"I look forward" or "I'm looking forward"?

Which should I say:

I'm looking forward to our meeting.

I look forward to our meeting.

Petr Pudlák

Posted 2013-03-13T12:38:18.797

Reputation: 425

Answers

These are both correct. I would add, though, that I'm looking forward to our meeting sounds (to me, at least) more conversational (and a bit more genuine), whereas I look forward to our meeting is a bit more formal/polite. I would expect to find the I'm looking form in spoken language, and the I look form in writing (likely at the end of an email confirming a meeting).

yoozer8

Posted 2013-03-13T12:38:18.797

Reputation: 1 705

1This is the correct distinction (such as it is). Using present continuous invites the reader/audience to be more aware of the writer/speaker's current emotional state, which can make it significantly more appropriate in personal/informal/friendly contexts. The standard simple present (which can also be future) is more suitable in an office context, for example. – FumbleFingers Reinstate Monica – 2013-03-13T14:05:46.780

I'd say that it's six of one and half a dozen of the other. But I always use "I look forward to...". Just my personal preference: it's shorter.

user264

Posted 2013-03-13T12:38:18.797

Reputation:

As could "nevermind". I had to check if it was an acceptable contraction. It is funny something that makes so much sense in our heads can be misunderstood by others so easily. – josh – 2016-06-01T09:51:44.840

With "six of one and half a dozen of the other" your answer opens a new question to me :). – Michael Härtl – 2013-03-14T12:00:02.177

@Michael Härtl: What's the new question? – None – 2013-03-14T12:04:07.580

Nevermind, i've just looked it up in an online dictionary. I was confused to which "one" and "other" you are referring. But i learned that it's just a saying. – Michael Härtl – 2013-03-14T12:08:31.223