I Look Forward to Hearing from You vs. Looking Forward to Hearing from You – Which is Correct?
The correct and widely accepted phrase is “looking forward to hearing from you.” The alternative, “i look forward to hearing from you,” contains two grammatical errors: incorrect capitalization of “i” and the use of an infinitive verb (“to hear”) instead of a gerund (“to hearing”) after the phrasal verb “look forward to.”
i look forward to hearing from you or looking forward to hearing from you – Which is Correct?
The primary distinction between these two phrases lies in fundamental English grammar rules. “Looking forward to hearing from you” is grammatically correct, while “i look forward to hearing from you” is incorrect for two main reasons. First, the pronoun “I” should always be capitalized. Second, the phrasal verb “look forward to” requires a gerund (the -ing form of a verb) to follow “to,” not an infinitive. Therefore, “hearing” is correct, whereas “hear” would be incorrect in this context.
The Best Trick to Remember the Difference
The easiest way to remember the correct form is the “Gerund Rule” for phrasal verbs ending in “to.” If a phrasal verb or idiomatic expression ends with “to” and expresses anticipation or purpose, it is almost always followed by a gerund. Think of other examples like “devoted to learning,” “committed to improving,” or “addicted to gaming.” In all these cases, “to” acts as a preposition, not part of an infinitive, and thus requires a gerund. Always capitalize “I” as well.
| Word | Part of Speech | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| i look forward to hearing from you | Grammatically Incorrect Phrase | Intended to express anticipation, but contains errors. | (Incorrect) i look forward to hearing from you about the job. |
| looking forward to hearing from you | Correct Phrasal Verb/Idiom | Expresses eager anticipation of future communication. | I am looking forward to hearing from you regarding my application. |
How to Use looking forward to hearing from you
The phrase “looking forward to hearing from you” is a standard, polite, and professional way to conclude a letter or email when you expect a response. It conveys anticipation and eagerness for future communication. While generally formal, it can be adapted for semi-formal or even casual contexts depending on the relationship and overall tone of the message.
It is commonly used in professional correspondence such as job applications, business inquiries, follow-up emails, and requests for information. It can also be used in personal correspondence, though slightly less common, to express anticipation of news from a friend or family member.
Example 1: Thank you for considering my application. I am looking forward to hearing from you soon.
Example 2: Please let me know if you have any questions. I look forward to hearing from you at your convenience.
Example 3: After our meeting, I am looking forward to hearing from you about the next steps.
Etymology of the word looking forward to
The phrase “look forward to” combines the verb “look” with the adverb “forward” and the preposition “to.” The verb “look” derives from Old English lōcian, meaning “to see, gaze, behold.” “Forward” comes from Old English foreweard, meaning “toward the front.” The combination “look forward to” evolved over time to express anticipation. By the 18th century, it was commonly used in its modern sense, specifically with a gerund, to denote an eager expectation of something to come. The “to” in this construction functions as a preposition, which dictates the use of a gerund (the -ing form) rather than an infinitive.
Related Concepts
Understanding a few key grammar concepts can clarify why “looking forward to hearing from you” is correct and its alternative is not.
- Phrasal Verbs: These are verbs combined with a preposition or adverb (or both) that take on a new meaning. “Look forward to” is a phrasal verb that means “to anticipate with pleasure.” Many phrasal verbs ending in “to” are followed by a gerund, not an infinitive.
- Gerunds after Prepositions: A gerund is a verb form ending in -ing that functions as a noun. When a preposition (like “to” in “look forward to”) is followed by a verb, that verb must be in its gerund form. This is a fundamental rule for English grammar.
- Capitalization Rules: Proper capitalization is crucial in written English. The first word of a sentence, proper nouns, and the pronoun “I” are always capitalized. Failing to capitalize “i” is a basic grammatical error.
Examples from Media and Literature
Here are examples demonstrating the correct usage of “looking forward to hearing from you” in various contexts:
- In a professional email: “Thank you for the detailed proposal. We are looking forward to hearing from you regarding the final decision.”
- From a news article discussing future plans: “The community is looking forward to hearing from you about the new park development.”
- In a formal letter: “We appreciate your prompt attention to this matter and are looking forward to hearing from you at your earliest convenience.”
- In a novel, a character might express: “After weeks of silence, she was truly looking forward to hearing from him again.”
- From a business communication guide: “Always conclude your outreach emails with a clear call to action, such as ‘I am looking forward to hearing from you to discuss this further.'”
looking forward to hearing from you Synonyms
| Synonym | Definition |
|---|---|
| Anticipating your response | Expresses expectation for a reply. |
| Awaiting your reply | A formal way to say you are waiting for a response. |
| Hope to hear from you soon | A slightly less formal but polite alternative. |
| Eagerly awaiting your feedback | Conveys strong anticipation, often for specific input. |
| I’ll await your communication | A more direct and formal statement of waiting. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: Is “looking forward to hear from you” correct?
No, “looking forward to hear from you” is incorrect. The phrasal verb “look forward to” must be followed by a gerund (the -ing form of a verb), not an infinitive. Therefore, “hearing” is the correct form.
Question 2: Is “looking forward to hearing from you” too informal for professional emails?
On the contrary, “looking forward to hearing from you” is a standard and widely accepted professional closing. It is polite, expresses anticipation, and is appropriate for most business communications. For extremely formal contexts, alternatives like “I await your reply” might be used, but “looking forward to hearing from you” is generally suitable.
Question 3: Can I use “I’m looking forward to hearing from you” instead?
Yes, “I’m looking forward to hearing from you” is grammatically correct. The contraction “I’m” (for “I am”) makes the phrase slightly more informal than “I am looking forward to hearing from you.” It is perfectly acceptable in most professional and semi-formal contexts, especially in emails.
Conclusion
In summary, the correct phrase is unequivocally “looking forward to hearing from you.” This construction adheres to fundamental English grammar rules regarding capitalization and the use of gerunds after phrasal verbs ending in “to.” Avoiding the incorrect “i look forward to hearing from you” demonstrates attention to detail and professional communication skills. Pro Tip: Always double-check your grammar and spelling, especially in professional correspondence, as it significantly impacts your credibility and the impression you make on others.
