I Look Forward to Meeting You: Master Professional Email Etiquette

I Look Forward to Meeting You: The Complete Guide to Professional Email Closings

By the Unlimited Leads Team
Professional using 'I look forward to meeting you' in business correspondence
The art of professional email closings can make a lasting impression on business contacts

I look forward to meeting you is one of the most commonly used phrases in professional email closings. Yet, many professionals struggle with its correct usage, often mistakenly writing "I look forward to meet you" instead. This comprehensive guide explains the grammar rules behind this phrase, provides powerful alternatives, and helps you make a positive impression in your business communications.

Why "I Look Forward to Meeting You" Is Grammatically Correct

Understanding why I look forward to meeting you is grammatically correct requires knowledge of a fundamental English grammar rule: when "to" functions as a preposition (not as part of an infinitive), it must be followed by a noun or a gerund (verb + ing).

In the phrase "look forward to," the word "to" is a preposition, not part of an infinitive verb form. As a preposition, "to" must be followed by a noun or gerund. This is why "meeting" (the gerund form of "meet") is correct, while "meet" (the base form) is incorrect.

✓ Correct: I look forward to meeting you.

✗ Incorrect: I look forward to meet you.

This same rule applies to all variations of this phrase:

  • I am looking forward to meeting you.
  • We look forward to meeting you.
  • Looking forward to meeting you soon.

The Role of Gerunds After Prepositions

When crafting professional emails, understanding this grammatical pattern helps you maintain credibility. The structure "preposition + gerund" appears in many common English phrases:

  • Thank you for considering our proposal.
  • We're committed to providing excellent service.
  • I'm interested in learning more about your company.
Grammar Structure of "Look Forward To" Visual representation showing why "to" requires a gerund form after it I look forward Subject + Verb to Preposition meeting you Gerund + Object meet you Incorrect: Infinitive
Figure 1: Grammar structure showing why "meeting" (not "meet") must follow "look forward to"

Common Grammatical Mistakes in Professional Email Closings

Even experienced professionals can make errors when using this common phrase. Here are the most frequent mistakes to avoid:

Mistake #1: Using the Base Verb Instead of the Gerund

The most common error is writing "I look forward to meet you" instead of using the correct gerund form, "I look forward to meeting you." This mistake occurs because people confuse the preposition "to" with the "to" used in infinitive verb forms.

Mistake #2: Confusing "I Look Forward to" with "I Am Looking Forward to"

Both forms are grammatically correct, but they differ in formality and usage:

Comparing "Look Forward to" Variations
Phrase Formality Level Best Used In
I look forward to meeting you More formal Business correspondence, formal emails, job applications
I am looking forward to meeting you Slightly less formal Semi-formal business emails, colleagues you've previously met
Looking forward to meeting you Most casual Follow-up emails, correspondence with established contacts

Mistake #3: Overusing the Phrase

Using this phrase in every email can make your communications seem formulaic. When reaching out to potential business contacts, varying your closing statements can help you stand out from competitors and create more authentic connections.

"The email closings you choose reflect your attention to detail and communication skills. Small grammatical errors in these standard phrases can undermine an otherwise impressive message."

Professional Alternatives to "I Look Forward to Meeting You"

While I look forward to meeting you is perfectly acceptable, having alternatives at your disposal can make your communications more dynamic and personalized. Here are some professional options:

Formal Business Alternatives

  • I anticipate our meeting with enthusiasm.
  • I eagerly await our upcoming discussion on [date/time].
  • It will be a pleasure to meet you in person next week.
  • I welcome the opportunity to meet with you to discuss [topic].
  • I am eager to meet you and explore potential synergies between our organizations.

Semi-Formal Alternatives

  • I'm excited about our upcoming meeting.
  • I'm keen to meet you and discuss these ideas further.
  • I'm looking forward to our conversation about [specific topic].
  • I'm eager to meet you and learn more about your work in [field/industry].

When conducting email outreach campaigns, varying your closing phrases helps improve engagement rates. The key is finding the right balance between formality and personalization for your specific audience.

Using "I Look Forward to Meeting You" in Different Business Scenarios

The phrase I look forward to meeting you can be adapted for various professional situations. Here's how to use it appropriately in different contexts:

After a Job Interview

"Thank you for the opportunity to interview for the [Position] role. I appreciate the insights you shared about the company culture and growth opportunities. I look forward to meeting you again for the next round of interviews."

Initial Contact with a Potential Client

"Based on our preliminary discussion, I believe our services align perfectly with your needs. I look forward to meeting you next Tuesday to provide a detailed demonstration of our solution."

Following Up After a Conference

"It was a pleasure briefly connecting at the [Event Name] conference. Your insights on [topic] resonated with our current initiatives. I look forward to meeting you for coffee next week to explore potential collaboration opportunities."

Event Registration Confirmation

"Your registration for [Event Name] has been confirmed. We have an exciting agenda planned with valuable networking opportunities. We look forward to meeting you on [date] at [location]."

The key to effective professional communication is personalization. When reaching out to new contacts, incorporating specific details about your previous interactions or mutual interests can dramatically improve your response rates. For businesses focused on lead generation, this level of personalization in outreach campaigns can significantly enhance conversion rates.

Cultural Considerations and International Variations

When conducting business internationally, understanding cultural differences in business correspondence becomes crucial. Here's how this phrase translates and how its usage varies across cultures:

Translations in Major Business Languages

  • French: "J'ai hâte de vous rencontrer" or "Je me réjouis à l'idée de vous rencontrer"
  • Spanish: "Espero conocerle pronto" (formal) or "Espero conocerte pronto" (informal)
  • German: "Ich freue mich darauf, Sie kennenzulernen"
  • Japanese: "お会いできるのを楽しみにしております" (Omachi dekiru no wo tanoshimi ni shite orimasu)

Cultural Variations in Communication Style

Different cultures have varying expectations regarding formality and directness:

  • United States: Generally comfortable with a friendly but professional tone
  • United Kingdom: Often more formal, especially in initial communications
  • Germany: Values directness and precision in business correspondence
  • Japan: Places high importance on formal language and proper hierarchical acknowledgment
  • Brazil: Appreciates warm, relationship-focused language even in business settings

When communicating internationally, adapting your closing phrases to match the cultural expectations of your recipient can dramatically improve the effectiveness of your message. For companies engaged in global business development, this cultural awareness can be a significant competitive advantage.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between "I look forward to meeting you" and "I am looking forward to meet you"?

The correct phrases are "I look forward to meeting you" or "I am looking forward to meeting you." The phrase "I am looking forward to meet you" is grammatically incorrect. After "look forward to," you should always use the gerund form (verb + ing) because "to" functions as a preposition in this context, not as part of an infinitive. Prepositions must be followed by nouns or gerunds, not by base verbs.

Which is correct, "looking forward to meeting you" or "I look forward to meet you"?

"Looking forward to meeting you" is correct. "I look forward to meet you" is incorrect. The phrase "look forward to" requires a gerund (verb + ing) after it because "to" functions as a preposition, not as part of an infinitive. Therefore, "meeting" is the correct form to use after "look forward to." This is a fundamental rule in English grammar that applies to all prepositions.

What alternatives can I use instead of "looking forward to meeting you" in formal letters?

In formal business correspondence, you can use these professional alternatives:

  • "I anticipate our meeting with great interest."
  • "I eagerly await the opportunity to meet you in person."
  • "It would be a pleasure to meet you to discuss this matter further."
  • "I welcome the opportunity to meet with you at your earliest convenience."
  • "I am eager to meet you and discuss our potential collaboration."

When conducting outreach campaigns, varying your closings can help prevent your emails from appearing templated or automated.

Is there a difference between "I look forward to seeing you" and "I am looking forward to seeing you"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but they differ slightly in tone and formality:

  • "I look forward to seeing you" is more formal and commonly used in business correspondence, especially with new contacts or in official communications.
  • "I am looking forward to seeing you" is slightly more casual and conversational, though still appropriate for many professional contexts, particularly with established contacts.

The choice between these forms depends on the level of formality desired and your relationship with the recipient. Both forms properly use the gerund "seeing" after the preposition "to."

Is "We look forward to meeting you" grammatically correct?

Yes, "We look forward to meeting you" is grammatically correct. It follows the same rule where "to" functions as a preposition and is followed by the gerund "meeting." This form is commonly used in business correspondence when writing on behalf of a company, team, or department. It's particularly appropriate for formal business communications like invitation responses, conference registrations, or when confirming appointments with potential clients.

Conclusion

Mastering the correct usage of "I look forward to meeting you" and understanding the grammar behind it demonstrates your attention to detail and communication skills. Remember these key points:

  • Always use the gerund form (meeting) after "look forward to" - never the base verb (meet)
  • Both "I look forward to" and "I am looking forward to" are correct, with slight differences in formality
  • Consider cultural context when using this phrase in international business communications
  • Vary your closing phrases to make your communications more personalized and engaging

Effective professional communication goes beyond just grammatical correctness—it requires understanding context, audience, and cultural nuances. By applying these principles to your email correspondence, you'll create more meaningful connections and project greater professionalism.

For businesses looking to improve their outreach efforts, combining proper email etiquette with quality B2B lead generation services can significantly enhance conversion rates and business development success.

Sources