Is It Correct to Say “I Am Very Much Looking Forward”?

If you’ve ever written a professional email, responded to an invitation, or prepared for an important meeting, you’ve probably encountered the phrase “I am very much looking forward.” It sounds polite, enthusiastic, and professional. Yet many English learners and even native speakers wonder whether it is grammatically correct. Is something missing from the sentence? Should it be followed by “to”? Is there a better way to express the same idea?

The confusion usually comes from the structure of the expression. While the phrase appears simple, it contains several grammar elements working together. Understanding how these elements function can help you avoid common mistakes and communicate more naturally in both formal and informal situations.

The good news is that “I am very much looking forward” can be perfectly correct English. However, it is often incomplete when used by itself. To use the expression properly, you need to understand what comes after it, why the phrase works grammatically, and how native speakers use it in real-world communication. This guide covers everything you need to know.

Table of Contents

Is “I Am Very Much Looking Forward” Grammatically Correct?

The short answer is yes—but usually not by itself.

Many people write or say:

I am very much looking forward.

Technically, this sounds unfinished because the expression normally requires an object after it.

Why the Phrase Often Sounds Incomplete

The expression “looking forward to” functions as a fixed idiomatic phrase in English. It creates an expectation that something will follow.

Native speakers expect to hear:

What are you looking forward to?
Who are you looking forward to seeing?
Which event are you anticipating?

Without that information, the sentence feels incomplete.

Complete vs. Incomplete Usage

Phrase	Correct?	Explanation
I am very much looking forward.	Usually incomplete	Missing object
I am very much looking forward to the meeting.	Correct	Complete thought
I am very much looking forward to hearing from you.	Correct	Proper structure
I am very much looking forward to our conversation.	Correct	Complete expression

The Most Natural Form

In most professional contexts, native speakers prefer:

I am very much looking forward to meeting you.

I am very much looking forward to working together.

These versions feel complete, polished, and natural.

What Does “I Am Very Much Looking Forward” Mean?

The phrase expresses anticipation, excitement, enthusiasm, or positive expectation about a future event or experience.

Simple Definition

I am very much looking forward to something means that you are eagerly anticipating it and expect it to be enjoyable, valuable, or important.

Emotional Meaning

The expression communicates more than simple expectation.

It often conveys:

Enthusiasm
Interest
Optimism
Appreciation
Excitement
Professional courtesy

Common Situations Where People Use It

The phrase frequently appears in:

Business emails
Job interviews
Networking messages
University correspondence
Event invitations
Customer communication
Personal conversations

Examples

Business Email

I am very much looking forward to discussing the proposal next week.

Academic Context

I am very much looking forward to attending the conference.

Personal Context

I am very much looking forward to seeing everyone at the reunion.

In each case, the phrase communicates positive anticipation.

Breaking Down the Grammar of “I Am Very Much Looking Forward”

Understanding the grammar makes the expression easier to use correctly.

Subject: “I”

The word I serves as the subject.

It tells us who is experiencing the anticipation.

Auxiliary Verb: “Am”

The verb am comes from the verb to be.

It helps create the present continuous tense.

Adverb Phrase: “Very Much”

The phrase very much functions as an intensifier.

It strengthens the emotion.

Compare:

I am looking forward to the event.

with

I am very much looking forward to the event.

The second sentence expresses stronger enthusiasm.

Present Participle: “Looking”

The word looking forms part of the present continuous structure.

However, in this expression it contributes to an idiomatic meaning rather than literal visual observation.

The Expression “Forward To”

This is where many learners become confused.

The phrase:

looking forward to

acts as a single unit.

It means:

anticipating with pleasure

The word to here is a preposition, not part of an infinitive verb.

That distinction is extremely important.

How the Phrase Works Grammatically

The complete structure follows a predictable pattern.

Grammar Formula

Subject + Be Verb + Very Much + Looking Forward To + Noun/Gerund

Examples

Noun Example

I am very much looking forward to the conference.

Pronoun Example

I am very much looking forward to it.

Gerund Example

I am very much looking forward to meeting your team.

Why This Structure Matters

Because to functions as a preposition, it must be followed by:

A noun
A pronoun
A gerund (-ing form)

It cannot be followed by a base verb.

What Does “Very Much” Add to the Sentence?

Many writers wonder whether very much is necessary.

The answer depends on tone.

Without “Very Much”

I am looking forward to meeting you.

This sounds friendly and professional.

With “Very Much”

I am very much looking forward to meeting you.

This sounds warmer, stronger, and more enthusiastic.

Function of “Very Much”

The phrase:

Intensifies anticipation
Adds emotional emphasis
Signals greater enthusiasm
Creates a more appreciative tone

Comparison Table

Expression	Strength of Enthusiasm
Looking forward to	Moderate
Really looking forward to	Strong
Very much looking forward to	Strong and formal
Can’t wait	Very strong and informal

When It Improves Communication

Use very much when:

Thanking someone
Accepting an invitation
Confirming a meeting
Following up after an interview
Communicating appreciation

Example:

I am very much looking forward to speaking with your team next week.

The added enthusiasm feels sincere and professional.

Correct Placement of “Very Much”

Placement matters.

Some positions sound natural while others sound awkward.

Standard Placement

The most natural structure is:

I am very much looking forward to meeting you.

This is the form most commonly used in professional writing.

Alternative Placement

You may occasionally see:

I am looking forward very much to meeting you.

This is grammatically possible but sounds less natural in modern American English.

Less Natural Example

I very much am looking forward to meeting you.

Although grammatical, it feels overly formal and somewhat awkward.

Recommended Structure

For most situations, use:

I am very much looking forward to…

This placement sounds smooth, natural, and professional.

Why “Looking Forward To” Must Be Followed by Something

One of the most common grammar mistakes involves stopping the phrase too early.

Understanding the Preposition “To”

Many learners mistakenly treat to as part of an infinitive.

For example:

❌ Looking forward to meet you.

This is incorrect.

Why It Is Incorrect

Because to is a preposition, the next word should function as a noun.

FAQs

1. Is it correct to say “I am very much looking forward”?

Yes, “I am very much looking forward” is grammatically correct, but it is usually incomplete on its own. The expression normally requires an object after “looking forward to.”

Correct Examples:

I am very much looking forward to the meeting.
I am very much looking forward to hearing from you.
I am very much looking forward to working with your team.

2. Can I say “I’m looking forward very much”?

Yes, you can, but it sounds less natural in modern American English.

Most native speakers prefer:

I’m very much looking forward to meeting you.

Instead of:

I’m looking forward very much to meeting you.

The first version flows more naturally and is more common in professional communication.

3. What’s the difference between “I look forward” and “I’m looking forward”?

Both expressions are correct, but they differ slightly in tone.

Expression	Tone	Common Usage
I look forward to hearing from you.	More formal	Business letters, formal emails
I’m looking forward to hearing from you.	More conversational	Everyday professional communication

“I look forward” often appears in formal correspondence, while “I’m looking forward” sounds warmer and more personal.

4. Is “very much” necessary?

No. The sentence remains correct without “very much.”

Compare:

I am looking forward to the conference.
I am very much looking forward to the conference.

The second sentence simply adds stronger enthusiasm and emphasis.

Use “very much” when you want to sound especially appreciative, excited, or eager.

5. What can I say instead of “I am very much looking forward”?

Several alternatives work depending on the situation.

Formal Alternatives

I look forward to hearing from you.
I eagerly anticipate your response.
I appreciate the opportunity to meet with you.
I await your feedback.

Professional Alternatives

I’m excited about the upcoming meeting.
I’m enthusiastic about working together.
I’m pleased to participate in the project.

Casual Alternatives

I can’t wait.
I’m really looking forward to it.
I’m excited to see you.
Looking forward to it!

6. Why must “looking forward to” be followed by a noun or gerund?

In this expression, “to” functions as a preposition, not part of an infinitive verb.

Therefore, it should be followed by:

A noun
A pronoun
A gerund (-ing form)

Correct:

Looking forward to the event.
Looking forward to it.
Looking forward to meeting you.

Incorrect:

Looking forward to meet you.

7. Is “looking forward to meeting you” grammatically correct?

Yes. This is one of the most common and natural uses of the expression.

Examples:

I am very much looking forward to meeting you next week.
We’re looking forward to meeting your team.
She’s looking forward to meeting the new employees.

Because meeting is a gerund, the sentence follows standard grammar rules.

8. Is the phrase appropriate in business emails?

Absolutely. It is widely used in professional communication because it sounds polite, positive, and respectful.

Example:

Thank you for your time. I am very much looking forward to discussing the proposal with you next Tuesday.

This wording helps create a professional and cooperative tone.

9. Can I use “I am very much looking forward” in academic writing?

Yes, but primarily in correspondence rather than formal research papers.

It commonly appears in:

Emails to professors
Conference communications
Academic applications
Research collaborations

Example:

I am very much looking forward to presenting my findings at the symposium.

10. Do native English speakers commonly use this phrase?

Yes. Native speakers frequently use “I am very much looking forward to” in both professional and personal communication.

You’ll often hear it in:

Business meetings
Job interviews
Networking events
Customer correspondence
Personal invitations

Its popularity comes from its ability to express enthusiasm while maintaining a polite and professional tone.

Conclusion

The phrase “I am very much looking forward” is a perfectly valid part of English grammar when it is used correctly. The key point to remember is that the expression is usually incomplete on its own and should typically be followed by “to” plus a noun, pronoun, or gerund. Once you understand this structure, the phrase becomes easy to use confidently in both spoken and written communication.

One reason this expression remains so popular is its versatility. It works well in professional emails, academic correspondence, business meetings, networking conversations, and personal messages. Adding “very much” strengthens the sense of enthusiasm and appreciation, making your communication sound warmer and more engaged without losing professionalism.

Ultimately, mastering “I am very much looking forward to” is less about memorizing rules and more about understanding how native speakers express anticipation naturally. Whether you’re preparing for a meeting, responding to an invitation, or building professional relationships, using the phrase correctly helps your message sound clear, polished, and genuinely enthusiastic.