I am very much looking forward

The phrase I am very much looking forward shows strong, friendly interest in something that will happen. People use it to say they feel eager or excited about a meeting, event, reply, or plan.

The words often appear in speech, emails, and letters. You can say I am very much looking forward to meeting you or I am very much looking forward to your reply. This article explains the grammar, meaning, and simple rules for using that phrase. It gives clear examples and points out common mistakes. Read the examples and parts-of-speech notes to write and speak the phrase correctly.

Table of Contents

Parts of speech analysis

I list each sentence and label the main parts of speech for important words. I also check verb tense and subject-verb agreement, and note important prepositions, articles, and modifiers.

“The phrase I am very much looking forward shows strong, friendly interest in something that will happen”

Nouns: phrase, interest, something
Pronouns: that (relative pronoun referring to “something”)
Verbs: shows (present tense — singular subject “The phrase” → correct), will happen (future auxiliary “will” + base verb → correct)
Adjectives: strong, friendly (modify “interest”)
Adverbs/Modifiers: very much (modifies “looking forward” in the quoted phrase; within this sentence it is part of the phrase being mentioned)
Prepositions: in (introduces “in something”)
Articles: The (definite article before “phrase”)
Sentence check: Complete sentence, correct tense, clear subject-verb agreement.

“People use it to say they feel eager or excited about a meeting, event, reply, or plan”

Nouns: People, meeting, event, reply, plan
Pronouns: it, they
Verbs: use (present plural subject “People” → correct), say (base verb after “to” → correct), feel (present plural → correct)
Adjectives: eager, excited (describe feeling)
Prepositions: about (introduces list of things)
Articles: a (before “meeting”)
Sentence check: Verbs in present tense match their subjects. List separated by commas and “or” is correct.

“The words often appear in speech, emails, and letters”

Nouns: words, speech, emails, letters
Pronouns: none
Verbs: appear (present tense, plural subject “words” → correct)
Adverbs: often (modifies “appear”)
Prepositions: in (used with “speech, emails, and letters”)
Articles: The (definite article)
Sentence check: Simple, correct.

“You can say I am very much looking forward to meeting you or I am very much looking forward to your reply”

Pronouns: You, you, your
Verbs: can say (modal + base verb; correct), am (present of “be”, part of phrase), looking (present participle), forward (adverb/part of phrasal verb), to (preposition), meeting (gerund), reply (noun)
Adjectives: very much (phrase acting as adverb to intensify)
Prepositions: to (after “looking forward”)
Articles: none beyond possessive “your”
Sentence check: Good. Note: “looking forward to” requires a noun or gerund after “to” (here: meeting, reply). Verb forms in the quoted phrases are correct.

“This article explains the grammar, meaning, and simple rules for using that phrase”

Nouns: article, grammar, meaning, rules, phrase
Pronouns: This (demonstrative)
Verbs: explains (present singular, subject “This article” → correct), using (gerund after “for”)
Prepositions: for (used before “using”)
Articles: the (before grammar, meaning)
Sentence check: Clear and grammatically correct.

“It gives clear examples and points out common mistakes”

Pronouns: It (refers to “article”)
Nouns: examples, mistakes
Verbs: gives (present, singular subject “It” → correct), points out (present)
Adjectives: clear, common (modify nouns)
Sentence check: Correct.

“Read the examples and parts-of-speech notes to write and speak the phrase correctly”

Verb (imperative): Read (base verb addressing the reader)
Nouns: examples, notes, phrase
Verbs: write, speak (base verbs used after “to” in purpose)
Adverbs/modifiers: correctly (modifies “write and speak”)
Sentence check: Imperative is correct for instruction.

What the phrase means — simple explanation

Main idea:

I am very much looking forward expresses a strong, positive expectation about a future event, reply, or meeting.

Key grammar point:

The core verb phrase is look forward (to). The verb look here is part of a phrasal verb look forward to, where tois a preposition. Because to is a preposition, we must use a noun or gerund (verb+ing) after it. For example:
- Correct: I am looking forward to meeting you. (meeting = gerund)
- Wrong: I am looking forward to meet you. (meet = base verb; incorrect)

About “very much”:

Very much is an adverb phrase used to add intensity. It modifies the verb phrase (looking forward). It can appear in different positions:
- I am very much looking forward to the trip. (common)
- I am looking forward to the trip very much. (also possible, but less formal)
- I very much look forward to the trip. (more formal; note word order change)

Forms and tense — simple grammar

Common forms

Present continuous (common for near future plans): I am looking forward to meeting you.
Present simple (formal/styled): I look forward to meeting you.
Adding intensity: I am very much looking forward to meeting you. or I very much look forward to meeting you.
Past (talking about earlier expectation): I was looking forward to the concert, but it was canceled.

Parts of speech here

I — pronoun (subject)
am / was — auxiliary verbs (help form continuous tense)
looking — present participle (forms continuous tense; also part of phrasal verb)
forward — adverb (completes phrasal verb)
to — preposition (requires noun/gerund)
meeting — gerund/noun form of verb
you — object pronoun

Verb checks

Subject and auxiliary must agree: I am, he is, they are.
- Correct: She is looking forward to the trip.
- Wrong: She are looking forward to the trip. (incorrect subject-verb agreement)

Where to use “I am very much looking forward” — register and tone

Informal speech:

I am very much looking forward to seeing you! — friendly and warm. People use exclamation in speech or messages.

Formal writing (business letters, emails):

Better: I look forward to hearing from you.
Or formal but polite: I very much look forward to your reply.
I am very much looking forward is acceptable in semi-formal emails, but some readers may find it slightly colloquial.

Parts of speech and style notes:

Using very much adds emphasis but can sound casual. In formal contexts, shorter forms I look forward to often work best.

Contextual examples with parts-of-speech analysis

Below are many example sentences. After each, I label the main parts of speech for key words and check verbs and prepositions.

Examples

Example 1:
I am very much looking forward to meeting you in person next week.
- I (pronoun/subject) | am (auxiliary verb, present) | very much (adverb phrase modifying “looking forward”) | looking (present participle) | forward (adverb, part of phrasal verb) | to (preposition) | meeting(gerund, noun) | you (object pronoun) | in (preposition) | person (noun) | next week (adverbial time phrase).
- Verb check: “am looking” = present continuous, correct for near-future plan.
Example:We are very much looking forward to your presentation tomorrow.
- We (pronoun) | are (auxiliary verb plural) | very much (adverb phrase) | looking (present participle) | forward (adverb) | to (preposition) | your (possessive adjective) | presentation (noun) | tomorrow (time adverb).
- Verb check: “are looking” matches plural subject “We”.
Example:I very much look forward to hearing from you.
- I (subject) | very much (adverb phrase modifying main verb) | look forward (present simple phrasal verb) | to hearing (preposition + gerund) | from you (prepositional object).
- Verb check: Present simple works well in formal notices.
Example:She was looking forward to starting the new job.
- She (subject) | was (auxiliary past singular) | looking (present participle with past auxiliary) | forward(adverb) | to (preposition) | starting (gerund) | the (article) | new (adjective) | job (noun).
- Verb check: Past continuous (“was looking”) shows the expectation existed in the past.
Example (wrong):I am looking forward to meet you.
- Error: After the preposition to, the base verb meet is incorrect. Must use gerund: meeting.
- Correct: I am looking forward to meeting you.

Common mistakes and how to fix them

Using the infinitive after “to”

Wrong: I am looking forward to meet you.
Fix: I am looking forward to meeting you.
Why: The to in “looking forward to” is a preposition, so it must be followed by a noun or gerund.

Wrong subject-verb agreement

Wrong: He are very much looking forward to the event.
Fix: He is very much looking forward to the event.
Why: Subject he requires singular verb is.

Overuse of “very much” in formal writing

Problem: In formal letters, I am very much looking forward can sound too emotional. Better: I look forward to your reply.
Why: Formal tone prefers concise phrases.

Sentence fragments in formal text

Example fragment: Very much looking forward to the meeting. (OK in casual email subject but not a full sentence.)
Fix: I am very much looking forward to the meeting.

Tense mix-ups

Wrong: I am looking forward to the concert last week.
Fix: I was looking forward to the concert last week. or I am looking forward to the concert next week.
Why: Use past or future time consistently.

American vs British English — small style notes (simple)

Main point: Both American and British English use “looking forward to” and “I look forward to” the same way. There is no major grammatical difference.

Small preferences:

British English: Often uses I look forward to hearing from you in formal letters.
American English: Also uses the same phrase; in informal emails people may say I’m looking forward to it! or Can’t wait! (colloquial).

Adverb placement:

I very much look forward to your reply. — more formal, common in British letters.
I am very much looking forward to your reply. — also used in both varieties but slightly less formal.

Idiomatic expressions and synonyms

Similar phrases you can use (simple):

I can’t wait. — very casual; strong eagerness.
I am eager to… — slightly formal.
I look forward to… — good formal neutral.
I am excited about… — more emotional tone.
I await your reply. — formal, direct.

Parts-of-speech notes:

All these phrases use verbs (can’t wait, am eager, look forward) and often need prepositions or gerunds (e.g., to meeting or to your reply).

Practical tips — simple rules to remember

Use gerund after “to.” Always use -ing form after look forward to: looking forward to meeting (not to meet).
Match your tone. Use I look forward to for formal writing and I am looking forward to for casual or friendly messages.
Place “very much” carefully. If you want a formal tone, prefer I very much look forward to. For friendly tone, I am very much looking forward to works.
Check subject-verb agreement. I am, she is, they are.
Avoid fragments in formal writing. Use full sentences in reports and letters.
Keep time clear. Use present continuous for near future, past continuous for past expectation: I am looking forward to next week. I was looking forward to last month.
If unsure, choose concise form. I look forward to your reply. is safe in most emails.

Rewriting to enhance grammar, clarity, and style (improved version)

Below I rewrite key guidance in clearer, slightly more polished language while keeping it simple.

Improved guide:

Meaning: “I am very much looking forward” shows you feel strong, positive interest in something that will happen.
Grammar: The phrase uses the phrasal verb look forward to. The word to is a preposition. Use a noun or -ingverb (gerund) after it. For example: I am looking forward to meeting you.
Tone: For formal writing, use I look forward to your reply. For friendly messages, I am very much looking forward to meeting you is fine.
Where to put “very much”: You can say I very much look forward to hearing from you (formal) or I am very much looking forward to hearing from you (friendlier). Both are correct.
Common error to avoid: Don’t say I am looking forward to meet you. Use meeting instead of meet.
Short tip: If you write a formal sentence, prefer the short form: I look forward to your reply. If you write to a friend, you can be warmer: I am very much looking forward to seeing you!

Why the rewrite helps:

Sentences are short. Each line gives one clear rule. Verbs and subjects are simple. This makes the rules easy to remember and use.

Conclusion

Simple summary:

I am very much looking forward means strong positive expectation.
Use look forward to with a gerund (meeting, hearing, seeing).
For formal writing, prefer I look forward to… For friendly tone, I am very much looking forward to… is fine.
Check subject-verb agreement and avoid fragments. Keep time consistent.

FAQs

Q: Is “I am very much looking forward to meet you” correct? A: No. Use meeting: I am very much looking forward to meeting you.
Q: Can I say “I very much look forward to your reply”? A: Yes. That is correct and slightly more formal.
Q: Which is more formal: “I look forward to” or “I am looking forward to”? A: I look forward to is more formal. I am looking forward to is more casual and friendly.
Q: Where do I put “very much”? A: You can place it before look (I very much look forward) for formality, or after am (I am very much looking forward) for friendliness.
Q: Can I use “I am very much looking forward” in a business email? A: You can, but in formal business letters it is often better to write I look forward to your reply.
Q: Is “to” in “looking forward to” an infinitive marker? A: No. It is a preposition. That is why we use a gerund after it.
Q: Can I say “I am looking forward to meet you next month” if the meeting is sure? A: No. Use meeting: I am looking forward to meeting you next month.
Q: Is “I am really looking forward” okay? A: Yes. Really works like very much. Both add emphasis.
Q: Should I write “I am looking forward to hear from you”? A: No. Use the gerund: I am looking forward to hearing from you.
Q: Can I shorten it in casual speech? A: Yes. People say Can’t wait! or I can’t wait to see you! in casual talk.