Choosing the right closing line matters, and many writers ask is it correct to say “looking forward to working with you” because small phrasing choices change tone, formality, and clarity. Throughout this guide, we will define the phrase, provide clear contextual examples, identify common mistakes, compare regional differences, and offer practical editing tips.
We label key parts of speech so you can see why each word works: looking (present participle verb), forward (adverb), to (preposition or infinitive marker depending on structure), working (present participle verb), with (preposition), you (pronoun).
We will check verb tense and subject–verb agreement in sample sentences and show how to place modifiers next to the words they modify to avoid ambiguity. By the end of this guide you will know when looking forward to working with you is correct, how to adjust tone, and which alternatives fit formal, neutral, and friendly contexts.
Contextual Examples
Typical Email Closing (Informal/Neutral)
Example: I (pronoun) am (auxiliary verb, present simple) looking forward to working with you (present participle phrase functioning as complement).
Analysis: I am looking forward to working with you. Subject–verb agreement: I (singular) + am (present) is correct. The phrase looking forward to functions as a phrasal predicate meaning “eager for a future collaboration.” Here to is part of the prepositional structure forward to and is followed by a gerund working, not an infinitive. Working is a verb form (present participle/gerund) acting as a noun-like object of the preposition to. This structure is grammatically correct in standard English.
Why this works: The present progressive form (am looking) expresses current anticipatory attitude toward a future event. Use this structure when you are writing a direct, polite email to a future collaborator or colleague in a relatively neutral or friendly register.
Shorter Polite Closing (Neutral/Professional)
Example: Looking forward to working with you.
Analysis: This clipped sentence is elliptical: subject (I) and auxiliary (am) are omitted but implied. Parts of speech in full: [I (pronoun)] am (auxiliary) looking (present participle) forward (adverb) to (preposition) working (gerund) with (preposition) you (pronoun). Elliptical closings are common in emails and are generally acceptable in neutral professional contexts, especially when the message has already established the subject.
Grammar check: The omission is a case of ellipsis; readers infer the subject and auxiliary. Use it with caution in very formal communications or in first contact messages where a complete sentence may feel more polished.
Formal Variation With Full Clause
Example: I (pronoun) look forward to working with you (present simple verb + to + gerund).
Analysis: I look forward to working with you is a present-simple alternative that is slightly more formal and direct. Look (verb, present simple) agrees with subject I; forward (adverb) and to working (preposition + gerund) complete the predicate. This form is ideal in formal business correspondence and when you want to sound professional but warm.
Why choose this: Present simple (I look forward) communicates a scheduled or considered expectation and reads more formal than present progressive (I am looking forward).
When Referring To A Team Or Organization
Example: We (pronoun) look forward to working with you on this project.
Analysis: We requires a plural verb: look (present simple plural). Subject–verb agreement is correct. The phrase shows organizational voice and is appropriate for formal proposals, partnership letters, and team emails.
Style note: Using we aligns with an organizational or editorial voice and often improves perceived E-E-A-T in B2B contexts.
Passive or Nominal Forms (Less Common)
Example: The team’s looking forward was noted in the memo. (awkward)
Better: The team looks forward to working with you.
Analysis: Avoid nominalizing the participle unnecessarily. Keep active constructions: subject + verb + complement.
Common Mistakes
Mistake: Using To + Infinitive After “Looking Forward To”
Faulty: I am looking forward to work with you.
Why it is wrong: After the preposition to, English requires a noun, noun phrase, or gerund (verb+ing), not a bare infinitive. In looking forward to working, working is a gerund and functions as a noun.
Fix: I am looking forward to working with you.
Parts of speech check: I (pronoun) am (auxiliary) looking (present participle) forward (adverb) to (preposition) working (gerund/noun) with (preposition) you (pronoun). Correct.
Mistake: Confusing “Look Forward To” With “Look Forward”
Faulty: I look forward to meet you.
Why it is wrong: Look forward requires to followed by a gerund or noun. To meet (infinitive) is incorrect here.
Fix: I look forward to meeting you.
Grammar rule: After phrasal verb look forward to, follow with gerund: meeting, working, collaborating.
Mistake: Using the Phrase in First Contact Without Context
Problem: Email subject line: “Hello — Looking forward to working with you” when the recipient does not yet know the sender.
Why it is risky: If the recipient has not agreed to future collaboration, the closing can sound presumptuous.
Fix: Use a more neutral closing on initial outreach: I hope to work with you in the future or I look forward to your reply regarding next steps. These phrases set expectation without presuming agreement.
Mistake: Incorrect Capitalization or Punctuation in Formal Letters
Faulty: Looking Forward To Working With You, Sincerely, John.
Why it is wrong: Capitalization is inconsistent and the sentence is incomplete as a header. In a letter closing, use a complete sentence or a conventional phrase and follow with appropriate punctuation.
Fix: I look forward to working with you. Sincerely, John.
Mistake: Mixing Tenses With Result Clauses
Faulty: I am looking forward to working with you and then we will begin next week. (awkward tense mixing)
Fix: I look forward to working with you; we will begin next week. Or: I am looking forward to working with you, and we will begin next week. Maintain parallel or consistent tense and clear clause boundaries.
American vs British English Differences
Core Grammar Is Shared
Both American and British English require the gerund after look forward to (historical grammar note: to in this expression is a preposition, not an infinitive marker). The rule is universal: use working, meeting, collaborating after to.
Example (American): I look forward to meeting you.
Example (British): I look forward to meeting you.
Formality Slightly Different
British business correspondence sometimes favors the slightly more formal present simple (I look forward to…) more often than the progressive form (I am looking forward to…). Americans readily use both forms depending on tone; progressive can feel friendly and immediate.
Guidance: For formal proposals and legal or contractual texts, prefer I look forward to. For conversational client emails or warmer notes, I am looking forward to is natural.
Use of Politeness Markers
British writers often append hedging or politeness markers: I look forward to hearing from you at your convenience. American writers may choose more direct phrasing: I look forward to hearing from you. Both are correct; choose based on audience expectations.
Closing Styles
- British formal closing: I look forward to hearing from you.
- American friendly closing: I am looking forward to working with you! (exclamation in very warm contexts; avoid in legal/contractual emails)
Idiomatic Expressions
Variants With Similar Meaning
• I look forward to meeting you. (standard, formal)
• I look forward to working with you. (professional, collaborative)
• I am looking forward to working with you. (warm, present anticipation)
• I look forward to your response. (seeking reply)
Label parts of speech: look (verb), forward (adverb), to (preposition), meeting/working/your response (noun/gerund/noun phrase).
Shorter Elliptical Closings
• Looking forward to it. — informal, assumes clear referent.
• Looking forward to working together. — slightly more collaborative tone.
Use in follow-up emails or replies where context is clear.
Emphatic Polite Closings
• I very much look forward to working with you. — very much (adverb phrase) intensifies the verb. Place modifiers next to the word they modify: very much modifies look forward.
Grammar check: I (pronoun) very much (adverb phrase) look (verb) forward (adverb) to (preposition) working (gerund) with (preposition) you (pronoun).
Alternatives For Variety And Specificity
• I look forward to collaborating on this project. — more specific.
• I hope we will have the opportunity to work together. — less presumptive.
• Please let me know if you would like to proceed; I look forward to your guidance. — specific call to action plus expected response.
Use alternatives when you want to direct next steps or adjust tone.
Practical Tips
Tip 1: Use the Gerund After “Look Forward To”
Remember: look forward to + -ing (gerund). Check by turning the phrase into a noun phrase: looking forward to + noun/gerund. If it reads as noun-like, the gerund is correct.
Quick test: Replace working with the meeting (noun). I look forward to the meeting. That confirms the grammatical slot after to takes a noun-like element.
Tip 2: Choose Present Simple for Formality
For formal emails and proposals prefer I look forward to working with you. Use present simple to sound measured and professional.
Tip 3: Use Progressive When You Want Warmth
Use I am looking forward to working with you when you want to convey immediate enthusiasm. This is ideal for people you have already agreed with or when your relationship is cordial.
Tip 4: Avoid Ellipsis on First Contact
In first outreach, avoid the clipped Looking forward to working with you. Instead write the full sentence: I look forward to working with you. The full sentence reduces perceived presumption.
Tip 5: Match Pronouns Correctly
If writing on behalf of a team, use we: We look forward to working with you. Ensure verb agreement: we look (plural).
Tip 6: Add Specificity Where Useful
Rather than a generic closing, add a concrete next step: I look forward to working with you on the June launch. This clarifies the scope and time frame.
Tip 7: Mind Tone In Negotiations
In negotiation emails, avoid sounding committed before agreement: We hope to work with you or We would be pleased to work with you upon finalizing terms are safer than Looking forward to working with you.
Tip 8: Proofread For Prepositions And Verb Forms
Common mistake: I am looking forward to work with you. Replace with working. Double-check when to is a preposition.
Tip 9: Use Parallelism In Lists
If you list expectations, keep verb forms parallel: We look forward to meeting you, discussing the timeline, and finalizing the contract. Each item uses gerund: meeting, discussing, finalizing.
Tip 10: Localize For Audience
If your reader prefers very formal British tone, add hedging: We look forward to hearing from you at your convenience. For U.S. tech clients, the warmer progressive may be fine.
Conclusion
Is it correct to say looking forward to working with you? Yes, when used properly: the construction look/looking forward to + gerund is grammatically correct and idiomatically standard. Use I look forward to working with you for formal tone and I am looking forward to working with you for warmer, immediate tone. Always use a gerund after to, not an infinitive, and place modifiers next to the phrases they modify. Add specifics where possible, avoid the elliptical form on first contact, and match pronoun and verb forms for subject–verb agreement. These checks improve clarity, tone, and professionalism and demonstrate careful editorial practice.
FAQs
- Q: Is “looking forward to working with you” grammatically correct?
A: Yes. Looking forward to working with you is correct when to functions as a preposition and is followed by a gerund (working). - Q: Should I write “I look forward to working with you” or “I am looking forward to working with you”?
A: Use I look forward to working with you for a formal tone and I am looking forward to working with you to convey warmth or immediate enthusiasm. - Q: Can I say “Looking forward to working with you” as a reply?
A: Yes. In replies or when context is clear, the elliptical Looking forward to working with you is acceptable, though the full sentence is more formal. - Q: After “look forward to,” should I use the infinitive or the gerund?
A: Use the gerund (verb + -ing). Say look forward to meeting or working, not to meet or to work. - Q: Is “looking forward to work with you” wrong?
A: Yes. That uses an infinitive after a preposition. Correct it to looking forward to working with you. - Q: How do I make the phrase less presumptuous on first contact?
A: Use hedging or a conditional: I hope we will have the opportunity to work together or I look forward to your reply regarding next steps. - Q: Should I use “we” for company emails?
A: Yes. For team or company messages, use we: We look forward to working with you and ensure verb agreement. - Q: Can I add emphasis like “very much”?
A: Yes: I very much look forward to working with you. Place the modifier (very much) next to the verb phrase it modifies.
