← Back to lessons
B1Planning a Holiday

Excited About Holidays: Using 'Look Forward To'

Phrasal Verb: look forward to |Grammar: Present Continuous

Objective

Students will learn how to use the phrasal verb 'look forward to' with the Present Continuous tense to express excitement about upcoming holidays.

Article

Many people are planning holidays this year, and they are looking forward to their trips. When we look forward to something, it means we feel excited about it. Right now, I am looking forward to my holiday in Spain. I am packing my bags and making a list of things I need. My friends are also looking forward to their trips. Sarah is looking forward to visiting the beach, and Tom is looking forward to trying new foods. We are all talking about our plans and sharing what we are doing to prepare. Everyone is looking forward to relaxing and enjoying their time off work or school. Planning a holiday is fun because we imagine what we will do. When you talk about your plans, you often use the Present Continuous tense. For example, I am looking forward to seeing new places, and my family is looking forward to spending time together. It feels good to think about a holiday, especially when you are busy. So, if you are planning a holiday, you can say, ‘I am looking forward to it!’

Grammar Explanation

Meaning

The phrasal verb 'look forward to' means to feel excited or eager about something that will happen in the future.

Grammar Note

'Look forward to' is followed by a noun or verb in the -ing form. When talking about plans or feelings about the near future, we often use the Present Continuous tense (am/is/are looking forward to).

Usage Tips

  • Always follow 'look forward to' with a noun or verb ending in -ing.
  • Use Present Continuous to talk about plans or feelings you have now about future events.
  • It is common to use 'look forward to' in polite or positive conversations about upcoming events.

Examples

I am looking forward to visiting the museum during my holiday.

Excitement about holiday activities

She is looking forward to relaxing on the beach next week.

Anticipating rest and fun

We are looking forward to trying local food on our trip.

Excited about new experiences

They are looking forward to meeting new people while travelling.

Looking forward to socialising

He is looking forward to taking many photos during his holiday.

Excited about capturing memories

Dialogue

Context: Two friends talk about their upcoming holiday plans and what they are excited about.

A:
Are you looking forward to your holiday next month?
B:
Yes, I am really looking forward to exploring the countryside and relaxing.
A:
I’m looking forward to trying new foods and visiting museums.
B:
That sounds great! I’m also looking forward to spending time with my family.
A:
Have you packed yet?
B:
Not yet, but I’m looking forward to organising everything this weekend.

Vocabulary

Anticipate
To expect or look forward to something
Example: I am anticipating a great holiday this summer.
Synonym: Expect
Excited
Very happy and eager about something
Example: She is excited about her holiday plans.
Synonym: Thrilled
Relax
To rest and be calm
Example: We want to relax on the beach during our trip.
Synonym: Unwind
Prepare
To get ready for something
Example: I am preparing my suitcase for the holiday.
Synonym: Organise
Trip
A journey to a place for a short time
Example: Our trip to France is next month.
Synonym: Journey
Plan
A detailed idea about what to do in the future
Example: We are planning our holiday activities.
Synonym: Arrange
Explore
To travel around a place to learn about it
Example: I want to explore the city during my holiday.
Synonym: Discover
Activity
Something you do for fun or interest
Example: There are many activities to enjoy on holiday.
Synonym: Event
Destination
The place you are going to
Example: Our destination is a small island in the sea.
Synonym: Location
Holiday
A period of time when you do not work and often travel
Example: I am looking forward to my holiday next month.
Synonym: Vacation

Tips

  • Use 'look forward to' to show positive feelings about future events.
  • Remember to follow 'look forward to' with a noun or verb ending in -ing.
  • Avoid using the base form of the verb after 'look forward to' (e.g. not 'look forward to travel').

Summary

In this lesson, you learned how to use the phrasal verb 'look forward to' with the Present Continuous tense to express excitement about upcoming holidays. You practised making sentences and dialogues to talk about plans and feelings when planning a trip.

← Back to all lessons