When learning English, small mistakes can sometimes have a significant impact on the meaning of a sentence. In this article, we will break down why the sentence ‘I am looking forward to coming you’ is incorrect and how to correct it. Understanding the usage of the verb ‘come’ in this context is essential for proper grammar and clarity.
1. The Correct Phrase: ‘I am looking forward to meeting you’
The correct phrase to express anticipation for meeting someone is: ‘I am looking forward to meeting you.’ In this sentence, ‘meeting’ is the correct verb to use after ‘looking forward to.’ This is because the verb ‘look forward to’ is followed by a gerund (the -ing form of a verb), not the base form of the verb.
Therefore, the mistake in the original sentence is the use of ‘coming,’ which is the wrong form of the verb. ‘Meeting’ is the proper choice, as it fits the grammatical structure of ‘look forward to.’
2. Understanding ‘Look Forward To’ and Verb Forms
‘Look forward to’ is a phrasal verb that is always followed by a noun or a gerund. The confusion arises when learners try to follow it with an infinitive verb (e.g., ‘to come’). However, this is grammatically incorrect. To form the correct sentence, you must use the gerund form of the verb (‘meeting’), not the base form (‘come’).
In English, some verbs are followed by the infinitive form (e.g., ‘want to go’) while others are followed by the gerund form (e.g., ‘enjoy swimming’). Understanding these patterns will help you avoid common mistakes in writing and speaking.
3. Why ‘Come’ Is Not Appropriate Here
The verb ‘come’ refers to moving toward the speaker or the place where the speaker is. When you use ‘coming’ in the sentence ‘I am looking forward to coming you,’ it implies that you, or the action of coming, are the subject of the sentence. This structure does not fit with the meaning you’re trying to convey. The focus of the sentence should be on the interaction or the meeting itself, not the movement toward someone.
In the case of ‘look forward to meeting you,’ the emphasis is on the future meeting, which is the correct intention of the sentence.
4. Key Takeaways: Using the Correct Verb Forms in English
When expressing excitement or anticipation, always use the correct verb form after ‘look forward to.’ Here’s a summary of the key points:
- Use a gerund (verb + -ing) after ‘look forward to’ (e.g., ‘meeting,’ ‘seeing’).
- Do not use the infinitive form of the verb (e.g., ‘to come’).
- Ensure that the verb reflects the intended meaning of the sentence, focusing on the action or event, not the movement toward the person.
By following these rules, you’ll be able to avoid common mistakes and communicate your thoughts more effectively in English.
5. Conclusion: Mastering Common English Grammar Mistakes
Grammar mistakes, especially when it comes to commonly used phrases like ‘look forward to,’ are easy to make but important to correct. By understanding the difference between gerunds and infinitives, you’ll be better equipped to speak and write in English with confidence. Remember, the correct phrase is ‘I am looking forward to meeting you,’ and using ‘come’ in this context is grammatically incorrect.
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