Need a fresher way to say “looking forward to meeting you”? Here are 30 polite, professional, and casual alternatives with examples for emails, interviews, and texts.
You’ve booked the call. The interview is on the calendar. A new colleague starts on Monday. Then you type the line you always type: “Looking forward to meeting you.”
It’s polite and it works. But if you send it in every email, it starts to sound like a template, and a first impression is the worst place for that.
This guide gives you 30 alternatives to “looking forward to meeting you.” They’re grouped by tone: formal, professional, warm, casual, and personal. You’ll also learn what the phrase means, the grammar mistake people make with it, and how to pick the right words for each situation.
What Does “Looking Forward to Meeting You” Mean?
“Looking forward to meeting you” tells someone you expect to enjoy an upcoming first meeting. It combines anticipation with politeness.
The phrase carries three signals:
- A meeting is planned. You’re talking about something that hasn’t happened yet.
- You’re positive about it. You expect a good experience.
- You respect the other person. It’s a small act of courtesy that sets a friendly tone before you’ve even spoken.
The phrase comes from the verb “look forward to,” which means to anticipate something with pleasure. Language guides often point out that it sounds polite more than thrilled. It signals goodwill, not wild excitement.
You can use it before a first call, an interview, a networking event, a family introduction, or a date. It’s best for meetings that haven’t taken place yet. After the meeting, you’d switch to “It was great meeting you.”
The Grammar Rule Most People Miss
Here’s the quick rule: after “look forward to,” use a gerund (the -ing form), not the base verb.
| Correct | Incorrect |
| I look forward to meeting you. | I look forward to meet you. |
| I’m looking forward to seeing you. | I’m looking forward seeing you. |
| We look forward to working with you. | We look forward to work with you. |
Read More Content: grammarperson
The reason is simple. In this phrase, “to” is a preposition, not part of an infinitive. Prepositions are followed by nouns or gerunds. A good check is to swap in a noun: “I look forward to the meeting” works, so “I look forward to meeting you” works too.
Also note the two common forms:
- “I look forward to meeting you” is the simple, slightly more formal version.
- “I’m looking forward to meeting you” is a little warmer and more conversational.
Both are correct. Pick based on tone.
Is It Professional to Say “Looking Forward to Meeting You”?
Yes. It’s one of the safest professional phrases in English. It’s respectful, positive, and free of slang. You can use it in cover letters, interview confirmations, client emails, and meeting invites.
A few points of etiquette:
- Use it before the meeting, not after. Afterward, say “It was a pleasure meeting you.”
- Skip heavy exclamation marks in formal emails. One is fine. Three look overeager.
- Match the other person’s energy. If they write casually, a relaxed reply feels more natural.
- Be careful with quotation marks. Writing “Nice to ‘meet’ you” for an online meeting can sound sarcastic, as if the virtual meeting doesn’t count.
The phrase isn’t wrong. The issue is repetition. People who receive many emails notice when every message ends the same way.
Why You Need Alternatives
Reaching for the same line every time has a few downsides.
- It can sound automatic. Readers can tell when a phrase is copied and pasted.
- It doesn’t fit every setting. A line for a board meeting feels stiff in a text to a new roommate.
- It’s vague. It doesn’t say why you’re looking forward to the meeting.
- It misses a chance to build rapport. A slightly personal line makes you memorable.
- It limits your range. Different readers (a hiring manager, a client, a friend of a friend) respond to different tones.
Knowing a few options helps you sound natural, confident, and sincere in any situation.
Pros and Cons of Using “Looking Forward to Meeting You”
| Pros | Cons | |
| Tone | Polite and positive | Can feel scripted |
| Clarity | Everyone understands it | Doesn’t show real enthusiasm |
| Flexibility | Works in email, speech, and chat | Too formal for close friends |
| Safety | Rarely offends anyone | Easy to forget; not memorable |
| Speed | Quick to write | Often used without thought |
Tips for Choosing the Right Phrase
Use these quick checks before you hit send.
- Think about the relationship. Is this a stranger, a boss, a client, a friend, or a date?
- Match the channel. Emails and letters allow formal wording. Texts and chats favor short, relaxed lines.
- Add a reason. “I’m looking forward to meeting you and hearing about your design process” is stronger than the bare phrase.
- Match the stakes. An interview deserves more care than a coffee chat.
- Be honest. If you’re nervous, “Looking forward to it” is better than “I can’t wait!!!” when you don’t mean it.
- Mind cultural norms. Some cultures prefer more formal courtesy, even in modern emails.
- Keep it short. One clear sentence is better than three vague ones.
Quick formula: Warm phrase + specific detail + the meeting.
Example: “I’ve enjoyed our emails, and I’m looking forward to talking through the plan on Thursday.”
Quick Overview: All 30 Alternatives by Tone
| # | Phrase | Tone | Best For |
| 1 | I look forward to our meeting | Formal | Business letters |
| 2 | I eagerly anticipate meeting you | Very formal | Executives, official emails |
| 3 | It will be a pleasure to meet you | Formal | Senior contacts |
| 4 | I am eager to meet you | Formal-warm | Interviews |
| 5 | I’m looking forward to our conversation | Professional | Calls |
| 6 | I look forward to connecting | Professional | Networking |
| 7 | I’m keen to meet you | Professional (UK) | Business, UK/AU |
| 8 | I’m excited to meet you | Warm-professional | Team intros |
| 9 | I’ve been looking forward to meeting you | Warm | After long correspondence |
| 10 | I’m looking forward to working with you | Professional | New clients, colleagues |
| 11 | I look forward to our discussion | Formal | Proposals |
| 12 | I’m pleased to be meeting you | Formal | Official events |
| 13 | Looking forward to connecting in person | Professional | After virtual contact |
| 14 | I’m eager to learn more about you | Professional | Interviews |
| 15 | I welcome the chance to meet | Formal | Invitations |
| 16 | Can’t wait to meet you | Casual | Friends, new teammates |
| 17 | Excited to finally meet you | Casual-warm | Online friends |
| 18 | See you soon | Casual | Confirmed plans |
| 19 | Looking forward to it | Casual | Replies |
| 20 | It’ll be great to meet you | Casual | Friendly invites |
| 21 | Can’t wait to catch up | Casual | Known contacts |
| 22 | Counting down the days | Playful | Big events |
| 23 | Excited to put a face to the name | Friendly | Remote colleagues |
| 24 | Looking forward to chatting | Casual | Calls, coffee |
| 25 | I’ve heard so much about you | Warm | Introductions |
| 26 | I’m thrilled to meet you | Enthusiastic | Special occasions |
| 27 | Our paths are about to cross | Playful | Creative contexts |
| 28 | It will be wonderful to meet you | Warm | Family, in-laws |
| 29 | I’m so happy we’ll finally meet | Personal | Close contacts |
| 30 | Can’t wait to see you in person | Personal | Dates, friends |
Formal Alternatives (1–4, 11, 12, 15)
Use these in business letters, official emails, and senior-level communication.
1. I Look Forward to Our Meeting
A clean, formal option that focuses on the event instead of the person. It reads well in written confirmations.
- “I look forward to our meeting on Tuesday at 10 a.m.”
- “Thank you for the agenda. I look forward to our meeting.”
2. I Eagerly Anticipate Meeting You
This is high-formality English. “Anticipate” and “eagerly” add weight. Use it sparingly, because it can sound old-fashioned in casual workplaces.
- “I eagerly anticipate meeting you at the annual summit.”
- “I eagerly anticipate meeting the board next week.”
3. It Will Be a Pleasure to Meet You
Respectful and slightly traditional. It works well for senior contacts, dignitaries, and first-time clients.
- “It will be a pleasure to meet you and discuss the partnership.”
- “It will be a pleasure to meet you at the conference.”
4. I Am Eager to Meet You
This one adds enthusiasm without losing professionalism. It suits interview confirmations because it shows interest in the role and the people.
- “Thank you for the invitation. I am eager to meet you and the team.”
- “I am eager to meet you and learn more about the position.”
11. I Look Forward to Our Discussion
Good when the meeting has a clear purpose, like a proposal review or negotiation.
- “I look forward to our discussion about the project timeline.”
- “I look forward to our discussion on Friday.”
12. I’m Pleased to Be Meeting You
A polite, formal alternative that emphasizes your good feelings about the occasion.
- “I’m pleased to be meeting you at the ceremony.”
- “I’m pleased to be meeting you after all our correspondence.”
15. I Welcome the Chance to Meet
Useful when someone has offered you an opportunity, such as an interview or a conversation with a mentor.
- “I welcome the chance to meet and discuss my application.”
- “I welcome the chance to meet you in person.”
Professional and Friendly Alternatives (5–10, 13, 14)
These strike a good balance. They sound professional but not cold.
5. I’m Looking Forward to Our Conversation
Great for calls, video chats, and informal interviews. It feels two-way.
- “I’m looking forward to our conversation tomorrow.”
- “Thanks for scheduling this. I’m looking forward to our conversation.”
6. I Look Forward to Connecting
Popular in networking, especially on LinkedIn. It suggests a relationship, not just a single meeting.
- “I look forward to connecting at the industry mixer.”
- “Thanks for the introduction. I look forward to connecting next week.”
7. I’m Keen to Meet You
Common in British and Australian English. It sounds eager but still businesslike.
- “I’m keen to meet you and hear your thoughts.”
- “I’m keen to meet the team on Monday.”
8. I’m Excited to Meet You
Warm and modern. It works with new teammates and clients you already feel good about.
- “I’m excited to meet you and start working together.”
- “I’m excited to meet you on Thursday.”
9. I’ve Been Looking Forward to Meeting You
The present perfect adds a nice touch. It implies you’ve been anticipating this for a while, so it’s good after weeks of emails.
- “After all our emails, I’ve been looking forward to meeting you.”
- “I’ve been looking forward to meeting you since Priya mentioned your work.”
10. I’m Looking Forward to Working With You
A natural choice when the meeting is the start of a project or job.
- “I’m looking forward to working with you on the campaign.”
- “Welcome aboard. I’m looking forward to working with you.”
13. Looking Forward to Connecting in Person
Ideal after virtual contact. It acknowledges the earlier calls and highlights the upgrade.
- “We’ve spoken on video often. Looking forward to connecting in person.”
- “Looking forward to connecting in person at the trade show.”
14. I’m Eager to Learn More About You
This works well in interviews and mentoring settings. It shows curiosity, which people like.
- “I’m eager to learn more about you and your goals.”
- “I’m eager to learn more about you and the team’s priorities.”
Casual and Friendly Alternatives (16–24)
Use these with friends, peers, or relaxed teams.
16. Can’t Wait to Meet You
Simple and enthusiastic. Perfect for friends of friends or new teammates in a casual culture.
- “Can’t wait to meet you on Saturday!”
- “Can’t wait to meet you. Everyone says great things.”
17. Excited to Finally Meet You
The word “finally” suggests you’ve known the person online or by reputation for some time.
- “Excited to finally meet you after all those group chats.”
- “Excited to finally meet you in real life.”
18. See You Soon
Short and warm. It assumes the plan is confirmed.
- “See you soon. I’ll grab a table by the window.”
- “Got your directions. See you soon!”
19. Looking Forward to It
A flexible reply to any invitation. It’s relaxed but positive.
- “Dinner on Friday? Looking forward to it.”
- “Thanks for setting this up. Looking forward to it.”
20. It’ll Be Great to Meet You
Friendly and low-pressure. It works well for invitations.
- “It’ll be great to meet you and hear your story.”
- “It’ll be great to meet you at the barbecue.”
21. Can’t Wait to Catch Up
Use this for someone you already know a little. It suggests a longer chat.
- “Can’t wait to catch up over coffee.”
- “Can’t wait to catch up at the reunion.”
22. Counting Down the Days
Playful and expressive. Save it for events you’re truly excited about.
- “Counting down the days until the wedding.”
- “Counting down the days until we finally meet.”
23. Excited to Put a Face to the Name
A great line for remote workers who have only emailed or messaged each other.
- “Excited to put a face to the name at the offsite.”
- “I’m excited to put a face to the name next week.”
24. Looking Forward to Chatting
A relaxed option for calls, coffee chats, and informal interviews.
- “Looking forward to chatting about the role.”
- “Looking forward to chatting over lunch.”
Warm and Personal Alternatives (25–30)
These add feeling. They work for meaningful first meetings and personal relationships.
25. I’ve Heard So Much About You
It’s a compliment disguised as an opening line. It shows the person has a good reputation.
- “I’ve heard so much about you from Maria. I’m looking forward to meeting you.”
- “I’ve heard so much about you. I can’t wait to say hello.”
26. I’m Thrilled to Meet You
Strongly positive. Use it when the meeting really matters to you.
- “I’m thrilled to meet you and discuss the collaboration.”
- “I’m thrilled to meet you after following your work for years.”
27. Our Paths Are About to Cross
A poetic, playful phrase. It suits creative fields and friendly messages.
- “Our paths are about to cross at the festival.”
- “I think our paths are about to cross on Friday.”
28. It Will Be Wonderful to Meet You
Gentle and sincere. A good fit for family introductions and warm personal notes.
- “It will be wonderful to meet you and your family.”
- “It will be wonderful to meet you at last.”
29. I’m So Happy We’ll Finally Meet
This one reveals real emotion. Best for close contacts and long-awaited meetings.
- “I’m so happy we’ll finally meet after all these years.”
- “I’m so happy we’ll finally meet. It’s been a long time coming.”
30. Can’t Wait to See You in Person
Personal and affectionate. It suits dates, friends, and relatives who have only connected online.
- “Can’t wait to see you in person. Video calls aren’t the same.”
- “Can’t wait to see you in person this weekend.”
Which Phrase Fits Which Situation?
| Situation | Best Options |
| Job interview confirmation | I am eager to meet you / I look forward to our conversation |
| First client meeting | It will be a pleasure to meet you / I look forward to working with you |
| Networking event | I look forward to connecting / Excited to put a face to the name |
| New team member | I’m excited to meet you / Can’t wait to meet you |
| Long email thread | I’ve been looking forward to meeting you |
| Virtual to in-person | Looking forward to connecting in person |
| Friend of a friend | Can’t wait to meet you / I’ve heard so much about you |
| Family or in-laws | It will be wonderful to meet you |
| Date or personal meeting | Can’t wait to see you in person |
Sample Email Openings and Closings
Here are short templates you can adapt.
Interview confirmation:
“Thank you for the invitation. I’ve confirmed Thursday at 2 p.m. and I am eager to meet you and the team.”
Client introduction:
“Thanks for your time on the phone. It will be a pleasure to meet you next week and go through the proposal.”
Remote team member:
“Excited to put a face to the name when you visit the office. See you Monday!”
Networking follow-up:
“Great connecting online. I look forward to continuing the conversation in person at the summit.”
How to Reply When Someone Says It to You
A good reply keeps the conversation friendly. Try these:
- “Likewise! See you then.”
- “Thank you. I’m looking forward to it, too.”
- “Me too. I’ve heard great things about your work.”
- “Thanks for the warm welcome. See you on Tuesday.”
- “Same here. I’ll bring the draft.”
Keep it short and match their tone.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using the infinitive. Say “meeting,” not “meet,” after “look forward to.”
- Overusing exclamation marks. One is plenty in work emails.
- Sounding insincere. Don’t say “thrilled” for a routine call.
- Mixing tones. “Dear Sir, can’t wait to meet ya!” confuses the reader.
- Sending it after the meeting. Use “It was a pleasure meeting you” instead.
- Using too many “meet” quotation marks. “Nice to ‘meet’ you” can sound sarcastic.
- Copying the same line to everyone. A small personal detail takes seconds and helps a lot.
How Other Languages Say It
Many cultures use their own versions of this polite anticipation, which shows how universal the idea is.
| Language | Phrase | Meaning |
| French | Au plaisir de vous rencontrer | To the pleasure of meeting you |
| Spanish | Deseando conocerte | Looking forward to meeting you |
| Japanese | お会いできるのを楽しみにしています | I’m looking forward to being able to meet you |
| Chinese | 我盼望与你见面 | I look forward to seeing you |
If you work with international contacts, a short phrase in their language is a thoughtful touch, as long as you use it correctly.
FAQs
1. Is “looking forward to meeting you” professional?
Yes. It’s polite, positive, and widely accepted in business writing, interviews, and formal emails.
2. Is it “meet” or “meeting” after “look forward to”?
Use “meeting.” In this phrase, “to” is a preposition, so it must be followed by a gerund or noun.
3. What is a more formal way to say “looking forward to meeting you”?
Try “It will be a pleasure to meet you” or “I eagerly anticipate our meeting.” Both suit senior contacts.
4. What is a casual alternative?
“Can’t wait to meet you” or “Looking forward to it” work for friends and relaxed teams.
5. Can I say it in an interview email?
Yes. “I am eager to meet you and the team” or “I look forward to our conversation” fit well.
6. What should I say after the meeting instead?
Say “It was great meeting you” or “It was a pleasure to meet you.” The future-tense phrases no longer apply.
7. How do I reply to “looking forward to meeting you”?
Say “Likewise” or “Thank you, I’m looking forward to it too.” Keep it brief and warm.
8. Is “I’ve been looking forward to meeting you” different?
Slightly. It shows you’ve anticipated the meeting for some time, so it feels warmer and more personal.
Conclusion
“Looking forward to meeting you” is polite, safe, and perfectly correct. It just shouldn’t be your only option. With 30 alternatives, you can sound formal for executives, friendly for new teammates, and personal for people who matter to you.
The best phrase is the one that fits your audience, matches the setting, and sounds like you. Add a small detail, such as a topic you want to discuss or something you’ve admired about their work, and even a short line becomes memorable. Keep the grammar right, keep the tone honest, and your first impression will take care of itself.
Mr Danish Ali is an English grammar enthusiast who creates clear, practical, and easy-to-understand content at GrammarPerson, helping learners improve grammar, writing, sentences, and communication skills.