Communicating clearly in emails, messages, or professional conversations can be trickier than it seems. One phrase that often raises questions is “Looking forward to talking to you.” Is it grammatically correct? Can you drop “I’m”? Should you use “talking to” or “talking with”? This guide dives deep into the grammar, usage, tone, and alternatives for this commonly used expression.
Why “Looking Forward to Talking to You” Confuses People
Even seasoned writers stumble over this phrase. The confusion usually comes from three key points:
- Verb forms: People often mix gerunds and infinitives, which can make the sentence feel “off.”
- Dropping “I’m”: Many wonder if omitting the subject is proper English.
- Formal vs. casual usage: The tone may be perceived differently depending on the context.
For example, some might write:
“Looking forward to talk to you.”
While it may be understood, it’s grammatically incorrect.
On the other hand:
“I’m looking forward to talking to you.”
is fully correct but slightly longer and formal.
Understanding the why behind these choices helps you write confidently in both casual and professional settings.
What “Looking Forward to Talking to You” Really Means
At its core, this phrase expresses anticipation for a future conversation. It signals interest, positivity, and politeness. The intent may vary depending on context:
- Professional emails: Shows eagerness for collaboration.
- Casual texts: Signals friendly anticipation.
- Verbal conversations: Serves as a polite wrap-up in discussions.
Here are a few examples:
- Email:
“Thank you for your time. Looking forward to talking to you next week about the project.”
- Text:
“Hey! Looking forward to talking to you later 😊”
The tone may shift based on your audience, but the meaning remains consistent: you expect a conversation positively.
Grammar Breakdown: How the Phrase Works
The Core Structure
“Looking forward to” is a phrasal verb that always takes a gerund (-ing form). That’s why we say:
“Looking forward to talking to you” ✅
“Looking forward to talk to you” ❌
The gerund acts as the object of the preposition “to,” not as an infinitive.
Gerunds vs. Infinitives
What’s a Gerund?
A gerund is a verb ending in -ing that functions as a noun.
- Example:
“Swimming is fun.”
“I enjoy swimming.”
In our phrase, talking is a gerund:
“Looking forward to talking to you”
The gerund completes the idea of “looking forward to.”
What’s an Infinitive?
An infinitive is the base form of a verb preceded by “to.”
- Example:
“I want to swim.”
“She hopes to succeed.”
Using an infinitive here (to talk) is incorrect because “to” in “looking forward to” is a preposition, not part of an infinitive.
Key Difference
| Form | Example | Correct? |
|---|---|---|
| Gerund (-ing) | Looking forward to talking to you | ✅ Correct |
| Infinitive (to + verb) | Looking forward to talk to you | ❌ Incorrect |
“Talking To” vs. “Talking With”
Though subtle, there is a distinction:
- Talking to: Suggests one-way communication, slightly formal.
- Talking with: Suggests dialogue, more conversational and collaborative.
Examples:
- Email:
“Looking forward to talking to you about the budget.”
- Meeting:
“Looking forward to talking with you in our brainstorming session.”
Rule of thumb: Use “talking to” in formal settings, and “talking with” in collaborative, informal contexts.
Dropping “I’m”
Many writers prefer the shorter version:
“Looking forward to talking to you.”
It works because English often allows elliptical expressions, where the subject and auxiliary verb are implied.
- Full version (formal):
“I’m looking forward to talking to you.”
- Shortened (neutral-professional):
“Looking forward to talking to you.”
Both are grammatically acceptable, though the full version sounds slightly more polished in formal correspondence.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even native speakers slip up. Here are the most common errors:
- Using infinitive instead of gerund:
❌ “Looking forward to talk to you”
✅ “Looking forward to talking to you”
- Confusing “to” and “with”:
❌ “Looking forward to talking with you” in highly formal emails
✅ Use “talking to” in formal contexts
- Overly casual alternatives in formal emails:
❌ “Can’t wait to talk to you!”
✅ “I look forward to speaking with you.”
Quick Tips Table:
| Mistake | Correction | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| To talk | Talking | Gerund required after “to” |
| Talk with in formal email | Talk to | Maintains professional tone |
| Can’t wait to talk | I look forward to speaking | Too casual for formal contexts |
Professional Alternatives
When you want to elevate your language, consider these options:
- “I look forward to speaking with you” – Formal, professional.
- “I am eager to discuss…” – Shows enthusiasm.
- “I anticipate our conversation…” – Slightly formal, ideal for high-stakes communication.
- “I look forward to our discussion” – Neutral, versatile.
Example usage in an email:
Dear Mr. Smith,
I hope this email finds you well. I look forward to speaking with you about the upcoming marketing campaign. Please let me know a convenient time for our call.
Best regards,
Jane Doe
These alternatives maintain professionalism while keeping your tone polite and enthusiastic.
Cultural and Regional Notes
How people perceive this phrase varies slightly:
- American English: “Looking forward to talking to you” is widely accepted in both formal and informal emails.
- British English: Slightly more formal alternatives like “I look forward to speaking with you” are preferred in professional settings.
Regional differences also exist in casual communication. For instance, Americans may say:
“Looking forward to chatting!”
While British speakers may prefer:
“I look forward to our conversation.”
Knowing your audience can prevent tone misinterpretation and improve communication.
Practical Examples and Case Studies
Example Email
Subject: Project Update Discussion
Hi Sarah,
I hope you’re having a great week. Looking forward to talking to you tomorrow to finalize the project milestones. Please let me know if 2 PM works for you.
Best,
John
Visual Grammar Breakdown
- Looking forward to – Phrasal verb
- Talking – Gerund (object of the preposition)
- To you – Prepositional phrase indicating direction/audience
Comparative Table: Correct vs Incorrect Usage
| Phrase | Correct? | Context | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Looking forward to talking to you | ✅ | Neutral-professional | Most commonly used |
| Looking forward to talk to you | ❌ | Casual | Infinitive is wrong |
| I look forward to speaking with you | ✅ | Formal | Professional correspondence |
| Can’t wait to talk | ❌ | Casual | Too informal for work emails |
Case Study: Professional Email Communication
A marketing team used the phrase in their client emails. The initial draft used:
“Looking forward to talk to you”
Clients found it slightly off. After correcting it to:
“Looking forward to talking to you”
the tone appeared polished yet approachable. This simple adjustment improved client perception without changing content.
FAQ: Common Questions
Is “Looking forward to talk to you” grammatically correct?
❌ No, you must use the gerund form: “Looking forward to talking to you.”
Can I say “Look forward to speak with you”?
❌ Incorrect. The gerund is required: “Look forward to speaking with you.”
Is this phrase too casual for a formal email?
✅ The shortened version is neutral-professional. For formal emails, use “I look forward to speaking with you.”
What’s a more formal alternative?
- “I look forward to speaking with you”
- “I am eager to discuss…”
Can “talking with you” replace “talking to you”?
✅ Yes, in informal or collaborative contexts. Use “talking to you” for formal professional tone.
Conclusion
Using “Looking forward to talking to you” correctly comes down to understanding gerunds, prepositions, and tone. Dropping “I’m” is fine in most professional settings, while “talking to” vs. “talking with” subtly changes formality.
Avoid infinitive mistakes, keep your tone appropriate, and consider alternatives for high-stakes communication.
With these insights, your emails, messages, and conversations will always sound polished, confident, and professional.
I’m Alex Henry — a passionate English enthusiast who loves exploring words, grammar, and the art of expression. I share creative tips to help you fall in love with the English language every day.