
To show anticipation about discovering something new.
Example: “I’m excited to discover the new features of the app.”
When to use: When you’re eager about exploring something new.
When not to use: In formal or reserved contexts.
28. Awaiting With Interest
To express that you’re interested and looking forward to something.
Example: “I’m awaiting with interest the outcome of the discussion.”
When to use: In professional or formal contexts.
When not to use: In casual or informal conversations.
29. Eager to Learn
To express anticipation about gaining new knowledge or skills.
Example: “I’m eager to learn more about the upcoming workshop.”
When to use: When you’re looking forward to educational or developmental opportunities.
When not to use: In casual contexts.
30. Looking Forward With Optimism
To show that you’re anticipating something with a positive outlook.
Example: “I’m looking forward with optimism to the future developments.”
When to use: When you want to convey a hopeful and positive attitude.
When not to use: In contexts where a more neutral tone is preferred.
Top 10 Editor Choice Responses
- “I’m excited about the upcoming event!”
- “I can’t wait for the weekend to arrive!”
- “I’m eagerly anticipating our next meeting.”
- “I’m thrilled about the new project!”
- “Counting down the days until the vacation!”
- “I’m looking forward to it with great enthusiasm.”
- “I’m anxious to see how it all turns out.”
- “Excitedly awaiting the release of the new book.”
- “Ready for the new challenges ahead!”
- “I’m anticipating with pleasure our next collaboration.”
