Looking Forward to Working With You is the most natural choice in English for everyday communication, helping your message sound clear, friendly, and professional.
When writing in English, many people compare Looking Forward to Working With You with looking forward to work with you to find the correct choice. Native English speakers usually prefer the first phrase because it is grammatically correct and follows standard grammar, usage, and context.
It shows you are excited about the act of doing work with another person, making it a natural, professional expression for future collaboration. After editing many business emails, I have found that this version consistently sounds correct, creates a friendly tone, and works well when people will work together.
Although less common, looking forward to work with you can be technically correct when work refers to a place or an activity instead of an action. Imagine a college class where a friend mentions Stat 110.
If you substitute the class with work, the meaning changes because work is called an activity. In that context, both forms may be acceptable, but one remains more common.
Before using either sentence, think about the situation and how it will sound to the other person. If your goal is a professional message about the future, Looking Forward to Working With You is the safest option because it rarely sounds weird and is widely accepted by speakers.
Choosing the right expression improves your communication, keeps the meaning clear, and gives your message a strong beginning.
Quick Answer
- “Looking forward to working with you” is a polite way to say you are happy and excited to work with someone in the future.
- It is commonly used in professional emails, job offers, business messages, and introductions.
- It sounds friendly, respectful, and positive.
- It works in both formal and semi-formal situations.
- You usually write it at the end of an email or message.
Example:
Thank you for your time. I am looking forward to working with you.
Where Does This Phrase Come From?
The expression “look forward to” has been part of English for a very long time. It means to feel happy or excited about something that will happen later.
When you add “working with you,” the meaning becomes:
I am happy that we will work together in the future.
Today, this phrase is common in workplaces, schools, companies, and even volunteer groups.
What Does “Looking Forward to Working With You” Mean?
The phrase simply means:
It shows a positive attitude and lets the other person know that you expect a good working relationship.
People use it when:
- starting a new job
- meeting a new client
- joining a project
- welcoming a new team member
- replying after an interview
- confirming future cooperation
It is polite without sounding too emotional.
Understanding Each Part
Let’s break it into smaller pieces.
Looking forward
This means feeling happy or excited about something that has not happened yet.
Example:
- I’m looking forward to the weekend.
- She’s looking forward to the holidays.
Working with you
This means doing a job, project, or task together.
Put together:
Meaning:
I am happy that we will work together soon.
Comparison Table
| Phrase | Meaning | Common Use | Formality |
|---|---|---|---|
| Looking forward to working with you | Happy to work together soon | Business emails | Formal to semi-formal |
| I look forward to working with you | Slightly more formal | Professional writing | Formal |
| Excited to work with you | Shows excitement | Friendly emails | Semi-formal |
| Happy to work with you | Friendly and warm | Everyday conversations | Casual |
| Can’t wait to work with you | Very excited | Friends or informal teams | Informal |
Which One Should You Use and When?
Choosing the right phrase depends on the situation.
Formal business emails
Use:
I look forward to working with you.
Example:
Thank you for accepting the proposal. I look forward to working with you.
Friendly professional emails
Use:
I’m looking forward to working with you.
Example:
Welcome to the team! I’m looking forward to working with you.
Very casual conversations
Use:
Can’t wait to work with you!
Example:
This project will be fun. Can’t wait to work with you!
After a job interview
You can write:
Thank you for your time today. I look forward to working with you if I have the opportunity.
This sounds polite and professional.
Is “Looking Forward to Working With You” Correct?
Yes.
This is completely correct English.
Many learners worry because “working” ends with -ing.
This is correct because “to” in “look forward to” is part of the expression, not the beginning of an infinitive verb.
Correct:
- Looking forward to meeting you.
- Looking forward to hearing from you.
- Looking forward to seeing you.
- Looking forward to working with you.
Incorrect:
- Looking forward to work with you.
Which Grammar Rule Is Being Used?
The phrase “look forward to” is always followed by:
- a noun
or
- a verb ending in -ing
Examples:
Correct:
- Looking forward to your reply.
- Looking forward to meeting everyone.
- Looking forward to learning more.
- Looking forward to working with you.
Wrong:
- Looking forward to meet you.
- Looking forward to work with you.
Common Mistakes People Make
Here are mistakes many English learners make.
Mistake 1
❌ Looking forward to work with you.
✅ Looking forward to working with you.
Mistake 2
❌ I am look forward to working with you.
✅ I am looking forward to working with you.
Mistake 3
❌ Looking forward working with you.
✅ Looking forward to working with you.
Do not forget to.
Mistake 4
❌ Looking forward for working with you.
✅ Looking forward to working with you.
Use to, not for.
Mistake 5
Using it when there are no future plans.
Only use this phrase if you really expect to work together.
Everyday Real-Life Examples
In an Email
Hello Sarah,
Thank you for your quick reply.
I’m looking forward to working with you on this project.
Best regards,
David
After Getting a New Job
Thank you for the opportunity.
I am looking forward to working with everyone on the team.
Welcoming a New Employee
Welcome aboard!
We’re looking forward to working with you.
Client Message
Thank you for choosing our services.
We look forward to working with you.
Social Media
Excited to begin this new journey!
Looking forward to working with such an amazing team.
School Project
I’m looking forward to working with my classmates on our science project.
Volunteer Group
We’re looking forward to working with all of our new volunteers this weekend.
Better Alternatives
Sometimes you may want to avoid repeating the same phrase.
Here are some good alternatives.
- I’m excited to work with you.
- I can’t wait to get started.
- It will be great working with you.
- I’m happy we’ll be working together.
- I’m excited about our future collaboration.
- I appreciate this opportunity to work with you.
- I’m pleased to join the team.
- I look forward to our partnership.
Each option has a slightly different tone, but they all express positive feelings.
When Should You Avoid This Phrase?
Although it is very common, there are times when another phrase is better.
Avoid using it when:
- you are ending a complaint
- the project has not been approved
- there is no agreement yet
- you are unsure whether you will work together
Instead, you can say:
I hope we have the opportunity to work together.
This sounds more natural when nothing has been confirmed.
Learning Tips for Students and Beginners
If you want to remember this phrase, keep these simple ideas in mind.
- It talks about the future.
- It shows happiness and respect.
- It is common in emails.
- Use working, not work.
- Remember the pattern:
- look forward to + verb + ing
- Read professional emails to see how people naturally use it.
- Practice writing your own short messages using the phrase.
The more you use it, the more natural it will feel.
FAQs:
1. Is “looking forward to working with you” correct?
Yes. It is correct English and is commonly used in professional communication.
2. Is it formal or informal?
It is formal enough for work emails but also friendly enough for everyday professional conversations.
3. Can I use it after a job interview?
Yes. You can use it if you want to express enthusiasm about the possibility of joining the company.
4. Why do we say “working” instead of “work”?
Because look forward to is followed by a noun or a verb ending in -ing.
5. Can I say “looking forward to meet you”?
No.
The correct sentence is:
Looking forward to meeting you.
6. Can companies use this phrase?
Yes. Many businesses write:
We look forward to working with you.
It is polite and professional.
7. Is “excited to work with you” the same?
The meaning is similar. However, looking forward to working with you sounds a little more professional and polite.
8. Can I use it in everyday life?
Yes. You can use it whenever you know you will work with someone in the future, whether at school, work, or during volunteer activities.
Conclusion
“Looking forward to working with you” is one of the most useful and polite phrases in English. It tells someone that you are happy about working together in the future and helps create a positive first impression.
The key grammar rule is easy to remember: look forward to + verb + ing. That is why “working” is correct, while “work” is not.
If you are writing a business email, starting a new job, joining a school project, or welcoming a new teammate, this phrase is a natural, respectful, and professional choice.
With a little practice, you will be able to use it confidently in your own writing and conversations.
