The phrase “looking forward your answer” is grammatically incorrect; you must include the preposition “to” and write “looking forward to your answer” for proper English.
Errors in email sign-offs happen frequently. You finish a long message, want to sound polite, and quickly type a closing. If you skip the word “to,” the sentence loses its grammatical structure. The correct phrasal verb is “look forward to,” which requires an object or a gerund following it. This guide explains why the mistake occurs, how to fix it, and provides sharper alternatives for professional communication.
Why “Looking Forward Your Answer” Is Incorrect
Grammar rules in English can be strict with phrasal verbs. The phrase looking forward your answer fails because “look forward” cannot take a direct object like “your answer” without a connector. The preposition “to” acts as that necessary bridge.
Native speakers notice this missing preposition immediately. It makes the sentence feel incomplete. When you write “I look forward,” the action is directed toward something. In English syntax, you look at a picture, look for a key, and look forward to an event. Dropping the preposition breaks the relationship between the verb and the noun.
This error often comes from direct translation. In some languages, the verb for “await” or “anticipate” takes a direct object. However, “look forward to” functions differently. It implies anticipation and excitement toward a future event, and that directionality requires “to.”
The Role Of The Preposition “To”
The “to” in this phrase is a preposition, not part of an infinitive verb. This distinction causes confusion. Many learners see “to” and assume a base verb should follow, like “to go” or “to see.” But here, “to” works like the “to” in “go to the store.” It points the action toward a noun or a noun equivalent.
| Phrase Variation | Status | Why It Works or Fails |
|---|---|---|
| Looking forward your answer | Incorrect | Missing the preposition “to.” The verb cannot connect to the object. |
| Looking forward to your answer | Correct | Includes “to” as a bridge to the noun phrase “your answer.” |
| Look forward to hear from you | Incorrect | “Hear” is a base verb. The preposition “to” demands a gerund (hearing). |
| Looking forward to hearing from you | Correct | Uses the gerund “hearing,” which acts as a noun. |
| I await your answer | Correct | “Await” takes a direct object, so no preposition is needed. |
| I am looking forward for your answer | Incorrect | Wrong preposition. You look “for” lost items, not future replies. |
| Looking forward to it | Correct | “It” is a pronoun replacing the noun phrase, which is valid. |
Professional Alternatives For “Looking Forward Your Answer”
Since the exact phrase looking forward your answer contains an error, you should replace it with grammatically sound options. Your choice depends on the tone of your conversation. A formal business proposal requires different language than a quick note to a colleague.
The standard correction is simple: add the “to.” However, you might want more variety. Repetitive emails can sound robotic. Switching up your sign-off keeps your communication fresh and shows strong language skills.
Formal Business Settings
In high-stakes correspondence, accuracy matters. A missing word can lower your credibility. Using “I look forward to your reply” sets a confident expectation. It suggests you are ready for the next step. If you are applying for a job, “I look forward to hearing from you” is a standard, safe choice.
For urgent matters, you might say, “I hope to hear from you soon.” This phrase is polite but adds a slight time pressure. It works well when deadlines approach.
Casual And Quick Updates
When messaging a teammate, you can drop the “I” and just say “Looking forward to it.” This truncation is common in spoken English and instant messaging. It feels lighter and faster. Another option is “Talk soon,” which removes the expectation of a formal written reply entirely.
Understanding The Gerund Rule
A specific grammar trap catches many people who successfully remember to add “to.” They follow “to” with a base verb, writing “I look forward to see you.” This is incorrect. Because “to” acts as a preposition here, the verb that follows must turn into a noun. We do this by adding “-ing.”
You must write “I look forward to seeing you.” The word “seeing” functions as a gerund. It names the activity. You wouldn’t say “I am committed to go,” you say “I am committed to going.” The same logic applies here.
If this rule feels tricky, you can stick to using nouns. “I look forward to our meeting” is perfectly correct. Nouns never need an “-ing” ending, so they simplify the sentence structure.
Tone Differences: Waiting vs. Anticipating
The phrase “look forward to” carries a positive emotion. It implies you are happy about the future interaction. If you are handling a complaint or a negative situation, this might not fit. You wouldn’t say, “I look forward to your explanation” if you are angry. That sounds sarcastic.
In neutral or serious contexts, “I await your reply” is a strong alternative. It strips away the emotion. It simply states that you are waiting. This works for administrative tasks or legal correspondence where feelings are irrelevant.
You can find more examples of phrasal verbs and their rules in major dictionaries. They show how prepositions change the meaning of the main verb entirely.
Looking Forward To Your Reply | Usage Guide
Let’s look at how to use the corrected version of the phrase effectively. Context dictates the right variation. You do not want to sound overly formal in a chat or too casual in a contract negotiation.
Using “I look forward to…” (Simple Present) sounds more formal than “I am looking forward to…” (Present Continuous). The simple present tense implies a permanent state or a standard business stance. The continuous form sounds more immediate and personal. “I look forward to your business” is a company motto. “I am looking forward to seeing you” is a message to a friend.
Subject Line Consistency
Your closing should match your subject line. If you start with “Urgent Request,” a passive closing like “Best regards” might be too weak. A proactive sign-off like “Expecting your feedback” aligns better with the urgency. Consistency helps the reader understand the priority level of your message.
When discussing advanced business English conversation topics, you realize that sign-offs are part of the conversation flow. They act as the goodbye handshake. A limp handshake leaves a bad impression; a grammatically wrong sign-off does the same.
Common Mistakes With Email Closings
Beyond the phrase looking forward your answer, writers make other frequent errors. One is mixing formal and informal registers. Starting an email with “Dear Sir” and ending with “Cheers” clashes. It confuses the reader about your relationship distance.
Another error is overuse. If every email ends with “I look forward to hearing from you,” the phrase becomes invisible. It loses its meaning. Save it for times when you genuinely need a response. If no reply is needed, use “Kind regards” or “Best.”
Typos in sign-offs are also common because people type them on autopilot. “Warm regards” can become “Warn regards” if you aren’t careful. Always proofread the last line of your email. It is the last thing the recipient reads, so it stays in their memory.
| Scenario | Recommended Closing | Tone |
|---|---|---|
| Job Application | I look forward to hearing from you. | Professional, Expectant |
| Complaint Response | I await your immediate resolution. | Firm, Serious |
| Meeting Confirmation | See you then. | Casual, Efficient |
| Requesting Info | Appreciate your help with this. | Gratitude-focused |
| Sending an Invoice | Please let me know if you have questions. | Service-oriented |
| Project Update | Keep me posted. | Collaborative |
Why “Your Answer” Might Be Too Direct
The noun “answer” can feel demanding. It suggests a question-and-response test. In business, “reply,” “response,” or “feedback” often sound softer. “I look forward to your feedback” invites collaboration. “I look forward to your answer” demands a specific piece of information.
If you are writing to a superior, “feedback” or “guidance” are safer words. They show respect for the other person’s expertise. “Answer” implies you asked a question and are waiting for them to fill in the blank.
Also, consider if you even need the noun phrase. “I look forward to hearing from you” covers all bases. It doesn’t matter if they send an answer, a partial reply, or a request for more time. You are just expressing that you want to open a line of communication.
Alternatives To Avoid In Formal Emails
While fixing looking forward your answer is a priority, you should also dodge slang. “Hit me back” is fine for texts but risky in emails. “Later” is too dismissive. Even “Cheers,” which is popular in the UK and Australia, might confuse older clients in the US who associate it strictly with drinking.
Abbreviations like “Thx” or “Pls” have no place in the closing of a professional email. They suggest you were in too much of a hurry to type three extra letters. That signals a lack of respect for the recipient.
Final Thoughts On Email Polish
Your closing is the final flavor you leave with the reader. A grammatical slip like omitting “to” distracts from your message. It shifts the focus from your brilliant ideas to your language skills. By using the correct forms—”looking forward to your answer” or “I look forward to hearing from you”—you ensure your writing stays invisible, allowing your message to shine.
Double-check your prepositions. Ensure you use gerunds after “to” when a verb follows. Vary your sign-offs to match the context. These small adjustments make you sound like a polished, capable communicator ready for any business challenge.