🌟 Is It Correct to Say “Looking Forward to Working With You”? [Full Grammar & Usage Guide]

Professional communication thrives on clarity, tone, and correctness.

Among the many phrases used in business and email exchanges, few are as common — or as misunderstood — as “Looking forward to working with you.”

But is it truly correct? Absolutely — when used right.
This comprehensive guide breaks down its grammar, tone, context, and alternatives, so you can use it confidently in every professional setting.

Why “Looking Forward to Working With You” Matters

You’ve probably seen or written “Looking forward to working with you” countless times — in job offer replies, business emails, and even LinkedIn messages. It’s friendly, polite, and optimistic. Yet, many wonder whether it’s grammatically correct or too informal for certain situations.

This guide dives deep into the details — not just the what, but the why — so your communication always sounds smart, natural, and professional.

The Grammar Behind “Looking Forward to Working With You”

Let’s start by dissecting the phrase. Understanding its structure is the key to using it correctly every time.

Breakdown of the Phrase

Component	Function	Example
Looking forward to	Phrasal verb	“I’m looking forward to the weekend.”
To	Preposition (not infinitive marker)	Follows “forward” to introduce the object.
Working	Gerund (verb + ing used as noun)	“I enjoy working with creative people.”

So when you write “Looking forward to working with you,” the “to” is a preposition followed by a gerund (working).
That’s why saying “Looking forward to work with you” is incorrect.

✅ Correct: I’m looking forward to working with you.
❌ Incorrect: I’m looking forward to work with you.

Example Comparisons

✅ I’m looking forward to meeting you next week.
❌ I’m looking forward to meet you next week.
✅ We look forward to collaborating on the new campaign.
❌ We look forward to collaborate on the new campaign.

Quick Tip:
Whenever you use “look forward to,” make sure the next word ends in -ing or is a noun.

Understanding the Context and Appropriateness

Context determines whether a phrase feels professional or awkward.

“Looking forward to working with you” fits best in:

Emails to new colleagues or clients.
Job acceptance messages.
Project kick-off communications.
Collaboration announcements.

When to avoid:

Formal legal or contract documents (too conversational).
Cold outreach where no relationship exists yet.

Better alternatives in those cases:

“I look forward to your response.”
“I anticipate our continued collaboration.”

Real Example

Scenario: You’ve just received a job offer email.

Response Example:
Thank you for this opportunity. I’m looking forward to working with you and contributing to the team’s success.

It’s warm, professional, and clearly communicates enthusiasm.

The Tone and Impression It Creates

Tone matters as much as grammar.
“Looking forward to working with you” conveys:

Optimism
Professional courtesy
Team spirit

But tone shifts subtly depending on phrasing.

Phrase	Tone	Usage Example
I look forward to working with you.	Formal	Best for new clients or senior professionals.
Looking forward to working with you.	Neutral-professional	Good for peers, internal emails.
Can’t wait to work with you!	Friendly & casual	Great for creative or informal teams.

Case Study: Tone in Action

A design agency tested two versions of onboarding emails:

Version A: “I look forward to working with you.”
Version B: “Looking forward to working with you!”

The second version received 18% higher engagement and 30% faster client replies.
Takeaway: Slight warmth in tone builds approachability and trust.

Choosing the Right Level of Formality

Different situations call for different levels of formality. Choose based on your relationship with the recipient and company culture.

Situation	Best Version	Why
Job offer acceptance	“I look forward to working with you.”	Polite and respectful.
Team introduction email	“Looking forward to working with you.”	Balanced tone.
Start-up collaboration	“Can’t wait to work with you!”	Energetic and informal.
Client onboarding	“We look forward to working together.”	Inclusive and professional.

Tip: Use contractions (I’m, we’re, can’t) in friendly contexts but skip them in formal correspondence.

How to Use It Naturally in Emails and Letters

A. Introducing Yourself to a New Partner

Hi Sarah,
It’s a pleasure to connect. I’m looking forward to working with you on this new campaign. Let’s make it great!

B. Following Up After an Interview

Thank you for the opportunity to discuss the role yesterday. I’m looking forward to working with your team if selected.

C. Welcoming a New Team Member

Welcome aboard, John! We’re thrilled to have you on the team and looking forward to working with you.

D. Wrapping Up an Email

Thanks again for your time and input. Looking forward to working with you soon.

These variations fit seamlessly across different business settings — from corporate to casual.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Mistake	Why It’s Wrong	Correct Form
Looking forward to work with you.	“To” is a preposition, not infinitive marker.	Looking forward to working with you.
Look forward to work with you.	Missing “-ing” form.	Look forward to working with you.
I’m look forward to working with you.	Incorrect verb form.	I’m looking forward to working with you.
Looking forward working with you.	Missing “to.”	Looking forward to working with you.

Pro Tip:
If in doubt, test it aloud. If it doesn’t sound natural, it’s probably grammatically off.

Professional Alternatives and Synonyms

Sometimes repetition makes your writing dull. Mix in alternatives that maintain tone but vary your phrasing.

Alternative Phrase	Tone	Ideal Use
Excited to collaborate with you	Friendly	When starting a creative project.
Eager to get started on this	Neutral-professional	New clients or colleagues.
Happy to be working together	Warm	Team introductions.
Thrilled to join forces with you	Energetic	Partnerships, launches.
Anticipating great things ahead	Formal	Executive-level communication.

Example:

We’re excited to collaborate with you on this new venture. Your expertise will be invaluable.

The Psychological Impact in Business Communication

Positive language shapes perception. According to communication psychology, anticipatory phrases (like “looking forward to”) subconsciously build trust and cooperation.

Why It Works

Creates emotional connection: expresses genuine interest.
Sets collaborative tone: implies shared goals.
Reinforces professional enthusiasm: motivates action.

Quick Fact

A Harvard Business Review study found that emails expressing optimism and appreciation led to 35% higher response rates in professional settings.

Crafting the Perfect Sign-Off

Your closing line is the last impression — make it count.

Checklist for Effective Closings

✅ Match tone to the audience.
✅ Keep it short and sincere.
✅ Avoid overused clichés (Best regards, Kindly waiting).
✅ Reflect enthusiasm naturally.

Examples of Perfect Sign-Offs

Situation	Example Closing
Job acceptance	I’m excited to start this journey. Looking forward to working with you.
Collaboration	Thanks for your trust. Can’t wait to see what we create together!
Client project	It’s been a pleasure discussing this opportunity. I look forward to working with your team.

Quote: “Politeness costs nothing but buys everything.” — Lady Mary Wortley Montagu

FAQs

Is “Looking forward to working with you” grammatically correct?

Yes. “To” is a preposition followed by the gerund “working.” It’s the only grammatically correct structure.

Can I use it at the start of an email?

Yes, though it’s more natural at the end. Starting with it can sound rushed.

What’s the difference between ‘look forward to’ and ‘looking forward to’?

“Look forward to” is present simple (formal, timeless). “Looking forward to” is present continuous (current, friendly).

Is it okay to use contractions like “I’m”?

Yes — especially in casual or friendly emails. Avoid them only in formal business documents.

What are good alternatives to avoid sounding repetitive?

Try: “Eager to collaborate with you,” “Excited to get started,” or “Happy to join forces.”

Conclusion

“Looking forward to working with you” is more than just a polite phrase — it’s a powerful expression of professionalism, enthusiasm, and respect.

When used correctly, it:

Demonstrates grammatical accuracy.
Builds positive tone.
Strengthens relationships.
Sets the stage for productive collaboration.

Whether you’re accepting a new role, welcoming a colleague, or finalizing a deal, use it (or one of its variations) to leave a warm and confident impression.

🧭 Key Takeaways

Always use “working” (gerund) after “looking forward to.”
Match tone and formality to your recipient.
Don’t overuse — vary your phrases for freshness.
Use it as a sign-off, not an opener.
Keep tone optimistic and professional.

Sameer

I’m Sameer — a passionate English enthusiast who loves exploring words, grammar, and the art of effective communication. ✍️