Is It Proper Grammar to Say, “Looking Forward to Talking to You”?

When it comes to grammar, even a simple phrase like “Looking Forward to Talking to You” can create confusion among learners and experts alike. The sentence may appear simple, yet many still wonder if it’s correct or not. People online often debate how to express anticipation properly without making a grammatical error. I once struggled with this myself –  it felt like trying to understand a tricky rule that seemed unfair at first, but once clear, it made perfect sense.

For anyone learning to sound more natural in English, mastering this phrase is essential. It shows how even short expressions can lead to valuable insights. The phrase not only conveys excitement but also highlights the beauty of English grammar. So, the next time you say “I’m looking forward to talking to you,” remember –  you’re using a grammatically correct phrase that reflects precision, warmth, and genuine anticipation in communication.

Introduction: Why This Common Phrase Deserves a Closer Look

You’ve seen it in business emails, messages, follow-ups: “Looking forward to talking to you.” It sounds friendly, professional, and polite. But many writers stop and ask: Is this phrase truly correct? The answer lies in the grammar of anticipation- how English expresses something we expect, hope for, or plan. We’ll pull the phrase apart, examine each piece, and show you exactly how it works so you can use it with confidence.

The Grammar Behind “Looking Forward to Talking to You”

Let’s break the phrase into bits and see how each part functions:

• “Looking forward to”: This is a set phrase (phrasal verb) meaning anticipating something with pleasure.
• “Talking to you”: This is the object of that anticipation- what you’re looking forward to.

Why use talking, not to talk? Because in this context the “to” in “forward to” is not part of an infinitive. It’s a preposition. The grammar rule: when a preposition appears, it must be followed by a noun or gerund (i.e., verb + -ing form) rather than a plain infinitive. According to the Cambridge University Press “Look forward to” grammar entry:

“The ‘to’ in look forward to is a preposition, so we must follow it by a noun phrase or a verb in the –ing form.” That means “looking forward to talking to you” is correct. In contrast, “looking forward to talk to you” is incorrect because “talk” (plain verb) cannot act as the object of a preposition.

Here are side-by-side examples:

Structure	Example	Comment
✅ Correct	I’m looking forward to talking to you.	Gerund after preposition “to”
❌ Incorrect	I’m looking forward to talk to you.	Plain infinitive after preposition

The conclusion: the phrase is grammatically sound, provided you keep the gerund form.

Understanding “Looking Forward To”: Grammar of Anticipation

Why do we say “looking forward to” rather than “will look forward to” or “looked forward to”? Because this phrase captures an immediate sense of expectation. You’re not describing something that happened in the past; you’re expressing excitement or positivity about a conversation that lies ahead. The grammar reflects that:

• Present continuous form (“I am looking forward to…”) suggests the anticipation is happening now.
• Present simple form (“I look forward to…”) is slightly more formal and expresses a more general expectation.
• Past form (“I looked forward to…”) would reference completed anticipation and is rare in closing remarks.

In practical communication:

• Use “I look forward to…” when you want a formal, polite tone (e.g., official correspondence).
• Use “I’m looking forward to…” when you want a friendly, conversational tone (e.g., an email to a colleague).

The phrase signals more than time- it signals emotion and relational tone. When you say “Looking forward to talking to you”, you imply please, readiness, expectation- all positive signals.

Gerund vs. Infinitive: Clearing the Confusion

A major stumbling block for many writers is distinguishing between a gerund (-ing form) and an infinitive (to + base verb). Let’s clarify:

What is a gerund?

A gerund is a verb form ending in -ing that functions like a noun. For example:

• Swimming is fun.
• I enjoy reading.

In those cases, swimming and reading act like nouns: subjects or objects.

What is an infinitive?

An infinitive is the base verb with “to” (to swim, to read, to go). It often expresses purpose or intent. For example:

• I want to swim.
• She hopes to read that book.

Why it matters here

In the phrase “looking forward to talking to you,” the “to” is a preposition, not part of an infinitive. Therefore it demands a noun or a gerund as its object. That’s why talking (gerund) works, and to talk (infinitive) does not.

From a real-life usage forum:

“Talking to you” is the object of the preposition “to” (the one that follows “looking forward”), and objects are nouns. “Talking” is a gerund … > “talk” is a verb and cannot therefore be an object.

Quick comparison table:

Verb phrase	Requires…	Example
look forward to	noun/gerund	“I look forward to meeting you.”
hope to	infinitive	“I hope to meet you soon.”
apologize for	gerund	“She apologized for being late.”

Keep this pattern in mind: whenever you have a look forward to, follow it with a gerund (verb-ing) or a noun phrase.

Tense Matters: How Verbal Tenses Shape Meaning

When you use a phrase like “Looking forward to talking to you”, you’re still dealing with future communication- you haven’t done the talk yet- but you frame it using the present continuous. Why? Because you’re describing your state of expectation in the present moment, about a future event.

Contrast with other tenses:

• Simple future: I will talk to you tomorrow. → A plain statement of a future event.
• Present continuous (with expectation): I’m looking forward to talking to you tomorrow. → A statement of your current feeling about that future event.
• Present simple (formal tone): I look forward to talking to you. → A stable expectation, formal context.

According to grammar discussion:

“‘I look forward to…’ is more formal; it’s the kind of thing you would write in an official letter. ‘I am looking forward to…’ is less formal.”

Practical tips:

• Use present continuous (“I’m looking forward…”) when you want a neutral to friendly tone.
• Use present simple (“I look forward…”) for formal written contact, such as in business or legal documents.
• Avoid mixing by saying “I’ll look forward to talking to you”, which sounds awkward and less common.

In short: choose the tense that matches your tone and the relationship you have with your audience.

“Talking To” vs. “Talking With”: Subtle But Important Nuances

You’ve also probably wondered whether to use “talking to you” or “talking with you”. Both are grammatically correct, but they carry slightly different nuances of tone and style.

Key difference:

• Talking to you → Suggests a one-way delivery or message direction (you speaking, I listening).
• Talking with you → Suggests a more collaborative, two-way exchange or conversation.

According to a business-writing guide:

Neither “to you” nor “with you” is grammatically incorrect. However, “with” generally suggests a sense of accompaniment as opposed to “to” which may imply a one-way discourse.

When to use which:

• If you’re initiating the conversation (e.g., you will present or lead) → “talking to you” fits.
• If you expect interaction, dialogue, discussion → “talking with you” feels warmer and more inclusive.

Example usage:

• “I’m looking forward to talking to you about the budget update.” (Neutral/professional)
• “I’m looking forward to talking with you on our next project call.” (Collaborative tone)

Either choice is fine. What matters is matching tone to context and relationship.

Common Variations and Their Correctness

Let’s explore similar expressions you might see or use- and check whether they’re correct, and how formal they sound.

Variants and tone:

Alternative phrase	Tone	Notes
I look forward to speaking with you.	Formal, business	Slightly more formal than “talking”.
I’m looking forward to speaking with you.	Friendly professional	Good for emails.
I’m looking forward to talking to you.	Neutral business	Your original phrase.
Can’t wait to talk to you!	Casual, enthusiastic	Friendly/personal; avoid in formal letters.

Correctness check:

• ✅ “Looking forward to talking to you” → correct, gerund after preposition.
• ✅ “Looking forward to speaking with you” → also correct.
• ❌ “Looking forward to talk to you” → incorrect because “to” acts as preposition and cannot be followed by a bare verb.

Additional tips:

• When you want to increase formality, swap talking → speaking.
• When you want a high-enthusiasm tone, you might say: “I can’t wait to talk with you”, but avoid in strictly formal emails.
• For very friendly or short messages: “Talk soon!” works fine for peers.

When and Where to Use This Phrase Professionally

Here are real-world contexts where you might use the phrase, plus tips on how to tailor tone and structure.

Business Emails

Scenario: You’ve scheduled a call or meeting. Example closing:

Dear Alex, Thank you for confirming the agenda. I’m looking forward to talking to you next Wednesday. Best regards, This strikes a polite, professional tone without being overly formal.

Job Interview Follow-up

Example:

Dear Ms. Jones, Thank you for your time today. I’m looking forward to talking with you soon and discussing how I can contribute to your team. Here “talking with you” signals you expect a mutual conversation, not just a statement from you.

Customer/Client Communication

Example:

Hello Team, We appreciate your interest in our services. I look forward to speaking with you and exploring solutions together. Here “look forward” (simple present) lends a slightly more formal, definite tone.

In Messaging Apps or Less Formal Contexts

Example:

Hi John –  thanks for the quick reply! Looking forward to talking to you about the designs. Dropping the subject “I” and using the shortened “Looking forward…” is fine in more casual settings.

Dos & Don’ts

Dos:

• Use look forward to + gerund.
• Choose “to” or “with” based on tone.
• Match tense to context (formal vs casual).

Don’ts:

• Avoid to + infinitive after “look forward to”.
• Don’t use “looking forward for…”- the correct preposition is to.
• Don’t use overly casual closings in formal documents.

Related Grammar Confusions (Mini Explanations)

Here are other grammar points you may see alongside this phrase. They’re brief but worth knowing.

“As discussed”

Used when referencing a prior conversation. It’s a correct phrase for formal follow-ups, e.g., “As discussed, we will meet at 10 a.m.” It’s concise and professional.

Possessive Nouns

A noun showing ownership or relationship. Example: “company’s policy”, “writers’ workshop”.

Common Nouns

Nouns that refer to general items rather than specific ones. Example: “book”, “dog”, “meeting”.

“Have anyone” or “Has anyone”?

Correct grammar: “Has anyone…” because “anyone” is singular. Incorrect: “Have anyone…”

Understanding the Perfect Aspect

The perfect aspect (have + past participle) links past actions to the present. Example: “I have finished the report” means you finished it, and now it’s complete in relation to now.

Intensive Pronouns

Pronouns used to emphasize a preceding noun: “himself”, “herself”, “themselves”. Example: “She herself prepared the presentation.”

These brief reminders help you polish your communication and avoid subtle errors.

Polishing Your Communication: Tone, Clarity, and Confidence

When you write, remember you’re speaking to a person, not just sending words into the void. Here’s how you can fine-tune your writing:

• Be clear and concise: Use simple words when they do the job.
• Mind your tone: Tailor formality to the audience.
• Watch rhythm: Short sentences and varied structure keep readers engaged.
• Use active voice: “I’m looking forward to talking to you” sounds stronger than “Talking to you is what I look forward to.”
• Include an appropriate closing: E.g., “Best regards,” or “Looking forward to talking to you soon.”
• Proof and personalize: Double-check names, dates, and context to show you care.

That phrase “Looking forward to talking to you” is more than just grammar- it radiates anticipation, respect, and connection. Use it well, and people will feel you’re ready, genuine, and professional.

Key Takeaways

• The phrase “Looking forward to talking to you” is grammatically correct, because look forward to requires a noun or gerund after “to”.
• The “to” in look forward to is a preposition, not part of an infinitive.
• Use gerund form: “talking”, “meeting”, “speaking”, not “to talk”, “to meet”.
• Choose your tone:
  • “I look forward to…” → formal
  • “I’m looking forward to…” → friendly professional
• Decide between “talking to you” and “talking with you” based on whether you expect one-way communication or mutual exchange.
• Be aware of related grammar issues (possessives, perfect aspect, subject-verb agreement) to maintain strong writing.

Conclusion

Language thrives on clarity, tone, and connection- and the phrase “Looking forward to talking to you” captures all three beautifully. It blends grammatical precision with warmth, signaling genuine anticipation. The key lies in understanding the structure: “look forward to” always takes a gerund (like talking, meeting, or seeing), never an infinitive (to talk). That single insight turns a confusing expression into a confident one.

Beyond grammar, this phrase holds emotional weight. When you write it, you’re doing more than expressing future plans- you’re expressing enthusiasm, respect, and courtesy. In professional settings, it closes emails on a positive note; in personal communication, it conveys friendliness and eagerness to connect. The small difference between “talking to” and “talking with” adds nuance, letting you fine-tune tone depending on whether you’re leading the discussion or engaging in a conversation.

From tense selection to tone management, everything about this phrase teaches one simple truth: good grammar isn’t just correctness- it’s communication with purpose. Whether you’re writing to a client, a colleague, or a friend, understanding why the phrase works will make your writing sound smoother and more natural.

So the next time your cursor hovers at the end of an email, don’t hesitate. Write it with confidence:

“I’m looking forward to talking to you.”

It’s correct, it’s clear, and it leaves the right impression- polished yet personable.

FAQs

Is “Looking forward to talking to you” grammatically correct?

Yes. The phrase is grammatically correct because “look forward to” ends with a preposition (to), which must be followed by a noun or gerund– in this case, talking. Writing “to talk” would be wrong because it uses an infinitive instead of a gerund. This form is widely accepted in both British and American English, and it’s used in business, academic, and casual writing alike to express friendly anticipation for a future conversation.

What’s the difference between “talking to you” and “talking with you”?

Both are correct, but they differ subtly in tone. “Talking to you” sounds slightly formal or one-directional, as if one person leads the conversation. “Talking with you” feels more mutual and conversational, suggesting equal participation. For business emails, “talking to you” works well when you’ll be presenting or briefing someone. For friendly or collaborative discussions, “talking with you” sounds warmer. The choice depends on context, tone, and relationship with the recipient.

Can I write “Looking forward to talk to you”?

No. That version is grammatically incorrect. The reason is that “to” in “look forward to” is a preposition, not part of an infinitive. Prepositions must be followed by nouns or gerunds, not bare verbs. So, the correct form is “looking forward to talking to you.” If you need alternatives, try “looking forward to speaking with you” or “excited to talk soon.” They all carry the same meaning, but the first is grammatically perfect and sounds natural in any context.

Should I use “I look forward to” or “I’m looking forward to”?

Both are grammatically correct but differ in tone. “I look forward to” is more formal, often used in business correspondence, proposals, or official letters. “I’m looking forward to” sounds friendly and conversational, suitable for internal emails, networking, or casual exchanges. The continuous tense adds immediacy- it shows you’re anticipating the event right now. In professional communication, both are fine, but matching tone to audience is key.

Are there other polite alternatives to this phrase?

Absolutely. You can keep your writing fresh by varying your closing expressions. Some effective alternatives include:

• “I look forward to speaking with you soon.”
• “Eager to continue our discussion.”
• “Excited to connect and collaborate.”
• “Can’t wait to chat with you.”
• “Looking forward to our meeting.” Each keeps the tone positive and professional while avoiding repetition. The best phrase depends on how formal or casual your message needs to be.