When writing an email to a prospective employer, a client, or a friend, you have likely paused at the sign-off: Should you say “look forward to meet” or “meeting”?

This is one of the most frequent grammar queries in modern written English. The correct phrase is “look forward to meeting.” While “look forward to meet” might sound natural because of the word “to,” it is grammatically incorrect in standard English.

In this guide, we will break down the exact grammatical rule behind this phrase, explain why it trips up native speakers and ESL learners alike, and provide over 70 real-world examples across business, academic, and daily contexts.

The Quick Answer

Correct: I look forward to meeting you.
Incorrect: I look forward to meet you.

Why is “meeting” correct?

In the phrasal verb “look forward to,” the word “to” acts as a preposition, not as part of an infinitive verb (like to walk or to read).

In English, prepositions must always be followed by a noun or a gerund (a verb ending in -ing that functions as a noun). Therefore, the verb that follows “look forward to” must take the -ing form.

Subject + Phrasal Verb ("look forward to") + Noun / Gerund (-ing)
Example: I + look forward to + meeting you.

Deep Dive: The Grammar Behind “Look Forward To”

To understand why “look forward to meeting” is correct, it helps to distinguish between two different functions of the word “to” in English grammar:

1. “To” as an Infinitive Marker: Combines with a base verb to form an infinitive (e.g., to run, to see, to learn).
   • Example: I want to meet the Director.
2. “To” as a Preposition: Indicates direction, connection, or relation, and is followed by an object (a noun, pronoun, or gerund).
   • Example: I am looking forward to the weekend (Noun).
   • Example: I am looking forward to seeing you (Gerund).

The Noun Replacement Test

If you are ever unsure whether to use a base verb or an -ing verb after “look forward to,” try replacing the verb phrase with a simple noun (like the party, the weekend, or the holiday).

• I look forward to the event. (Makes sense!)
• Because a noun fits perfectly, any verb placed in that position must act as a noun (a gerund).
• Therefore: I look forward to meeting you.

“I Look Forward To” vs. “I Am Looking Forward To”

Both variations are grammatically correct, but they carry slightly different tones in professional and personal communication:

Comprehensive Examples Directory (70+ Sentences)

To help you build complete mastery over this pattern, here is a categorized library of original, practical examples.

1. Basic & Daily Conversation Examples

1. I look forward to meeting your family at the dinner tonight.
2. We look forward to visiting the new art gallery on Saturday.
3. She looks forward to starting her new job next Monday.
4. They look forward to traveling to Europe this summer.
5. He looks forward to hearing the results of his test.
6. We look forward to celebrating your graduation next month.
7. I look forward to reading your new book over the weekend.
8. Are you looking forward to moving into your new apartment?
9. My parents look forward to retiring in Florida.
10. The kids look forward to opening their presents on Christmas morning.

2. Intermediate Sentences

11. After months of remote communication, I look forward to meeting the rest of the team face-to-face.
12. Our team looks forward to collaborating with your firm on the upcoming project.
13. She looks forward to presenting her research findings at the symposium.
14. We look forward to receiving your feedback regarding the updated contract terms.
15. He is looking forward to testing the new software update this afternoon.
16. The community looks forward to welcoming the new neighborhood residents.
17. I look forward to exploring the historic city center during my layover.
18. They look forward to expanding their business into international markets next quarter.
19. We look forward to hosting the annual charity gala at the downtown hotel.
20. I look forward to learning more about your professional background during our call.

3. Advanced & Complex Sentences

21. Having reviewed the preliminary details of the merger, our executive board looks forward to engaging in further strategic discussions.
22. Despite the unforeseen delays in production, we look forward to delivering the final shipment ahead of the revised deadline.
23. The research panel looks forward to analyzing the longitudinal data once the collection phase concludes.
24. While acknowledging the competitive nature of the market, our firm looks forward to establishing a lasting footprint in the region.
25. Having finalized the agenda, the committee members look forward to deliberating on the policy reforms.
26. As an organization committed to sustainability, we look forward to implementing eco-friendly initiatives across all departments.
27. She looks forward to synthesizing the guest feedback to improve future conference programming.
28. The legal team looks forward to resolving the licensing agreement amicably before the end of the fiscal year.
29. We look forward to strengthening our bilateral trade partnerships through transparent dialogue.
30. The university administration looks forward to pioneering new interdisciplinary degree programs next semester.

4. Business & Workplace Examples

31. I look forward to meeting you at our scheduled appointment tomorrow morning.
32. We look forward to reviewing your proposal during the quarterly board meeting.
33. The HR department looks forward to interviewing qualified candidates for the managerial role.
34. Our account representative looks forward to assisting you with your account migration.
35. I look forward to discussing how my skill set aligns with your team’s objectives.
36. We look forward to partnering with your agency on future marketing campaigns.
37. The Project Director looks forward to briefing the stakeholders on our recent milestones.
38. I look forward to finalizing the project scope once the budget is approved.
39. Our customer support team looks forward to resolving your inquiry promptly.
40. We look forward to welcoming you to our annual corporate retreat.

5. Professional Email Sign-Off Examples

41. Thank you for your time. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
42. I appreciate the opportunity. I look forward to meeting you in Person on Tuesday.
43. Please let me know if you need any additional documents. I look forward to working with you.
44. Thanks for reaching out. I look forward to connecting on LinkedIn.
45. I look forward to receiving the updated draft at your earliest convenience.
46. It was a pleasure speaking with you today. I look forward to continuing our conversation.
47. Please find the attached portfolio. I look forward to getting your thoughts.
48. Thank you for the invitation. I look forward to attending the webinar.
49. I look forward to answering any further questions you may have during the demonstration.
50. We appreciate your patronage and look forward to serving you again soon.

6. Academic & Student Writing Examples

51. The students look forward to participating in the international science debate.
52. I look forward to submitting my thesis proposal to the dissertation committee.
53. The department looks forward to welcoming the visiting scholar next term.
54. I look forward to joining the campus debate society this autumn.
55. We look forward to conducting field research in the Amazon basin.
56. The student council looks forward to organizing the annual spring festival.
57. I look forward to attending your lecture on contemporary economics.
58. The admissions team looks forward to evaluating incoming applications.
59. We look forward to collaborating with peer institutions on this study.
60. The graduate cohort looks forward to publishing their clinical trial results.

7. ESL/EFL Learner Practice Examples

61. I look forward to seeing you tomorrow. (Not: to see)
62. She looks forward to talking with her mentor. (Not: to talk)
63. We look forward to buying our first home. (Not: to buy)
64. They look forward to eating local cuisine in Italy. (Not: to eat)
65. He looks forward to playing guitar at the concert. (Not: to play)
66. I look forward to learning English online every day. (Not: to learn)
67. We look forward to meeting our new teacher. (Not: to meet)
68. She looks forward to improving her writing skills. (Not: to improve)
69. They look forward to watching the championship game. (Not: to watch)
70. I look forward to hearing your story. (Not: to hear)

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

It is easy to let errors slip into everyday writing. Review this chart of frequent missteps and their corrections:

Memory Hacks: How to Never Make This Mistake Again

1. The “Noun Replacement” Rule: Replace the verb with the word “pizza.” If the sentence still makes sense grammatically, you need an -ing verb.
   • Sentence: I look forward to [ pizza ]. (Correct Grammar!)
   • Therefore: I look forward to [ meeting ] you.
2. Remember Other Prepositional Phrases: “Look forward to” works just like other expressions where “to” is a preposition:
   • Accustomed to working late.
   • Object to paying extra fees.
   • Committed to improving quality.
   • Look forward to meeting you.

Practice Exercises

Exercise 1: Choose the Correct Form

Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the verb in parentheses.

1. We look forward to __________ (receive) your application.
2. I am looking forward to __________ (meet) the new project coordinator.
3. She looks forward to __________ (attend) the annual summit in London.
4. They don’t look forward to __________ (commute) in the heavy snow.
5. He looks forward to __________ (speak) with the hiring manager.

Exercise 2: Correct the Errors

Identify and correct the mistake in each sentence.

1. I look forward to meet the executive team on Monday morning.
2. We are looking forward to discuss the contract terms with your lawyer.
3. She looks forward for hearing your presentation.
4. They look forward to saw their old friends at the reunion.
5. I look forward to receive your prompt reply.

5-Question Quiz

Test your understanding with this quick quiz!

1. Which sentence is grammatically correct?
a) I look forward to meet you at the venue.
b) I look forward to meeting you at the venue.
c) I look forward for meeting you at the venue.
d) I look forward meeting you at the venue.

2. Why is “meeting” used instead of “meet” in the phrase “look forward to meeting”?
a) Because “look” is a continuous verb.
b) Because “to” functions as a preposition, requiring a gerund or noun.
c) Because it is written in the past tense.
d) Because “meet” cannot be used in business emails.

3. Choose the correct email sign-off:
a) I look forward to hear your thoughts.
b) I look forward to hearing your thoughts.
c) I look forward to heard your thoughts.
d) I look forward for hearing your thoughts.

4. True or False: “I am looking forward to meeting you” is grammatically wrong.
a) True
b) False

5. Complete the sentence correctly: “Our CEO looks forward to ________ the agreement next week.”
a) sign
b) signed
c) signing
d) to sign

Quiz Answer Key

1. b — I look forward to meeting you at the venue.
2. b — The word “to” is a preposition here, so it must be followed by a gerund (-ing form).
3. b — I look forward to hearing your thoughts.
4. b — False. Both “I look forward to” and “I am looking forward to” are grammatically correct; the continuous form is simply slightly warmer and more personal.
5. c — signing

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Look Forward to Meet or Meeting

1. Is “I look forward to hear from you” acceptable in informal emails?

No. Even in casual or informal English, “I look forward to hear from you” is considered a grammatical error. You should always use “I look forward to hearing from you” or a casual alternative like “Hope to hear from you soon!”

2. Can I say “I look forward to see you”?

No. The correct phrasing is “I look forward to seeing you.” The verb “see” must take the -ing ending to form a gerund following the preposition “to.”

3. What is the difference between “I look forward to” and “I’m looking forward to”?

Both are grammatically correct. “I look forward to…” is slightly more formal, making it ideal for business letters, corporate emails, and official documents. “I’m looking forward to…” is more casual and warm, perfect for everyday workplace conversations and personal notes.

4. Why does “to” take an “-ing” verb here when usually “to” goes with base verbs?

“To” has two jobs in English. When it acts as an infinitive marker (e.g., I want to go), it pairs with a base verb. When it acts as a preposition (e.g., I went to school), it must be followed by a noun or gerund. In “look forward to,” the word “to” is a preposition.

5. How should I punctuate a sentence ending with “look forward to meeting you”?

If you use it as part of your final sentence, end with a period:
“I look forward to meeting you on Tuesday.”
If you use it as a standalone sign-off before your name, place a comma after it:
“Looking forward to meeting you,
Jane Doe”

Conclusion on Look Forward to Meet or Meeting

Mastering expressions like “look forward to meeting” will instantly elevate the professionalism and polish of your written English. Remember the core rule: “look forward to” is a prepositional phrase, so it must always be followed by a noun or an -ing gerund.

Whenever you draft your next email or cover letter, run the quick Noun Replacement Test in your head to ensure your grammar is spot-on every time.

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Disclaimer

This article is designed for educational and informational purposes to assist readers with English grammar and standard language conventions. Usage may vary based on regional dialects or informal colloquial contexts.

Also read: Need Doing vs Need to Be Done: The Ultimate Guide

Business English Prepositions Exercises with Answers

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