In many of my own emails, especially when dealing with clients, I’ve often ended with the line: “Is It Correct to Say ‘Looking Forward to Working With You?’” -a gentle phrase that bridges courtesy, a professional tone, and enthusiasm, giving the impression of genuine interest in collaboration. Whether you’re a freelancer writing from your home desk or someone working in shiny office towers, this phrase is a signal of confidence and intention. It’s not just polite, it’s part of the communication culture in both formal and casual settings. The first time I used it, I remember pausing, fingers over the keyboard, wondering if it sounded too polished or not genuine enough. But the value of the sentence proved itself over time as it helped me open doors across the globe.
Still, things can get tricky. Though the sentence is commonly used and seems friendly, its placement within a business message follows unwritten etiquette and grammar rules. A well-timed note at the end of an email can make or break your message, even your relationships. There’s a subtle mix of language, tone, and contextual level that determines how it lands. Overusing it or saying it at the wrong moment can feel like a linguistic minefield. I’ve learned that in high-stakes communications, word choices are everything.
There’s a swirl of what comes off as warm and what may seem insincere or vague. So it’s not just about using the phrase- it’s about understanding the context, the aims, and the setting you’re in. When I say it now, it’s not just out of habit- I make sure it reflects the tone, fits the setting, and supports a confident, clear intention. One of my earlier letters used this line to great effect- it helped unlock a long-term cooperation.
The excitement, eagerness, and happy vibe behind it can create lasting ties in any professional environment. Whether you’re sending a quick check-in or a detailed proposal, your words should sound natural, not robotic. It’s a gentle yet effective way to guide relationships across different cultures, industries, and contexts. At the end of the day, the answer to whether it’s correct lies not just in the grammar, but in how and when you use it.
Is “Looking Forward to Working With You” Grammatically Correct?
Yes, the phrase “Looking forward to working with you” is grammatically correct when used appropriately. However, there’s a catch: it is technically a sentence fragment when used on its own.
Here’s why:
- The verb “looking” needs a subject (who is looking?)
- The phrase is missing the subject “I am” or “We are” when used independently
Correct full sentence:
“I am looking forward to working with you.”
Acceptable fragment in closings:
“Looking forward to working with you,”
This works only when used at the end of a message, and the subject is implied by context (i.e., from the email signature).
Grammar Breakdown:
| Element | Type | Role |
| looking forward to | phrasal verb | expresses anticipation |
| working | gerund (verb as noun) | object of preposition “to” |
| with you | prepositional phrase | modifies “working” |
Quick Tip:
Avoid saying “Looking forward to working with you”. That’s grammatically incorrect. The verb “to” in this case is a preposition, not part of the infinitive “to work.”
✅ “Looking forward to working with you.”
❌ “Looking forward to work with you.”
Formality Check – Is the Phrase Professional Enough?
“Looking forward to working with you” strikes a good balance between professionalism and warmth. It’s widely used in business emails, proposals, and even legal correspondence.
However, tone can shift based on:
- Industry: Legal and finance sectors lean more formal; creative industries welcome warmth.
- Recipient’s Role: CEOs, directors, or government officials may prefer a more structured sign-off.
- Cultural Context: What sounds natural in U.S. English may feel too casual in other cultures (like Japan or Germany).
Comparison Table
| Phrase | Tone | Best For |
| Looking forward to working with you | Semi-formal | Most business emails |
| I look forward to collaborating with you | Formal | Legal, academic, corporate |
| Can’t wait to work together | Casual | Internal team messages |
Tone, Implication, and Underlying Sentiment
Tone plays a crucial role in how this phrase is perceived. Used well, it conveys:
- Enthusiasm
- Cooperation
- Professional courtesy
But overused or misplaced, it can come off as:
- Robotic
- Insincere
- Lazy
Consider this email:
“Looking forward to working with you.”
Now compare:
“I’m genuinely excited to start working together.”
The second option adds personality. Readers feel the difference.
Pro Tip: Mirror the tone of your recipient. If they write warmly, respond with warmth.
Ideal Contexts to Use “Looking Forward to Working With You”
The phrase fits well in a variety of business situations, especially:
Client Onboarding
“Thanks for signing the contract. Looking forward to working with you on this exciting project.”
Post-Interview Follow-Ups
“Thank you for the opportunity to interview. I’m looking forward to potentially working with your team.”
New Team Intros
“Welcome aboard! Looking forward to working with you on upcoming campaigns.”
Collaboration Confirmations
“We’ve reviewed the plan and are looking forward to working with you next quarter.”
When NOT to Use It – Situations Where It Feels Forced or Wrong
Avoid using this phrase when:
- You’re ending a relationship, not beginning one
- There is no clear follow-up or collaboration
- It doesn’t match the email’s tone (e.g., in complaints)
Example of poor use:
“Unfortunately, we have decided not to proceed. Looking forward to working with you.” ❌
Instead:
“Thank you again for your time. Wishing you success in future endeavors.
More Precise or Creative Alternatives to “Looking Forward to Working With You”
| Alternative Phrase | Tone | Use Case |
| I’m excited to collaborate with you | Warm | Creative teams, first projects |
| Let’s build something great together | Inspirational | Startups, product dev |
| I welcome the opportunity to work together | Formal | Proposals, corporate intros |
| We’re eager to move forward | Confident | Sales and client updates |
| I’ll be in touch soon to begin | Neutral | Admin or scheduling context |
Using alternatives helps you sound less repetitive and more personal.
Real-World Email Examples Using the Phrase Naturally
Client Onboarding
“Hi Sarah,
Thanks again for choosing our agency. We’ll start the onboarding process tomorrow. Looking forward to working with you on this exciting journey.
Best, Jason”
Internal Team Intro
“Hey team,
Please welcome James, our new data analyst. He joins us from NYU. Looking forward to working with you, James!
Cheers, Alicia”
Formal Proposal Follow-Up
“Dear Mr. Thompson,
The proposal has been submitted for review. We believe it aligns with your goals and timelines. We look forward to working with you to bring this project to life.
Sincerely, The Contour Group”
Synonyms and Variants – Do They Carry the Same Weight?
Let’s explore some frequently used variations and what they actually imply:
| Phrase | Tone | Implication |
| I’m excited to work with you | Warm & personal | Enthusiastic collaboration |
| Hope to collaborate soon | Open-ended | Waiting for a response or approval |
| I look forward to hearing from you | Action-oriented | Waiting for feedback |
| Can’t wait to work together | Casual | Friendly, maybe too informal |
| We’re thrilled to get started | Marketing tone | Works well in onboarding |
Grammar Breakdown – What’s Happening Structurally?
The full version of the phrase is:
“I am looking forward to working with you.”
Detailed Breakdown:
- “I am” = subject + auxiliary verb
- “looking forward to” = phrasal verb
- “working” = gerund (acts like a noun)
- “with you” = prepositional phrase
Why Not “To Work”?
The “to” in “looking forward to” is a preposition, not part of an infinitive.
✅ Correct: “Looking forward to working with you.” ❌ Incorrect: “Looking forward to working with you.”
Common Grammar Questions Related to the Phrase
Can I say it without “I am”?
Yes- especially at the end of an email. The subject is implied.
Is “Looking forward to work with you” correct?
No. Always use the gerund “working.”
Can I start an email with it?
No. That sounds abrupt. Use a full sentence like:
“I’m looking forward to working with you on this.”
Is it okay for formal emails?
Yes, but you can make it more formal with:
“I look forward to collaborating with you.”
How This Phrase Builds (or Hurts) Professional Relationships
Used thoughtfully, this phrase:
- Shows enthusiasm
- Signals openness and team spirit
- Helps build rapport, especially across departments or teams
However, if copied from templates or overused:
- It sounds generic
- It feels disingenuous
- It can reduce reader engagement
Tip: Always pair it with specifics. Instead of just ending with the phrase, add: “…as we start the website revamp next Monday.”
Closing Like a Pro – Crafting the Right Final Impression
Here’s how to upgrade your email closings:
Instead of this:
Looking forward to working with you. Best, John
Try this:
I’m excited to begin work together on the Q3 campaign.
Looking forward to working with you, John
Sign-Off Tips:
- Keep it consistent with your tone
- Use appropriate email sign-offs:
- “Best regards” (safe)
- “Warmly” (friendly)
- “All the best” (casual)
- “Sincerely” (formal)
Bonus – How AI and Templates Can Undermine Your Message
With tools like AI and email templates, it’s easy to rely on boilerplate closings. But they come at a cost:
- Less connection
- Lower response rates
- Reduced trust
How to Sound Human:
- Add one personalized line before your closing
- Mention something specific (a meeting, idea, shared goal)
- Vary your closing phrases
Summary Table – Do’s and Don’ts of Using the Phrase
| Do | Don’t |
| Use it in context | Use it generically |
| Personalize your message | Copy-paste from templates |
| Follow with concrete action | Leave readers guessing |
| Match the recipient’s tone | Be overly casual with execs |
| Use variations when needed | Repeat the same phrase in every email |
Conclusion
While “Looking forward to working with you” might seem like a small phrase, it plays a big role in shaping how you’re perceived in professional communication. Used correctly, it signals enthusiasm, collaboration, and professionalism. But like any commonly used expression, it can lose its impact if overused, misused, or placed in the wrong context.
Grammatically, it’s correct when the subject is either stated or implied. In closings, especially email signatures, omitting “I am” or “We are” is completely acceptable. The phrase fits well in emails to new clients, coworkers, collaborators, and stakeholders when there’s a clear intent to build or continue a professional relationship.
However, don’t rely on it blindly. Tailor your message. Add context. Adjust the tone based on who you’re writing to. And when in doubt, explore more precise or expressive alternatives.
What truly matters is sounding genuine, not robotic. In an age where automation can mimic language but not tone, adding a human touch makes all the difference. A well-placed, thoughtfully phrased closing like this can elevate your message, build rapport, and show your reader that you care about working together, not just checking off a task.
FAQs
Is “Looking Forward to Working With You” grammatically correct?
Yes, “Looking Forward to Working With You” is grammatically correct. It is a common professional expression used in emails and business communication to show excitement and positivity about future collaboration.
Can I use “Looking Forward to Working With You” in formal emails?
Absolutely. This phrase is suitable for formal emails, especially when communicating with clients, employers, coworkers, or business partners. It sounds polite, professional, and welcoming.
Is “Looking Forward to Working With You” too informal?
No, it is not too informal. The phrase is considered professional while still sounding warm and friendly. That balance makes it popular in modern workplace communication.
What is another way to say “Looking Forward to Working With You”?
You can say “Excited to collaborate with you,” “I look forward to our partnership,” or “I am eager to work together.” These alternatives keep the same professional meaning.
Should I say “work with you” or “working with you”?
“Working with you” is usually more natural and commonly used in professional writing. It emphasizes an ongoing collaboration rather than a single action.
Can this phrase be used in job acceptance emails?
Yes, many people use this phrase when accepting a job offer. It shows appreciation and enthusiasm for joining the company and working with the new team.
Is “Looking Forward to Working With You” professional for clients?
Yes, it is highly professional for client communication. It helps create a positive impression and shows that you value the upcoming business relationship.
Can I use this phrase at the end of an email?
Yes, it is commonly placed near the closing of an email before phrases like “Best regards” or “Sincerely.” It gives the message a polite and optimistic ending.
What does “Looking Forward to Working With You” mean?
The phrase means you are excited or pleased about collaborating with someone in the future. It expresses anticipation and positive expectations.
Is it better to say “I look forward to working with you”?
Yes, adding “I” makes the sentence complete and slightly more formal. Both versions are acceptable, but “I look forward to working with you” is more common in professional writing.
