The phrase “looking forward to seeing you” is one of the most common and useful expressions in English. You may see it at the end of emails, messages, invitations, and conversations when someone wants to express excitement or positive anticipation about meeting another person. Although the phrase is simple, learners often make a small grammar mistake by saying “looking forward to see you.”
The correct expression is “looking forward to seeing you.” The reason is that to in “look forward to” is a preposition, so it should be followed by a noun, pronoun, or -ing form (gerund). Therefore, we say “looking forward to seeing you,” not “looking forward to see you.” In this guide, we’ll explain the meaning, grammar, correct usage, examples, common mistakes, formal and informal alternatives, and an easy way to remember the rule.
Quick Answer
“Looking forward to seeing you” is correct. It means “I am excited or happy about seeing you in the future.” After “looking forward to,” use a noun or -ing form, so seeing is correct, not see.
Why People Confuse It
The main confusion comes from the word to.
English learners often learn that to + verb takes the base form:
- to see
- to meet
- to visit
- to talk
For example:
I want to see you.
But “look forward to” works differently.
In this expression, to is a preposition, not part of an infinitive. A preposition is followed by a noun, pronoun, or gerund.
Therefore:
✅ I am looking forward to seeing you.
❌ I am looking forward to see you.
The same rule applies to other expressions:
- looking forward to meeting you
- looking forward to hearing from you
- looking forward to working with you
- looking forward to talking with you
Looking Forward to Seeing You: Meaning
“Looking forward to seeing you” means that you are anticipating seeing someone with pleasure or excitement.
In simple English:
I’m looking forward to seeing you = I’m excited to see you.
It usually refers to a future meeting.
Examples
I’m looking forward to seeing you tomorrow.
We’re looking forward to seeing you at the wedding.
I’m really looking forward to seeing you again.
The phrase is positive, polite, and friendly.
Grammar: Why “Seeing” Is Correct
The grammar becomes easy when you understand the structure:
look forward to + noun/gerund
For example:
- I look forward to the meeting.
- I look forward to your visit.
- I look forward to seeing you.
- I look forward to hearing from you.
Here, seeing functions as a gerund, which means an -ing form functioning like a noun.
Therefore:
✅ looking forward to seeing
Not:
❌ looking forward to see
Compare these two structures
I want to see you.
Here, to see is an infinitive.
I look forward to seeing you.
Here, to is a preposition, so seeing is required.
Comparison Table
| Expression | Correct? | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| I’m looking forward to seeing you. | ✅ | I’m excited about seeing you. |
| I’m looking forward to see you. | ❌ | Incorrect grammar |
| I look forward to seeing you. | ✅ | Formal/polite anticipation |
| I look forward to see you. | ❌ | Incorrect grammar |
| I’m excited to see you. | ✅ | Natural alternative |
When to Use “Looking Forward to Seeing You”
In casual messages
Looking forward to seeing you tomorrow!
This sounds warm and friendly.
In professional emails
I’m looking forward to seeing you at the meeting.
This is polite and professional.
When meeting someone again
I’m looking forward to seeing you again.
This emphasizes that you’ve met before.
Before an event
We’re looking forward to seeing you at the conference.
This is common in invitations and event communication.
“Looking Forward to Seeing You” vs “Looking Forward to See You”
This is one of the most important distinctions.
Correct:
I’m looking forward to seeing you.
Incorrect:
I’m looking forward to see you.
Why?
Because the expression is:
look forward to + -ing
Examples:
- look forward to seeing
- look forward to meeting
- look forward to hearing
- look forward to speaking
- look forward to working
Examples: Correct Usage
- I’m looking forward to seeing you tomorrow.
- We’re looking forward to seeing you at the event.
- I’m really looking forward to seeing you again.
- She is looking forward to seeing her friends.
- They’re looking forward to seeing the new office.
- I’m looking forward to seeing you soon.
- We’re looking forward to seeing everyone.
- He’s looking forward to seeing his family.
- I’m looking forward to seeing you at the conference.
- We are looking forward to seeing you there.
- I’m looking forward to seeing you in person.
- I’m looking forward to seeing you next week.
Common Mistakes
Mistake 1: “Looking forward to see you”
❌ I’m looking forward to see you.
✅ I’m looking forward to seeing you.
This is the most common mistake.
Mistake 2: “Looking forward for seeing you”
❌ I’m looking forward for seeing you.
✅ I’m looking forward to seeing you.
The fixed expression is look forward to.
Mistake 3: “Looking forward seeing you”
❌ I’m looking forward seeing you.
✅ I’m looking forward to seeing you.
Don’t leave out to.
Mistake 4: “Looking forwards to seeing you”
In standard English, the expression is normally:
✅ looking forward to
Not:
❌ looking forwards to
The verb look is normally singular or plural according to the subject, but forward remains singular in this expression.
Is “Looking Forward to Seeing You” Formal?
Yes, “looking forward to seeing you” can be used in both formal and informal situations.
Professional
I’m looking forward to seeing you at the meeting.
Friendly
Looking forward to seeing you tomorrow!
More formal
I look forward to seeing you at the conference.
The version “I look forward to seeing you” is particularly common in professional emails.
“I Look Forward to Seeing You” vs “I’m Looking Forward to Seeing You”
Both are correct, but there is a slight difference in tone.
I’m looking forward to seeing you
This sounds warm, natural, and conversational.
I’m looking forward to seeing you tomorrow.
I look forward to seeing you
This sounds more formal and professional.
I look forward to seeing you at the conference.
Both express positive anticipation.
Alternatives to “Looking Forward to Seeing You”
Depending on your tone, you can also say:
Friendly
- I can’t wait to see you!
- Excited to see you!
- Can’t wait to see you tomorrow!
- See you soon!
Professional
- I look forward to seeing you.
- I look forward to meeting you.
- I look forward to our meeting.
- I look forward to speaking with you.
Warm and polite
- I’m excited to see you again.
- It will be great to see you.
- I’m happy that we’ll be meeting soon.
American vs British English
There is no significant difference between American and British English in the grammar of “look forward to seeing you.”
Both varieties use:
I’m looking forward to seeing you.
and:
I look forward to seeing you.
The expression is common in emails, professional communication, invitations, and everyday conversation in both varieties.
Similar Expressions
Looking forward to meeting you
Use this when you have not met the person before or when the focus is on a planned meeting.
I’m looking forward to meeting you.
Looking forward to hearing from you
Common in emails when expecting a response.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Looking forward to working with you
Common in professional situations.
I’m looking forward to working with you.
Looking forward to talking to you
Used when anticipating a future conversation.
I’m looking forward to talking to you.
Excited to see you
A more direct and enthusiastic alternative.
I’m excited to see you tomorrow.
FAQs
Is “looking forward to seeing you” correct?
Yes. “Looking forward to seeing you” is grammatically correct and very natural English.
Is “looking forward to see you” correct?
No. In standard English, use “looking forward to seeing you.”
Why do we use “seeing” instead of “see”?
Because to in “look forward to” is a preposition. It is followed by a noun or -ing form, not an infinitive.
Is “I look forward to seeing you” formal?
Yes. It is especially common in professional emails and formal communication.
Is “I’m looking forward to seeing you” informal?
It can be used informally or formally. It generally sounds warmer and more conversational than “I look forward to seeing you.”
Can I say “looking forward to meeting you”?
Yes. This is completely correct.
I’m looking forward to meeting you.
Can I say “looking forward for seeing you”?
No. The standard expression is “looking forward to seeing you.”
Is “looking forward to seeing you soon” correct?
Yes. It is a very natural expression.
I’m looking forward to seeing you soon.
Final Verdict
“Looking forward to seeing you” is the correct expression. It means that you are happy, excited, or eager about seeing someone in the future. The key grammar rule is that look forward to is followed by a noun or -ing form.
Therefore:
✅ I’m looking forward to seeing you.
❌ I’m looking forward to see you.
If you’re writing a professional email, “I look forward to seeing you” is an excellent choice. For a friendly message, “I’m looking forward to seeing you” or “Looking forward to seeing you!” sounds natural and warm.
Remember This
The rule:
LOOK FORWARD TO + -ING
So:
✅ seeing
✅ meeting
✅ hearing
✅ talking
✅ working
Never:
❌ look forward to see
❌ look forward to meet
❌ look forward to hear
Easy memory trick:
“Look forward to” loves ING.
Looking forward to SEEING you.
Conclusion
The phrase “looking forward to seeing you” is correct, natural, and widely used in both personal and professional English. It expresses positive anticipation about a future meeting and can be used in conversations, text messages, invitations, and emails.
The most important grammar point is the structure “look forward to + -ing.” Although to often introduces an infinitive in English, it acts as a preposition in this expression. That’s why we say “looking forward to seeing you,” not “looking forward to see you.” Remember this simple pattern, and you’ll be able to use the expression confidently.
An expert in English grammar and expressive writing techniques.
She focuses on helping readers expand their vocabulary with clarity.
Elina believes the right word can transform ordinary writing into powerful communication.
