What is look forward to? Pronunciation and usage in English

look forward to means . Learn how to pronounce and use look forward to through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of look forward to

look forward toverb

Definition & pronunciation of look forward to

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "look forward to" in English. It's a common phrase, but it can sound a little tricky! Here's a breakdown:

1. "Look"

  • Pronunciation: /lʊk/ (rhymes with "book")
  • Breakdown:
    • l: A short, clear "l" sound.
    • u: A short, almost closed-mouth "uh" sound (like in "cup").
    • k: A clear "k" sound at the end.

2. "Forward"

  • Pronunciation: /ˈfɔːrwərd/ (This one is where many people stumble!)
  • Breakdown:
    • ˈfɔːr: This is the stressed syllable. It’s a longer, slightly wider "aw" sound – think of the "a" in "caught" or "law." It's a bit further back in your mouth than a regular "aw" sound.
    • -ward: This is a softer, shorter "w" sound followed by "rd". It’s almost like the "w" in "wardrobe."

3. "To"

  • Pronunciation: /tuː/ (rhymes with "too")
  • Breakdown:
    • t: A clear "t" sound.
    • u: Again, the short, closed-mouth "uh" sound (like in "cup").
    • ː The colon indicates that this vowel sound is long - hold it for a little longer.

Putting it all together:

The whole phrase is pronounced: /lʊk ˈfɔːrwərd /tuː/

Tips for getting it right:

  • Stress: The stress is really on the word "forward." Make that syllable noticeably longer and louder.
  • The "aw" sound: Really focus on getting that wide "aw" sound in "forward." Don’t let it be a short, quick "or."
  • Listen to examples: The best way to learn is to hear it. Here are a few resources:
    • Google Translate: Type "look forward to" and click the speaker icon. (https://translate.google.com/)
    • Forvo: This website has pronunciations recorded by native speakers: https://forvo.com/word/look%20forward%20to/
    • YouTube: Search on YouTube for "how to pronounce 'look forward to'." Many videos demonstrate pronunciation.

Would you like me to:

  • Break down any particular part of the pronunciation further?
  • Give you some example sentences using the phrase?

Usage and examples with the word look forward to in English

Let's break down how to use "look forward to" in English. It's a really common and useful phrase!

1. Basic Meaning & Usage:

"Look forward to" means you anticipate something with pleasure and excitement. It expresses a positive expectation about a future event or situation.

2. Sentence Structures:

Here are the most common ways to use it:

  • "I look forward to..." + gerund (verb + -ing): This is the most frequent structure.

    • Example: “I look forward to seeing you tomorrow.” (You're anticipating the act of seeing them.)
    • Example: “I look forward to hearing your news.” (You're anticipating receiving news from them.)
    • Example: “I look forward to trying that new restaurant.” (You're anticipating the experience.)

  • "I'm looking forward to..." + gerund: This is a shortened, slightly more informal version of the above.

    • Example: “I’m looking forward to seeing you tomorrow.”

  • "I look forward to [something specific]..." – You can add details.

    • Example: “I look forward to a relaxing weekend.”
    • Example: “I look forward to the meeting next week.”

  • "We/They/You (formal) look forward to..." + gerund: This is used when talking about a group or someone you address formally.

    • Example: “We look forward to your reply.”
    • Example: “The company looks forward to welcoming you.”

3. Examples in Different Contexts:

  • Responding to Invitations: "Thank you so much for the invitation! I look forward to it."
  • Email Replies: "Thank you for your email. I look forward to discussing this further."
  • Planning: "I'm really looking forward to our vacation!"
  • Anticipating Events: "I look forward to the concert next month."
  • Promotions/New Jobs: “I’m looking forward to starting my new role.”
  • Receiving News: "I look forward to hearing from you soon."

4. Important Notes:

  • It’s about anticipation: “Look forward to” isn’t about actually doing something immediately. It’s about wanting to do it or experience it in the future.
  • Polite and Positive: It’s a polite and generally positive way to express your expectations.

5. Contrast with "look forward to not":

Sometimes you might use "look forward to not..." This means you are looking forward to the absence of something unpleasant.

  • Example: "I look forward to not having to work late tonight." (You're anticipating a free evening.)

Do you want me to:

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  • Explain how it sounds in different tones (formal vs. informal)?
  • Help you practice using it in a sentence?

Synonyms for the word look forward to

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