If you’ve ever finished an email with the phrase “I look forward to hear from you”, you might have paused and wondered: Is this actually correct? The short answer is no. Although the sentence sounds polite and professional, it contains a small but important grammar mistake. In this article, we’ll explain why “I look forward to hear from you” is incorrect, what the correct form is, and how to use it confidently in professional and everyday communication.
Is It Correct to Say “I Look Forward to Hear from You”?
No, it is not grammatically correct to say “I look forward to hear from you.” The correct expression is:
I look forward to hearing from you.
The difference may seem small—just adding -ing to the verb—but it reflects an important grammar rule involving the word “to.”
Why “Hearing” Is Correct (Not “Hear”)
The confusion happens because many English learners associate “to” with the infinitive form of a verb (e.g., to eat, to go, to hear). However, in the phrase “look forward to”, the word to is not part of an infinitive. Instead, it is a preposition.
And here’s the key rule:
A verb that follows a preposition must be in the -ing (gerund) form.
According to the Cambridge Dictionary, “look forward to something” means “to feel pleased and excited about something that is going to happen.” Notice that to is part of the prepositional phrase, not an infinitive marker.
Because to is a preposition here, it must be followed by a noun or a gerund (-ing form), not a base verb.
Correct Structure
look forward to + noun / gerund (-ing form)
Examples:
- I look forward to hearing from you.
- She looks forward to meeting you.
- They look forward to starting the project.
- We look forward to your reply.
Why Do So Many People Say “I Look Forward to Hear from You”?
This mistake is extremely common, especially among English learners. There are two main reasons:
- Confusion about “to” – Learners naturally expect an infinitive after “to.”
- Translation influence – In some languages, the equivalent phrase uses an infinitive form.
However, English grammar treats “look forward to” as a fixed expression with a preposition. The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines “look forward to” as a phrasal verb meaning “to expect with pleasure.” In grammatical terms, it functions as a verb followed by a prepositional phrase.
Comparison Table: Incorrect vs. Correct Forms
| Incorrect | Correct | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| I look forward to hear from you. | I look forward to hearing from you. | “To” is a preposition → use gerund (-ing). |
| She looks forward to meet you. | She looks forward to meeting you. | Verb after preposition must be -ing. |
| We look forward to see you. | We look forward to seeing you. | Same grammar rule applies. |
Real-World Examples in Context
Let’s look at how this phrase appears in professional communication.
Example 1: Formal Business Email
Dear Ms. Patel,
Thank you for considering my application for the marketing position. I look forward to hearing from you regarding the next steps.
Sincerely,
Daniel Rivera
Example 2: Customer Service Email
Hello Mr. Thompson,
We have received your request and are currently reviewing your account details. We look forward to resolving this matter for you.
Best regards,
Customer Support Team
Example 3: Less Formal Email
Hi Sarah,
It was great talking with you today! I look forward to seeing you at the conference next week.
Cheers,
Alex
In each case, notice the consistent use of the -ing form.
Is “I Am Looking Forward to Hearing from You” Also Correct?
Yes, absolutely. Both forms are correct:
- I look forward to hearing from you. (simple present)
- I am looking forward to hearing from you. (present continuous)
The difference is subtle. The present simple sounds slightly more formal and is more common in professional writing. The present continuous can sound a bit warmer or more immediate.
Alternative Phrases You Can Use
If you want variety or a different tone, here are some professional alternatives:
- I look forward to your reply.
- I look forward to your response.
- I look forward to discussing this further.
- I look forward to our meeting.
- I await your response. (very formal)
- Please let me know if you need any additional information.
Choose the alternative based on your audience and level of formality.
Common Grammar Pattern: Preposition + Gerund
Understanding this structure will help you avoid many similar mistakes. Whenever a verb follows a preposition, use the -ing form.
More Examples:
- Thank you for helping me.
- She is interested in learning Spanish.
- He apologized for being late.
- They succeeded in winning the contract.
This rule is widely recognized in English grammar references and style guides. The Chicago Manual of Style also supports standard gerund usage after prepositions in formal writing.
Why Getting This Right Matters
You might wonder: does this small grammar detail really matter? In casual conversation, people may understand you anyway. However, in professional settings—job applications, business emails, academic writing—accuracy builds credibility.
Using the correct form, “I look forward to hearing from you,” demonstrates attention to detail and strong command of English. On the other hand, writing “I look forward to hear from you” can subtly signal non-native usage or carelessness.
Final Answer: Is It Correct to Say “I Look Forward to Hear from You”?
No, it is not correct to say “I look forward to hear from you.” The grammatically correct version is:
I look forward to hearing from you.
Key Takeaways:
- In this phrase, “to” is a preposition, not part of an infinitive.
- Verbs after prepositions must use the -ing (gerund) form.
- The correct structure is: look forward to + noun/gerund.
- The phrase is common in professional emails and formal communication.
Now that you understand the rule, you can confidently end your emails the right way. And the next time you wonder whether “I look forward to hear from you” is correct, you’ll know exactly why it isn’t—and what to write instead.
Did I miss anything? Respond below :backhand_index_pointing_down: