What Does “Looking Forward to Speaking With You” Mean?
“Looking forward to speaking with you” is a polite and professional expression used to show anticipation and enthusiasm about an upcoming conversation. It tells the other person that you expect to talk with them soon and that you view the future interaction positively.
Quick Definition
Looking forward to speaking with you means:
“I am excited, pleased, or eager to have a conversation with you in the future.”
The phrase is commonly used in:
- Job interview emails
- Business communication
- Networking messages
- Client correspondence
- Sales conversations
- Professional follow-ups
- Academic communication
- Formal introductions
It creates a positive tone while maintaining professionalism and respect.
Understanding the Grammar of “Looking Forward to Speaking With You”
Many English learners wonder why the phrase uses “speaking” instead of “speak.”
The answer lies in English grammar.
The expression “look forward to” is a phrasal verb. In this structure, “to” functions as a preposition rather than part of an infinitive verb.
Correct Structure
Look forward to + noun/pronoun/gerund (-ing form)
Examples:
- I look forward to hearing from you.
- We look forward to meeting you.
- She looks forward to working with the team.
- I am looking forward to speaking with you.
Incorrect Structure
❌ I look forward to speak with you.
❌ I look forward to talk with you.
Because “to” is acting as a preposition, it must be followed by a noun or gerund.
When Should You Use “Looking Forward to Speaking With You”?
This phrase works whenever a future conversation has already been planned or is expected.
Common situations include:
Job Interviews
Candidates often use it after scheduling an interview.
Example:
Thank you for arranging the interview. I am looking forward to speaking with you on Tuesday.
Business Meetings
Professionals use it when confirming meetings.
Example:
I appreciate your time and look forward to speaking with you during our scheduled call.
Networking Conversations
When connecting with industry professionals, recruiters, or mentors.
Example:
Thank you for accepting my invitation. I look forward to speaking with you soon.
Client Communication
Businesses use the phrase to build rapport.
Example:
We appreciate your interest in our services and look forward to speaking with you about your project.
Academic Settings
Students may use it when communicating with professors or advisors.
Example:
Thank you for your assistance. I look forward to speaking with you during office hours.
Is “Looking Forward to Speaking With You” Professional?
Yes. It is considered highly professional and appropriate in most workplace situations.
The phrase communicates three important things:
- Respect
- Enthusiasm
- Professional courtesy
Because it sounds warm without being overly familiar, it is frequently used in business emails, interview correspondence, and formal communication.
Why Professionals Use It
- Creates a positive impression
- Shows engagement
- Demonstrates professionalism
- Encourages relationship building
- Ends emails gracefully
Hiring managers, recruiters, executives, sales representatives, consultants, and customer service professionals commonly use this phrase.
Tone and Formality: How Formal Is It?
The phrase sits comfortably between formal and conversational English.
| Expression | Formality Level | Best Context |
| Looking forward to speaking with you | Professional | Business emails |
| I look forward to speaking with you | Formal | Corporate communication |
| Looking forward to our conversation | Neutral | Most situations |
| Excited to speak with you | Casual-professional | Networking |
| Can’t wait to talk to you | Informal | Friends and family |
| Anticipating our discussion | Very formal | Executive communication |
Because of its flexibility, “looking forward to speaking with you” remains one of the safest options in professional writing.
“Speaking With You” vs. “Speaking to You”
One common question involves choosing between with and to.
Looking Forward to Speaking With You
This suggests a two-way conversation.
It emphasizes interaction and collaboration.
Example:
I look forward to speaking with you tomorrow regarding the project.
Looking Forward to Speaking to You
This can sound slightly more one-sided.
Example:
I look forward to speaking to you about the proposal.
Which Is Better?
In modern business English, “speaking with you” is generally preferred because it suggests dialogue rather than a lecture or one-way communication.
However, both forms are grammatically correct and widely accepted.
Best Alternatives to “Looking Forward to Speaking With You”
Using the same phrase repeatedly can make emails feel repetitive. Here are excellent alternatives.
Professional Alternatives
- I look forward to our conversation.
- I look forward to discussing this further.
- I look forward to connecting with you.
- I appreciate the opportunity and look forward to meeting with you.
- I look forward to learning more about the role.
- I look forward to continuing our discussion.
- I am eager to discuss this opportunity.
- I anticipate our conversation.
- I look forward to hearing your insights.
- I appreciate your time and look forward to our meeting.
Friendly Alternatives
- Excited to chat with you soon.
- Looking forward to catching up.
- Can’t wait to connect.
- Looking forward to our call.
- Talk to you soon.
- Excited to learn more.
Executive-Level Alternatives
- I welcome the opportunity to discuss this matter further.
- I anticipate a productive conversation.
- I appreciate your consideration and look forward to speaking with you.
- I look forward to exploring potential opportunities together.
Real-Life Email Examples Using “Looking Forward to Speaking With You”
Example 1: Job Interview Confirmation
Subject: Interview Confirmation
Dear Ms. Johnson,
Thank you for scheduling the interview for Thursday at 10:00 a.m.
I appreciate the opportunity to discuss the position and learn more about your team. I am looking forward to speaking with you on Thursday.
Best regards,
Michael Smith
Example 2: Client Meeting
Hello Sarah,
Thank you for your interest in our services.
I appreciate the opportunity to learn more about your goals and discuss possible solutions. Looking forward to speaking with you during our scheduled call tomorrow.
Kind regards,
David
Example 3: Networking Message
Hi Alex,
Thank you for connecting.
I enjoyed learning about your work and look forward to speaking with you soon to discuss your experience in the industry.
Best,
Emma
Example 4: Recruiter Follow-Up
Dear Mr. Williams,
Thank you for considering my application.
I appreciate the opportunity to discuss my qualifications and learn more about the position. I look forward to speaking with you next week.
Sincerely,
James Carter
Common Mistakes People Make
Even native speakers occasionally misuse this phrase.
Mistake 1: Using the Infinitive
❌ Looking forward to speak with you.
✅ Looking forward to speaking with you.
Mistake 2: Forgetting the Verb
❌ Looking forward to you.
✅ Looking forward to speaking with you.
Mistake 3: Using It Without a Future Conversation
The phrase should only be used when a conversation is expected.
❌ Looking forward to speaking with you. (No future call planned.)
✅ Looking forward to speaking with you during our meeting next week.
Mistake 4: Overusing the Phrase
Using the same closing in every email can sound repetitive.
Rotate with:
- Looking forward to our discussion.
- Excited to connect.
- I appreciate your time.
- Thank you in advance.
Mistake 5: Mixing Formal and Informal Language
❌ Yo, thanks! Looking forward to speaking with you.
✅ Thank you for your time. I look forward to speaking with you.
Maintain a consistent tone throughout the message.
“Looking Forward to Speaking With You” in Different Contexts
Job Interviews
This phrase reassures recruiters that you are interested and engaged.
Example:
Thank you for scheduling the interview. I look forward to speaking with you.
Sales Communication
Sales professionals use it to build trust.
Example:
We appreciate your inquiry and look forward to speaking with you about your needs.
Customer Service
It helps create a positive customer experience.
Example:
Thank you for contacting us. We look forward to speaking with you shortly.
Networking
Shows enthusiasm without appearing desperate.
Example:
I appreciate your willingness to connect and look forward to speaking with you.
Internal Team Communication
Useful for meetings and project discussions.
Example:
Thanks for your feedback. I look forward to speaking with you during tomorrow’s meeting.
Why This Phrase Creates a Positive Impression
Language influences how people perceive professionalism.
When someone reads:
I look forward to speaking with you.
they often interpret it as:
- Confidence
- Professional courtesy
- Respect
- Genuine interest
- Positive engagement
This is why recruiters, hiring managers, executives, and business professionals frequently use the phrase.
It balances warmth and professionalism better than many alternatives.
People Also Ask
Is “looking forward to speaking with you” grammatically correct?
Yes. It is grammatically correct because the preposition “to” is followed by the gerund “speaking.”
Can I say “looking forward to speak with you”?
No. The correct form is “looking forward to speaking with you.”
Is it professional to say “looking forward to speaking with you”?
Absolutely. It is one of the most professional and widely accepted email closings.
Should I use “with” or “to”?
Both are correct. “With” usually sounds more collaborative and conversational.
Can I use it in a job interview email?
Yes. It is commonly used when confirming interviews or responding to recruiters.
Is it too formal?
No. It is professional but not overly formal, making it suitable for most business situations.
Can I use it in casual communication?
Yes, although simpler alternatives like “talk to you soon” may sound more natural among friends.
What is a stronger alternative?
You could say:
I am eager to discuss this opportunity.
or
I anticipate our conversation.
depending on the level of formality required.
Is “I look forward to speaking with you” better than “Looking forward to speaking with you”?
The complete sentence is slightly more formal and polished. Both are acceptable in professional emails.
Can recruiters use this phrase?
Yes. Recruiters frequently use it when scheduling interviews and communicating with candidates.
Final Thoughts
“Looking forward to speaking with you” is a grammatically correct, professional, and versatile expression used to show positive anticipation for a future conversation. Whether you’re confirming a job interview, arranging a business meeting, networking with professionals, or communicating with clients, the phrase conveys enthusiasm, respect, and professionalism.
Its popularity comes from its ability to sound warm without being overly casual and formal without being stiff. By understanding its meaning, grammar, tone, alternatives, and proper usage, you can use it confidently in emails, meetings, interviews, and everyday professional communication. When used appropriately, it helps strengthen relationships, create positive impressions, and improve the overall quality of your written
