Short answer: “I look forward to meeting you” is correct.
“I look forward to meet you” is incorrect in standard English.
This simple-looking phrase confuses many English learners and even fluent speakers. The reason isn’t vocabulary—it’s grammar structure. In this complete 2026 guide, you’ll learn why one form is correct, how native speakers actually use it, and how to avoid common mistakes in emails, interviews, and real-life conversations.
Why This Phrase Confuses So Many English Learners
Many ESL and non-native English learners assume that a verb should always follow another verb in its base form. That assumption works sometimes—but not after certain expressions, including look forward to.
The confusion usually comes from:
- Translating directly from another language
- Not recognizing “to” as a preposition
- Seeing informal or incorrect usage online
- Overthinking “formal vs informal” English
Once you understand the structure, the confusion disappears for good.
The Correct Phrase Explained in One Clear Sentence
Correct: I look forward to meeting you.
Incorrect: I look forward to meet you.
Why?
Because “to” in “look forward to” is a preposition, and prepositions must be followed by a noun or a gerund (-ing form)—not a base verb.
The Grammar Rule Behind “Look Forward To”
Here’s the rule in plain English:
When “to” is a preposition, the verb after it must end in –ing.
In look forward to, “to” does NOT act as part of an infinitive.
Think of it like this:
You wouldn’t say:
- ❌ I’m excited to you.
You would say:
- ✅ I’m excited about you.
The word “to” behaves like “about,” “for,” or “with.”
So:
- I look forward to something
- Meeting you = the “something”
Breaking Down the Sentence Structure
Let’s dissect the correct sentence:
I look forward to meeting you
| Part | Role |
| I | Subject |
| look forward to | Fixed phrasal expression |
| meeting | Gerund (verb acting as a noun) |
| you | Object |
“Meeting” works like a noun, not a verb here.
Why “Meet You” Is Grammatically Incorrect
The phrase “to meet” is an infinitive.
But “look forward to” does not take an infinitive.
Incorrect logic:
- “To” + verb = infinitive → ❌
Correct logic:
- “To” = preposition
- Preposition + noun/gerund → ✅
That’s why native speakers instantly recognize “look forward to meet you” as incorrect.
How Native Speakers Actually Use This Phrase
Native speakers almost always say:
- I look forward to meeting you.
- Looking forward to meeting you.
- I’m really looking forward to meeting you.
In informal speech, they may shorten it:
- Looking forward to it!
- Looking forward to seeing you.
But they do not say “look forward to meet you” in standard English.
Correct vs Incorrect Examples (Side-by-Side)
| Incorrect | Correct |
| I look forward to meet you | I look forward to meeting you |
| Looking forward to hear from you | Looking forward to hearing from you |
| I look forward to see you soon | I look forward to seeing you soon |
| We look forward to discuss this | We look forward to discussing this |
Formal vs Informal Usage
This phrase works in both formal and informal English.
Formal (emails, business, academia)
- I look forward to meeting you at the conference.
- We look forward to hearing from you.
Informal (casual conversations)
- Looking forward to seeing you!
- Can’t wait—really looking forward to meeting you.
The grammar never changes, only the tone.
Common Situations Where This Phrase Is Used
You’ll hear or write this phrase often in:
- Job interviews
- Business emails
- Networking messages
- Invitations
- Academic correspondence
- Professional introductions
Mastering it makes your English sound natural and polished.
Common Mistakes ESL Learners Make
Mistake 1: Treating “to” as an infinitive marker
- ❌ I look forward to meet you
- ✅ I look forward to meeting you
Mistake 2: Avoiding gerunds completely
Some learners think –ing sounds informal. It doesn’t.
Mistake 3: Mixing tenses unnecessarily
- ❌ I am looking forward to met you
- ✅ I am looking forward to meeting you
Mistake 4: Copying incorrect online examples
Not everything online follows correct grammar.
Similar Expressions That Follow the Same Rule
These expressions also use preposition + gerund:
| Expression | Example |
| Be used to | I’m used to working late |
| Be committed to | She’s committed to improving |
| Object to | They objected to changing the plan |
| Get accustomed to | He got accustomed to waking early |
| Be opposed to | I’m opposed to raising taxes |
“Looking Forward To” in Different Tenses
| Tense | Example |
| Present | I look forward to meeting you |
| Present continuous | I’m looking forward to meeting you |
| Past | I looked forward to meeting you |
| Future | I will look forward to meeting you |
The verb after “to” always stays in –ing form.
Alternatives to “I Look Forward To Meeting You”
Sometimes repetition feels boring. Here are natural alternatives:
Professional alternatives
- I’m excited to meet you.
- I’m eager to meet you.
- I anticipate our meeting.
Friendly alternatives
- Can’t wait to meet you.
- Really excited to meet you.
- Hope to see you soon.
Polite but less formal
- Looking forward to seeing you.
- Happy to be meeting you.
Synonym and Alternative Phrase Table
| Phrase | Tone | Formality |
| I look forward to meeting you | Neutral | Formal |
| I’m excited to meet you | Warm | Semi-formal |
| I can’t wait to meet you | Casual | Informal |
| I anticipate our meeting | Professional | Very formal |
| Looking forward to seeing you | Friendly | Neutral |
Idioms and Related Expressions
While not identical in meaning, these expressions often appear in similar contexts:
- “Count down the days” – eagerly waiting
- “On the horizon” – something coming soon
- “In anticipation of” – formal expectation
- “Ahead of schedule” – earlier than expected
Example:
Our meeting is just around the corner—I’m looking forward to it.
Short Definition for Voice Search and Featured Snippets
“I look forward to meeting you” is correct because “to” functions as a preposition, not an infinitive marker. Prepositions must be followed by a noun or gerund, so “meeting” is grammatically required, not “meet.”
(53 words)
Quick Test: Choose the Correct Sentence
- I look forward to (meet / meeting) you
- She’s looking forward to (hear / hearing) from you
- We look forward to (work / working) together
Answers: meeting, hearing, working ✅
Why This Grammar Point Matters in 2026
Clear English still matters—especially in:
- International business
- Remote work
- Online applications
- Global communication
Using the wrong form can:
- Sound unnatural
- Reduce credibility
- Distract from your message
Using the correct form makes your English sound confident and professional.
FAQs
Is “I look forward to meet you” ever correct?
No. In standard English, it’s grammatically incorrect because “to” is a preposition in this phrase and must be followed by a gerund (-ing).
Why does “look forward to” use an -ing verb?
Because “to” acts as a preposition, not part of an infinitive. Prepositions require nouns or gerunds, not base verbs.
Can I say “Looking forward to meeting you” in formal emails?
Yes. It’s polite, professional, and commonly used in business and academic communication.
Do native speakers ever say “look forward to meet you”?
No. Native speakers consistently use the gerund form: “looking forward to meeting you.”
What’s the simplest way to remember the rule?
Treat “to” like “about.” You wouldn’t say “about meet,” so say “to meeting.”
Final Conclusion
“I look forward to meeting you” is the only grammatically correct form.
The reason is simple: “to” is a preposition, and prepositions are followed by gerunds, not infinitives.
Once you understand this rule, you’ll also avoid many similar mistakes in English. Use it confidently—in emails, interviews, and everyday conversation—and your English will sound clear, natural, and professional every time.
Jozaf is a visionary mind with a passion for creativity, growth, and innovation. Known for turning ideas into impact, he believes in progress driven by purpose and authenticity.
