Have you ever found yourself typing out that familiar phrase—“Looking forward to working with you”—in an email or a message, and then pausing for a second, wondering if it’s truly the best way to express your enthusiasm? Maybe you’ve seen it a thousand times, or perhaps you’ve used it so often that you’ve forgotten to check if it’s grammatically sound. Don’t worry, you’re not alone.
In the world of professional communication, it’s easy to slip into automatic mode and use expressions that sound natural but might be more complex than they seem. “Looking forward to working with you” is one of those phrases that’s widely used, but is it correct? And more importantly, is it the right choice in every situation? Well, let’s break it down and clear up any confusion—because getting this right can make you sound polished and professional, and let’s be honest, who doesn’t want that?
What Does “Looking Forward to Working With You” Really Mean?
Before diving into the grammar and the nuances of usage, let’s take a step back. What does this phrase really mean? Essentially, it’s a polite and professional way to express anticipation and excitement about working with someone in the future. You’re telling them that you’re eager to collaborate or partner with them, and it’s a nice, friendly way to end an email or message.
Imagine you’re a project manager sending an email to a new team member or client. You might end your message with “Looking forward to working with you” because it adds a personal touch and shows your positive attitude. But while the phrase is widely accepted and understood, is it grammatically sound? Let’s find out.
Breaking Down the Grammar
Let’s start with the basics: grammar. Is this phrase grammatically correct, or are we all just using it because it sounds right?
The short answer: Yes, it’s grammatically correct. However, a closer look at the structure can help clarify why it works.
The phrase “Looking forward to” is a phrasal verb. It’s an expression that involves a verb (looking) and a preposition (to). When combined, they create an idiomatic phrase that means “eagerly anticipating” or “excited about.”
Here’s the important part: after the preposition “to”, you need to use a gerund (which is the “-ing” form of a verb). So, you should say “working with you,” not “work with you.” For example, “Looking forward to working with you” is correct, while “Looking forward to work with you” is a no-go.
Now, why does it work this way? English is quirky like that. The preposition “to” is the culprit here, and because of how prepositions work in English, they must be followed by a noun or a gerund. That’s why the phrase “Looking forward to working with you” makes sense grammatically.
Is There a Difference Between “Looking Forward to Working With You” and “I Look Forward to Working With You”?
Good question. You may be wondering if there’s any significant difference between the two. Both expressions have the same basic meaning, but the difference lies in the formality and tone of the communication.
“Looking forward to working with you”
This version tends to be a little more casual and conversational. It’s often used in email closings or informal communication, especially when you’ve already established a rapport with the person. For example, you might use this phrase in a message to a coworker or a colleague you’ve known for a while.
“I look forward to working with you”
This one is a bit more formal and polished. It’s ideal for situations where you want to show respect or professionalism—like when you’re writing to a client or someone you haven’t worked with yet. It’s a great choice for job interviews, formal emails, or any context where you want to sound a little more refined.
Example:
- Casual: “Can’t wait to get started! Looking forward to working with you!”
- Formal: “I look forward to working with you and contributing to your team’s success.”
When Is It Okay to Use “Looking Forward to Working With You”?
Let’s talk about context. This phrase is definitely not one-size-fits-all. There are certain times when it fits perfectly, and other times when it might not be the best choice.
When it works perfectly:
- In email correspondence with colleagues – Especially if you’ve worked with them before and have a friendly relationship.
- Following up after meetings – If you’ve had a discussion about future collaboration, this phrase shows that you’re enthusiastic about moving forward.
- In client communications – You can express eagerness to begin working on a project together.
When you should avoid it:
- If you’re uncertain about working together – If the partnership or collaboration is not guaranteed yet, it may come across as presumptuous.
- When the context is very formal – For example, in highly professional or legal contexts, you may want to choose a more formal alternative, like “I am eager to collaborate on this project” or “I anticipate working together soon.”
- In a job rejection email – Saying “Looking forward to working with you” after turning someone down for a job or project could seem odd or inappropriate.
Tip: Always consider the tone of the communication. If you’re unsure whether to use it, ask yourself whether the relationship or collaboration feels established enough for this kind of casual, optimistic phrase.
Are There Any Alternatives to “Looking Forward to Working With You”?
Sometimes, mixing it up is a good idea. You don’t want to sound like a robot repeating the same phrases over and over. Here are a few alternatives that might suit different situations:
- “I’m excited to collaborate with you.”
- Great for showing energy and enthusiasm about a partnership.
- “I can’t wait to get started.”
- A bit more informal and upbeat, perfect for when you’re particularly excited about a project.
- “I’m eager to work with you on this.”
- Slightly more formal but still warm and inviting.
- “Looking forward to our partnership.”
- A more formal version for when the collaboration is long-term.
Example in Context:
- Email to a client: “I’m excited to collaborate with you on this new project.”
- Post-meeting email to a colleague: “Can’t wait to get started. Looking forward to working together!”
Why Does It Matter to Get This Right?
Now, you might be thinking, “It’s just an email sign-off. Does it really matter?” Well, yes, it does! Here’s why:
- Professionalism: Using phrases like “Looking forward to working with you” correctly can help you sound professional and polished, which is key in the workplace.
- Building rapport: This simple phrase is a tool to show your enthusiasm and create a positive connection with someone you’re about to work with. It helps build relationships.
- Setting expectations: When used appropriately, it signals that you’re committed to the work ahead and ready to collaborate. This is an important piece of trust-building.
The Psychology Behind It: How “Looking Forward to Working With You” Impacts Relationships
There’s more to this phrase than just grammar. Using “Looking forward to working with you” can set a positive tone for the collaboration. It helps the other person feel valued and signals that you’re ready to take on the work with enthusiasm.
Research shows that positive language in business communication fosters trust and makes people more likely to engage with you. When you express excitement about working with someone, it triggers a sense of mutual respect and shared goals. People like working with others who are excited and eager—it’s contagious!
When Should You Avoid Overusing This Phrase?
As much as “Looking forward to working with you” is a great phrase, overusing it can make it sound a little robotic. If you keep repeating the same thing in every email, it can start to lose its impact. Here are a few signs it might be time to switch it up:
- When it’s the default in every email – Mix in some variety to keep things fresh.
- When the project or collaboration is uncertain – Don’t get ahead of yourself.
- When you’re sending a follow-up email to someone you’ve already said it to – Find new ways to express enthusiasm or collaboration.
Final Thoughts: Is It Really Correct to Say “Looking Forward to Working With You?”
So, there you have it. Yes, “Looking forward to working with you” is correct and perfectly appropriate in many professional contexts. It’s a friendly and warm way to show your excitement and build rapport. However, it’s important to consider the context, the tone, and the level of formality before using it.
Remember, professionalism in language can make a huge difference in how you’re perceived at work. A little attention to detail and thoughtful communication can go a long way in building stronger relationships and getting your point across effectively.
So, the next time you’re about to hit send on that email, ask yourself: Is this the right phrase for this situation? If it is, go ahead and use it with confidence. If not, feel free to experiment with alternatives that better match the tone you want to convey.
At the end of the day, the most important thing is being authentic and clear in your communication. And hey, if “Looking forward to working with you” fits, then it’s an excellent choice!
FAQs About “Looking Forward to Working With You”
1. Is “Looking forward to working with you” grammatically correct?
Yes! The phrase follows proper grammatical structure because “looking forward to” is a phrasal verb, and it requires a gerund (working) after the preposition “to.”
2. What’s the difference between “Looking forward to working with you” and “I look forward to working with you”?
- “Looking forward to working with you” is more casual and conversational.
- “I look forward to working with you” is more formal and ideal for professional settings.
3. Can I say “Looking forward to work with you”?
No, that’s incorrect. The phrase “looking forward to” must always be followed by a gerund (-ing form), not an infinitive (to + verb). The correct phrase is “Looking forward to working with you.”
4. When should I use “Looking forward to working with you” in an email?
Use it when:
- You’re about to start working with someone.
- You’re concluding an email on a positive note.
- You want to express enthusiasm for an upcoming collaboration.
5. What are some alternatives to “Looking forward to working with you”?
If you want to mix things up, try:
- “Excited to collaborate with you.”
- “I can’t wait to get started.”
- “Eager to work together.”
- “Looking forward to our partnership.”
Jordan Phoenix is a passionate writer and spiritual seeker dedicated to exploring the mystical world of angel numbers. With a deep understanding of numerology and a commitment to helping others on their spiritual journeys, Jordan crafts insightful articles that decode the meanings behind these celestial messages.
