Look Forward Too Or To

Look Forward To or Too? Mastering the Tricky Preposition

The seemingly simple phrase "look forward to" often trips up even seasoned writers. The confusion usually stems from the similarity between "to" and "too," leading to grammatical errors that can undermine the clarity and professionalism of your writing. This comprehensive guide will delve into the correct usage of "look forward to," clarifying the distinction from "look forward too" and offering practical examples to solidify your understanding. This article will cover grammar rules, provide helpful examples, address common mistakes, and answer frequently asked questions, making you a confident user of this frequently used phrase.

Understanding the Core Difference: "To" vs. "Too"

Before diving into the intricacies of "look forward to," let's establish the fundamental difference between "to" and "too." This distinction is crucial for mastering this grammatical challenge.

To: This word serves multiple functions, primarily as a preposition indicating direction, purpose, or a recipient. In the context of "look forward to," it acts as a preposition indicating the object of anticipation. Think of it as signifying the direction of your anticipation.
Too: This word functions as an adverb, meaning it modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb. It signifies "also" or "excessively." Using "too" instead of "to" in "look forward to" completely changes the meaning and creates a grammatical error.

The Correct Usage: "Look Forward To"

The correct phrase is always "look forward to." It expresses anticipation or excitement about a future event or activity. The "to" acts as a preposition, linking the verb "look forward" to the object of that anticipation – the thing you are looking forward to.

Here's the breakdown:

Look forward: This is the verb phrase expressing the anticipation.
To: This is the preposition connecting the verb phrase to the object of anticipation.
Object: This is the event, activity, or circumstance you are anticipating. This can be a noun, a gerund (a verb acting as a noun), or a noun clause.

Examples:

I look forward to seeing you soon. (Noun phrase)
She looks forward to her vacation next week. (Noun phrase)
We look forward to hearing from you. (Gerund phrase – "hearing" acts as a noun)
They look forward to the possibility of a promotion. (Noun phrase)
He looks forward to whatever the future may hold. (Noun clause)

Common Mistakes and Misunderstandings

The most prevalent mistake is using "too" instead of "to," resulting in an ungrammatical and nonsensical sentence. Let's look at why this is incorrect and what the resulting sentence actually means.

Incorrect: I look forward too the meeting.

Correct: I look forward to the meeting.

The incorrect version, "I look forward too the meeting," implies that you are looking forward to the meeting, but also something else. The "too" adds a sense of additional anticipation, but this is not the intended meaning. It's grammatically incorrect and muddies the intended message.

Another common mistake is confusing "look forward to" with other similar phrases. While the sentiment might be similar, the grammar remains distinct. For example, phrases like "looking ahead to" or "anticipating" have slightly different connotations and grammatical structures.

Advanced Usage: Variations and Nuances

While the basic structure of "look forward to" is straightforward, understanding its nuances allows for more sophisticated and varied expression.

Using Gerunds: Remember that gerunds (verbs ending in -ing that function as nouns) are often used after "look forward to." This allows you to express anticipation for an action rather than just an event. For instance, "I look forward to traveling to Italy" is perfectly acceptable and grammatically correct.
Using Noun Clauses: You can also use noun clauses after "look forward to." This creates a more complex sentence, expressing anticipation for a more abstract concept. For example, "I look forward to whatever challenges the future may bring" is a grammatically correct and impactful sentence.
Formal and Informal Usage: The phrase "look forward to" is perfectly acceptable in both formal and informal settings. The context and surrounding language will determine the overall tone rather than the phrase itself.
Active and Passive Voice: While most commonly used in the active voice (as seen in previous examples), you can also use "look forward to" in the passive voice, though it’s less common. For instance, "The project's completion is looked forward to by the entire team" is grammatically correct, but sounds less natural than "The entire team looks forward to the project's completion."

Examples in Context: Demonstrating Correct Usage

Let's examine several examples demonstrating the proper use of "look forward to" in various contexts:

Business Communication: "We look forward to receiving your proposal by the deadline."
Personal Correspondence: "I look forward to catching up with you soon. We have so much to talk about!"
Social Media Post: "Looking forward to the concert tonight! Can't wait to see my favorite band."
Formal Invitation: "We look forward to your presence at the gala event."

In all of these examples, "look forward to" is used correctly, effectively communicating anticipation and excitement.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I use "look forward to" with multiple objects?

A: Yes, but it's best to keep it concise. You can connect multiple objects using conjunctions like "and" or "as well as." For example: "I look forward to the conference and networking opportunities." Avoid overly long lists of objects following "look forward to" as this can make the sentence unwieldy.

Q: Is it grammatically correct to say, "I am looking forward to"?

A: Yes, "I am looking forward to" is perfectly acceptable. It's simply the continuous tense, indicating an ongoing state of anticipation.

Q: What's the difference between "look forward to" and "expect"?

A: While both expressions relate to anticipation, "look forward to" implies a positive and enthusiastic expectation, whereas "expect" is more neutral and can encompass both positive and negative anticipations.

Q: Can I use "look forward to" in a negative sentence?

A: Yes, you can use it in a negative sentence to express a lack of anticipation or a feeling of dread. For instance: "I don't look forward to the upcoming exam." In such instances, the context will clarify the negative sentiment.

Conclusion: Mastering the Art of Anticipation

Mastering the correct usage of "look forward to" is a fundamental aspect of effective English writing. By understanding the distinction between "to" and "too" and applying the principles discussed in this guide, you can avoid common grammatical errors and communicate your anticipation clearly and confidently. Remember, the correct phrase is always "look forward to," allowing you to express your anticipation precisely and professionally in any written or spoken context. Practice using this phrase in your own writing to solidify your understanding and enhance the overall quality of your communication. With a little attention to detail, you'll confidently navigate this grammatical hurdle and improve the clarity and impact of your writing.