Quick Answer
“Looking forward to seeing you” is a warm, polite way to say you are happy about an upcoming meeting. For more variety and precision, try alternatives like “I cannot wait to see you,” “See you soon,” “Counting down the days,” “It will be great to catch up,” or “I am eagerly anticipating our meeting.”
“Looking forward to seeing you” is one of the most polite and useful phrases in English. It appears at the end of emails, in messages to friends, in business letters, and in casual conversation. It signals positive expectation, and it gently confirms that a meeting or reunion is happening.
This guide offers 30 practical alternatives with clear notes on tone, context, and audience. You will learn how to express excitement in English before a reunion, how to use professional reaction phrases in business correspondence, and how to choose the right wording for every relationship.
Pull Quote: “Anticipation is an emotion. The words you choose decide how strongly it is felt.”
Quick Categories
Formal alternatives to “Looking forward to seeing you”
- I look forward to our meeting.
- I await our next meeting with pleasure.
- I am delighted at the prospect of seeing you.
- It will be a pleasure to see you.
Pro Tip: Formal alternatives suit client emails, official letters, and situations where distance and respect matter.
Casual alternatives
- See you soon.
- Can’t wait to see you.
- See you there.
- Hope to see you soon.
Pro Tip: Casual options work with friends, family, and close colleagues in relaxed settings.
Professional alternatives
- I look forward to our discussion.
- I am pleased that we are meeting.
- Looking forward to catching up.
- I am glad we have this scheduled.
Pro Tip: Professional alternatives should sound warm but remain appropriate for workplace correspondence.
Informal expressions
- Counting down the days.
- Cannot wait to catch up.
- Counting the hours.
- It will be lovely to see you.
Pro Tip: Informal expressions belong in texts, chats, and spoken English with people you know well.
Pull Quote: “The right tone makes your English sound professional and confident.”
Common Mistakes
- Using the full phrase in every single message.
Example: “Looking forward to seeing you” in every email, even when no meeting is scheduled. - Confusing it with a confirmed appointment.
Example: “Looking forward to seeing you tomorrow” when the meeting has not yet been agreed. - Using it in a context where no meeting exists.
Example: “Looking forward to seeing you” in a message to a colleague you will never meet in person. - Mixing register awkwardly in formal writing.
Example: “Dear Sir, looking forward to seeing you, cheers.” The tone clashes badly. - Forgetting that it implies future action.
Example: “I was looking forward to seeing you last week” changes the meaning to disappointment, which may confuse readers.
What Does “Looking Forward to Seeing You” Mean?
Definition
It is a polite expression of positive anticipation about an upcoming meeting, visit, or reunion with another person.
Grammar Explanation
“Looking forward to” is a phrasal verb followed by a noun or a gerund, so “seeing” is correct and “see” is not. The phrase functions as a complete closing line and is often shortened to “looking forward to it” when the context is already clear.
Example Sentence
“Thank you for confirming the time. Looking forward to seeing you on Thursday.”
When to Use “Looking Forward to Seeing You”
Common Contexts
- Business: Confirming an upcoming meeting or interview.
- Client communication: Closing an email before a scheduled call.
- Personal life: Messaging a friend or relative before a visit.
- Events: Confirming attendance at a wedding, reunion, or party.
- Recruitment: Confirming an interview or onboarding session.
Spoken vs Written
- Spoken: Common in phone calls and face to face farewells.
- Written: Extremely common in emails, letters, and messages.
Formal vs Informal
- Formal: Standard in professional and official correspondence.
- Informal: Acceptable but often shortened to “see you soon” in casual contexts.
Is It Professional or Polite to Say “Looking Forward to Seeing You”?
Politeness vs Professionalism
The phrase is both polite and professional. It is one of the safest closings in business English because it sounds warm without becoming overly familiar. However, it can sound formulaic when used in every message, so varying your wording strengthens your writing.
Business-Style Example
“Thank you for scheduling the review. I look forward to our discussion on Tuesday.”
Polite? Yes
Professional? Yes, in most contexts
Pull Quote: “A familiar closing is safe. A varied closing is memorable.”
Pros and Cons of Using “Looking Forward to Seeing You”
Pros
- Simple and natural: Easy to write and instantly understood.
- Friendly tone: Warm without becoming too personal.
- Common usage: Recognised in every English speaking country.
- Easy to understand: Requires no advanced vocabulary.
Cons
- Too informal for work: Rarely an issue, but it can sound like a template.
- Overused: Loses warmth through repetition.
- Limited emotional range: Cannot express strong enthusiasm or deep affection.
- Not suitable for formal writing: Acceptable, but precise alternatives often read better.
Other Ways to Say “Looking Forward to Seeing You” (With Examples)
These alternatives will help you sound more fluent, confident, and natural in different situations. Use them according to tone, context, and audience to express excitement, admiration, or approval.
1. I cannot wait to see you
Meaning: I am extremely eager to see you.
Explanation: Strong and emotional, best for people you are close to.
Example Sentence: “It has been months. I cannot wait to see you.”
Best Use: Close friends
Worst Use: Client emails
Tone: Enthusiastic, warm, personal
Context Variability: Casual and spoken
2. I am really looking forward to it
Meaning: I am genuinely anticipating the meeting.
Explanation: A shortened, natural version of the original phrase.
Example Sentence: “Thank you for the invitation. I am really looking forward to it.”
Best Use: Emails, calls
Worst Use: Formal letters
Tone: Warm, sincere, neutral
Context Variability: Professional and casual
3. It will be great to see you
Meaning: Seeing you will be a positive experience.
Explanation: Friendly and relaxed in tone.
Example Sentence: “It will be great to see you at the conference.”
Best Use: Colleagues, friends
Worst Use: Formal reports
Tone: Friendly, warm, casual
Context Variability: Professional and spoken
4. I am eagerly anticipating our meeting
Meaning: I am looking forward to our discussion with enthusiasm.
Explanation: Formal and slightly elevated.
Example Sentence: “I am eagerly anticipating our meeting next week.”
Best Use: Business letters
Worst Use: Text messages
Tone: Formal, enthusiastic, respectful
Context Variability: Professional and written
5. See you soon
Meaning: A short, friendly farewell before a planned meeting.
Explanation: Brief and universal.
Example Sentence: “Thanks for the call. See you soon.”
Best Use: Everyday farewells
Worst Use: Formal letters
Tone: Friendly, casual, brief
Context Variability: Casual and professional
6. Looking forward to catching up
Meaning: I am happy about meeting to exchange news.
Explanation: Warmer and more personal than the standard phrase.
Example Sentence: “Looking forward to catching up over lunch next week.”
Best Use: Colleagues, friends
Worst Use: Official letters
Tone: Warm, friendly, personal
Context Variability: Professional and casual
7. I am excited to see you
Meaning: I feel positive and eager about our meeting.
Explanation: More energetic than the standard phrase.
Example Sentence: “I am excited to see you at the reunion.”
Best Use: Personal, celebrations
Worst Use: Formal reports
Tone: Energetic, warm, personal
Context Variability: Casual and spoken
8. Hope to see you soon
Meaning: A softer wish rather than a confirmed plan.
Explanation: Useful when no meeting is fixed yet.
Example Sentence: “It was lovely talking. Hope to see you soon.”
Best Use: Acquaintances
Worst Use: Confirmed meetings
Tone: Friendly, gentle, open
Context Variability: Casual and spoken
9. Counting down the days
Meaning: I am eagerly waiting for the moment to arrive.
Explanation: Idiomatic and enthusiastic.
Example Sentence: “Only two weeks left. Counting down the days.”
Best Use: Close friends
Worst Use: Business emails
Tone: Excited, informal, warm
Context Variability: Casual and spoken
10. It will be wonderful to catch up
Meaning: Meeting again will be a pleasure.
Explanation: Warm and slightly nostalgic.
Example Sentence: “It will be wonderful to catch up after all these years.”
Best Use: Old friends
Worst Use: Client enquiries
Tone: Warm, nostalgic, personal
Context Variability: Casual and spoken
11. I look forward to our meeting
Meaning: A formal expression of anticipation.
Explanation: Standard in business correspondence.
Example Sentence: “I look forward to our meeting on 14 September.”
Best Use: Business letters
Worst Use: Casual chats
Tone: Formal, polite, professional
Context Variability: Professional and written
12. I am anticipating our reunion
Meaning: I am looking ahead to meeting again.
Explanation: Formal and slightly literary.
Example Sentence: “I am anticipating our reunion with great pleasure.”
Best Use: Formal invitations
Worst Use: Quick texts
Tone: Formal, elevated, warm
Context Variability: Professional and written
13. I am delighted at the prospect of seeing you
Meaning: The idea of meeting you makes me very happy.
Explanation: Very formal and gracious.
Example Sentence: “I am delighted at the prospect of seeing you at the gala.”
Best Use: Formal letters
Worst Use: Everyday messages
Tone: Formal, gracious, warm
Context Variability: Professional and written
14. Can’t wait to catch up
Meaning: I am eager to hear your news.
Explanation: Informal and friendly.
Example Sentence: “Can’t wait to catch up at the weekend.”
Best Use: Friends, family
Worst Use: Formal writing
Tone: Enthusiastic, casual, warm
Context Variability: Casual and spoken
15. See you there
Meaning: I will meet you at the arranged place.
Explanation: Specific to events with a fixed location.
Example Sentence: “I have confirmed my place. See you there.”
Best Use: Events, meetings
Worst Use: General farewells
Tone: Friendly, brief, practical
Context Variability: Casual and professional
16. I am eager to see you
Meaning: I am keen and enthusiastic about our meeting.
Explanation: Formal but warm.
Example Sentence: “I am eager to see you and discuss the proposal.”
Best Use: Business, personal
Worst Use: Trivial contexts
Tone: Formal, keen, sincere
Context Variability: Professional and written
17. I am so pleased we are meeting
Meaning: I am happy that our meeting is arranged.
Explanation: Gracious and professional.
Example Sentence: “I am so pleased we are meeting on Friday.”
Best Use: Client emails
Worst Use: Informal chats
Tone: Warm, polite, professional
Context Variability: Professional and written
18. It will be a pleasure to see you
Meaning: Seeing you will be an enjoyable experience.
Explanation: Formal and courteous.
Example Sentence: “It will be a pleasure to see you at the ceremony.”
Best Use: Formal invitations
Worst Use: Casual texts
Tone: Formal, courteous, warm
Context Variability: Professional and written
19. I am thrilled at the thought of seeing you
Meaning: The idea of meeting you excites me greatly.
Explanation: Emotional and expressive.
Example Sentence: “I am thrilled at the thought of seeing you next month.”
Best Use: Personal, emotional
Worst Use: Business reports
Tone: Emotional, excited, warm
Context Variability: Casual and spoken
20. I await our next meeting with pleasure
Meaning: I am happily waiting for our next meeting.
Explanation: Very formal and slightly old fashioned.
Example Sentence: “I await our next meeting with pleasure.”
Best Use: Formal letters
Worst Use: Everyday messages
Tone: Formal, gracious, traditional
Context Variability: Professional and written
21. Really looking forward to it
Meaning: A short, natural expression of anticipation.
Explanation: Common in spoken and digital English.
Example Sentence: “Thanks for arranging everything. Really looking forward to it.”
Best Use: Emails, messages
Worst Use: Formal documents
Tone: Warm, casual, friendly
Context Variability: Professional and casual
22. Until we meet again
Meaning: A farewell that implies a future meeting.
Explanation: Slightly literary and nostalgic.
Example Sentence: “Safe travels. Until we meet again.”
Best Use: Farewells
Worst Use: Confirmed appointments
Tone: Nostalgic, warm, literary
Context Variability: Casual and spoken
23. I hope our paths cross soon
Meaning: I hope we meet again by chance or plan.
Explanation: Gentle and non demanding.
Example Sentence: “It was wonderful to talk. I hope our paths cross soon.”
Best Use: Acquaintances
Worst Use: Scheduled meetings
Tone: Warm, gentle, open
Context Variability: Casual and spoken
24. I cannot wait to be in the same room
Meaning: I am eager for a face to face meeting.
Explanation: Warm and expressive.
Example Sentence: “Video calls are fine, but I cannot wait to be in the same room.”
Best Use: Colleagues, friends
Worst Use: Formal letters
Tone: Warm, enthusiastic, personal
Context Variability: Casual and spoken
25. I am excited about our get together
Meaning: I am looking forward to our informal meeting.
Explanation: Friendly and energetic.
Example Sentence: “I am excited about our get together on Saturday.”
Best Use: Friends, family
Worst Use: Corporate emails
Tone: Energetic, warm, casual
Context Variability: Casual and spoken
26. Looking forward to being together again
Meaning: I am happy about spending time together again.
Explanation: Emotional and inclusive.
Example Sentence: “Looking forward to being together again at the reunion.”
Best Use: Family, reunions
Worst Use: Business writing
Tone: Warm, emotional, personal
Context Variability: Casual and written
27. It will be lovely to see you
Meaning: Seeing you will be a pleasant experience.
Explanation: Gentle and warm, common in British English.
Example Sentence: “It will be lovely to see you at the wedding.”
Best Use: Personal, social
Worst Use: Formal reports
Tone: Warm, gentle, polite
Context Variability: Casual and spoken
28. See you before long
Meaning: We will meet again soon.
Explanation: Slightly old fashioned and warm.
Example Sentence: “Take care of yourself. See you before long.”
Best Use: Farewells
Worst Use: Business emails
Tone: Warm, gentle, traditional
Context Variability: Casual and spoken
29. I am counting the hours
Meaning: I am waiting with strong anticipation.
Explanation: More intense than counting the days.
Example Sentence: “The flight lands tomorrow. I am counting the hours.”
Best Use: Close relationships
Worst Use: Professional contexts
Tone: Excited, personal, emotional
Context Variability: Casual and spoken
30. Hope to see you there
Meaning: I hope you will attend the same event.
Explanation: Tentative and friendly.
Example Sentence: “The launch is on Friday. Hope to see you there.”
Best Use: Events, invitations
Worst Use: Confirmed meetings
Tone: Friendly, open, casual
Context Variability: Professional and casual
Pull Quote: “Professional reaction phrases and warm personal closings both show the same thing: you are thinking about the other person.”
Mini Quiz / Self-Check
- Scenario: You are closing a formal email to a client before a scheduled review meeting. Which fits best?
- A) I cannot wait to see you.
- B) I look forward to our meeting on Tuesday.
- C) Counting down the days.
- Scenario: You are texting a close friend before a reunion. Which is most natural?
- A) I am eagerly anticipating our reunion.
- B) Counting down the days.
- C) It will be a pleasure to see you.
- Scenario: You are writing to an acquaintance with no fixed plan to meet. Which is most appropriate?
- A) Hope our paths cross soon.
- B) See you there.
- C) I await our next meeting with pleasure.
- Scenario: Which phrase is generally too informal for a business email?
- A) I look forward to our discussion.
- B) Counting the hours.
- C) I am pleased we are meeting.
Comparison Table: Top Alternatives
| Phrase | Tone | Best Use |
| I cannot wait to see you | Enthusiastic, warm | Close friends |
| I am really looking forward to it | Warm, sincere | Emails, calls |
| It will be great to see you | Friendly, casual | Colleagues, friends |
| I am eagerly anticipating our meeting | Formal, respectful | Business letters |
| See you soon | Friendly, brief | Everyday farewells |
| Looking forward to catching up | Warm, personal | Colleagues, friends |
| I look forward to our meeting | Formal, professional | Business correspondence |
| Counting down the days | Excited, informal | Close friends |
| It will be lovely to see you | Warm, gentle | Personal, social |
| Hope to see you there | Friendly, open | Events, invitations |
FAQs
1. What is a formal alternative to “looking forward to seeing you”?
“I look forward to our meeting” or “I am eagerly anticipating our meeting” are strong formal alternatives suitable for client emails and official correspondence.
2. How do I say “looking forward to seeing you” professionally?
Use phrases such as “I look forward to our discussion” or “I am pleased that we are meeting” to sound warm but still appropriate in the workplace.
3. Is “looking forward to seeing you” grammatically correct?
Yes. “Looking forward to” is followed by a gerund, so “seeing” is correct. “Looking forward to see you” is grammatically incorrect.
4. What can I say instead of “looking forward to seeing you” in a text message?
“See you soon,” “Can’t wait to catch up,” and “Counting down the days” are natural and friendly options for texts.
5. What is the difference between “looking forward to seeing you” and “hope to see you”?
“Looking forward to seeing you” suggests a confirmed or expected meeting, while “hope to see you” suggests a possibility rather than a plan.
Conclusion
Learning other ways to say looking forward to seeing you gives you the ability to close messages with warmth, precision, and personality. Whether you are writing to a client, a colleague, or a close friend, the right phrase makes your English sound sincere rather than automatic. These alternatives to looking forward to seeing you help you move beyond one familiar sentence and into richer, more natural expression.
John Green is an American writer who contributes to QuickResponsess.com, creating clear and practical content on English grammar, vocabulary and everyday language. His goal is to make learning English simple, engaging and easy to apply.
