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When writing professional emails, it's important to keep them engaging. One way to attract the recipient’s attention, especially when you're expecting a reply from them, is to write ‘looking forward to hearing from you.’ Or is it ‘look forward to hearing from you?’
This is a common doubt, especially among ESL students. So, which one is correct to use? Are there some alternatives to 'Looking forward to hearing from you'? Let’s find out.
‘Looking Forward’ or ‘Look Forward to Hearing From You?’
On the internet, there’s a tough battle between those who use ‘looking forward to hearing from you’ and ‘look forward to hearing from you.’ Which one of them is correct to use in emails?
If we analyze phrases grammatically, both of them are correct. The difference is in the purpose and goal you want to achieve while using them. The first expression is ‘weaker while the second one calls for action.
How to Use 'Looking Forward to Hearing From You'?
The phrase ‘look forward to hearing from you’ is the most common one. You can use it when writing emails to colleagues as well as if you want to email family members or close friends.
When used informally, it has a warm message that shows that you are really looking forward to hearing back from them.
But you have to be careful while writing a professional email to colleagues because it may come off as passive-aggressive, especially if you demand certain information back. Instead, you could consider using some other alternatives.
One of the cons of these expressions is that everyone uses them, so they lost their true purpose in a way. Besides, it puts you in a strange position, where all you can do is wait for the reply.
10 Alternatives to ‘Look Forward to Hearing From You’
Don’t Wait Passively But Take Action
When you use the sign-off ‘Looking forward to hearing from you soon,’ you are passive. You're waiting for a reply that may never come.
Instead, you should try writing something that will make your correspondent active.
For example, use phrases like ‘I plan to hand this project in by Wednesday. Can you please send me your feedback by Monday?’ ‘or ‘Would you like me to send you the final version once it is approved?’
A Request For Feedback
If you don’t have a tight deadline, you can use closure about feedback, such as ‘I value your feedback, so let me know what you think,’ ‘Looking forward to your feedback,’ or ‘Could you return your feedback by Tuesday?’
The first phrase is a little informal, so it can warm up the recipient.
Ask Them About Their Thoughts
In some situations, your concentration can be very low and you can’t think of any adequate solution to your problem.
If you want to kill two birds with one stone, you can write something like ‘I saw [something] and I thought of you. What are your thoughts about [something]?’
When you get a reply, you can ask questions even more directly.
Show That You Are Happy to Hear From The Recipient
Even though there are many tips on how to write professional emails, sometimes a few casual phrases are better.
Expressions such as ‘Hello, my inbox is always open!’ or ‘Always happy to hear from you’ show that you don’t insist on getting an instant reply back. So, use these in cases when an answer isn’t an urge.
Don’t Forget to Write Soon
Here’s another cheerful way of signing off. By using the expression, such as ‘Write soon!’ you let the recipient know that you would like to hear back from him, but not right now.
This phrase isn’t so good to use formally, so we suggest using it among close friends and family members.
When You Want to Be Informed
When you need an answer about the current project you are working on and the possible changes, you should use something like ‘Please keep me informed of any updates or changes.’
Compared to the previous expression, this one perhaps sounds a bit harsh, but in the case when you really need an update about the possible changes, you should be direct.
Asking For an Answer Indirectly
When you want to get the feedback but you don’t want that to sound like a requirement, you can use expressions such as ‘Let me know if anything changes.’
With this phrase, you don’t push anything but you want to be updated about the changes and you want to be informed in time.
A Little Bit of Gentle Nudge
At times, you need an answer but you don’t want to push it too much.
Writing ‘I appreciate your quick response’ shows that you gently nudge the answer but not forcing anything.
When You Need A Reply Quickly
In some situations, you don’t have the time to wait for an answer, especially when you need that reply as soon as possible.
But even then, you can request a quick answer by saying something like ‘It would really help me out if you could reply to me by Tuesday.’
Direct Approach
The direct approach is used when it's really necessary.
By using sentences like ‘If you are too busy, is there anyone else I can reach out to?’ you are showing the correspondent that you are in a hurry and the information you need is an absolute priority.
You are also showing that if you don’t get an answer from that specific person, you’ll find someone who can help you as soon as possible.
Final Thoughts
Now you know at least 10 ideal alternatives to ‘look forward to hearing from you.’ You don’t have to use this expression all the time anymore and passively wait for a reply that might never come.
With these creative expressions, you’ll definitely stand out in the business world and impress your managers.
