Expressing excitement for future events is a common and important part of communication. While “excited for what’s to come” is perfectly acceptable, expanding your vocabulary allows you to convey nuances of feeling and add color to your speech and writing.
This article explores a variety of alternative phrases, ranging from formal to informal, each carrying its own subtle shade of meaning. Understanding these options will not only enrich your linguistic toolkit but also enable you to express yourself more precisely and engagingly.
This guide is perfect for English language learners, writers seeking to diversify their prose, and anyone looking to add flair to their everyday conversations.
By the end of this article, you will be able to confidently choose the best phrase to express your anticipation, whether you’re eagerly awaiting a vacation, a new job, or a life-changing event. We will delve into the definitions, structural breakdowns, usage rules, and common mistakes associated with each alternative, providing numerous examples and practice exercises to solidify your understanding.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Defining “Excited for What’s to Come”
- Structural Breakdown
- Alternatives to “Excited for What’s to Come”
- Examples
- Usage Rules
- Common Mistakes
- Practice Exercises
- Advanced Topics
- FAQ
- Conclusion
Defining “Excited for What’s to Come”
The phrase “excited for what’s to come” expresses a feeling of enthusiasm, anticipation, and eagerness about future events or possibilities. It encompasses a sense of positive expectation and a hopeful outlook regarding upcoming experiences.
The phrase implies not just awareness of future events, but a genuine positive emotional response to them.
Classification: This phrase is a colloquial expression that combines an adjective (“excited”) with a prepositional phrase (“for what’s to come”). It functions as a statement of feeling or anticipation.
Function: Its primary function is to communicate one’s positive emotions and expectations related to future events. It can also serve to express optimism, encouragement, or shared enthusiasm with others.
Contexts: The phrase is versatile and can be used in a wide range of contexts, from casual conversations to informal writing. You might use it when discussing personal goals, upcoming travel plans, anticipated social events, or even broader future prospects.
Structural Breakdown
Let’s break down the structure of the phrase “excited for what’s to come”:
- Excited: This is the adjective, describing the emotional state of the speaker. It indicates a feeling of happiness, enthusiasm, and eagerness.
- For: This is a preposition that connects the adjective “excited” to the reason or cause of the excitement.
- What’s to come: This is a relative clause acting as a noun phrase. “What” functions as a relative pronoun, referring to the unspecified events or possibilities in the future. “To come” is an infinitive phrase that modifies “what,” indicating that these events are yet to happen.
The entire phrase works together to convey a feeling of anticipation and positive expectation directed toward the future.
Alternatives to “Excited for What’s to Come”
Here are several alternatives to “excited for what’s to come,” each with slightly different nuances:
Eagerly Anticipating
This phrase emphasizes the anticipation aspect, highlighting the active mental preparation and expectation. “Eagerly” is an adverb that intensifies the verb “anticipating.”
Example: “I am eagerly anticipating the release of the new novel.”
Looking Forward To
This is a common and versatile alternative. It expresses a positive expectation and anticipation of a future event.
It’s generally considered more polite and can be used in both formal and informal settings.
Example: “I am looking forward to meeting you next week.”
Awaiting with Bated Breath
This idiom suggests a heightened sense of anticipation and excitement, often implying some level of anxiety or suspense. It paints a picture of holding one’s breath in anticipation.
Example: “The fans were awaiting with bated breath the announcement of the winning team.”
On the Edge of My Seat
Similar to “awaiting with bated breath,” this idiom conveys a high level of excitement and suspense. It implies being physically engaged and attentive, eager to see what happens next.
Example: “I was on the edge of my seat during the final scene of the movie.”
Thrilled About
This phrase is a more direct synonym for “excited.” It emphasizes the feeling of intense pleasure and delight associated with the upcoming event.
Example: “I am thrilled about the opportunity to work on this project.”
Buzzing with Anticipation
This phrase uses a vivid metaphor to describe the feeling of excitement. It suggests a restless energy and a lively sense of anticipation.
Example: “The children were buzzing with anticipation before the Christmas party.”
Relishing the Thought
This phrase implies a deeper, more contemplative enjoyment of the anticipation. It suggests savoring the idea of the future event and deriving pleasure from imagining it.
Example: “I am relishing the thought of a relaxing vacation.”
Counting Down the Days
This phrase highlights the passage of time and the eagerness for the future event to arrive. It suggests a focused awareness of the approaching date.
Example: “I am counting down the days until my birthday.”
In High Spirits
This phrase describes an overall state of happiness and optimism. While it doesn’t directly express anticipation, it implies a positive outlook on the future.
Example: “We are all in high spirits as we prepare for the upcoming celebration.”
Can Hardly Wait
This is a simple and direct expression of impatience and eagerness. It conveys a strong desire for the future event to arrive quickly.
Example: “I can hardly wait for the weekend to begin.”
Examples
The following tables provide examples of how to use each alternative phrase in different contexts. Note the subtle differences in meaning and tone.
Table 1: “Eagerly Anticipating” Examples
This table provides a variety of sentences using the phrase “eagerly anticipating” in different contexts. Notice how the phrase emphasizes a strong sense of mental preparation and positive expectation.
| Example | Context |
|---|---|
| I am eagerly anticipating the opportunity to present my research at the conference. | Academic/Professional |
| She is eagerly anticipating her daughter’s return from college. | Personal/Family |
| We are eagerly anticipating the arrival of spring after a long winter. | General/Seasonal |
| The company is eagerly anticipating the launch of its new product line. | Business/Marketing |
| He is eagerly anticipating the start of his retirement. | Personal/Life Change |
| They are eagerly anticipating the results of the election. | Political/Civic |
| The students are eagerly anticipating the school holidays. | Education |
| The chef is eagerly anticipating the arrival of fresh ingredients. | Culinary |
| The artist is eagerly anticipating feedback on their new exhibition. | Artistic |
| The community is eagerly anticipating the opening of the new park. | Community |
| I am eagerly anticipating seeing my favorite band perform live. | Entertainment |
| The team is eagerly anticipating the upcoming championship game. | Sports |
| She is eagerly anticipating the opportunity to travel abroad. | Travel |
| We are eagerly anticipating the resolution of the current crisis. | Current Events |
| The developers are eagerly anticipating the release of the new software. | Technology |
| He is eagerly anticipating the moment he can finally relax. | Personal |
| They are eagerly anticipating the chance to reconnect with old friends. | Social |
| The scientists are eagerly anticipating the data from the new experiment. | Scientific |
| The investors are eagerly anticipating the company’s quarterly earnings report. | Financial |
| The gardeners are eagerly anticipating the first signs of new growth. | Horticultural |
| I am eagerly anticipating a quiet evening at home. | Personal |
| She is eagerly anticipating celebrating her anniversary with her partner. | Relationship |
| We are eagerly anticipating the return of our pet after their stay at the vet. | Pet Care |
| The organization is eagerly anticipating the outcome of the fundraising campaign. | Non-Profit |
| He is eagerly anticipating the opportunity to mentor young professionals. | Mentorship |
| They are eagerly anticipating the chance to make a positive impact on the community. | Social Impact |
Table 2: “Looking Forward To” Examples
This table demonstrates the versatility of the phrase “looking forward to” across different situations. It is generally considered a polite and appropriate way to express anticipation.
| Example | Context |
|---|---|
| I am looking forward to our meeting next Tuesday. | Professional |
| She is looking forward to her vacation in Hawaii. | Personal |
| We are looking forward to celebrating your birthday. | Social |
| The team is looking forward to the challenge ahead. | Motivational |
| He is looking forward to spending time with his family. | Personal |
| They are looking forward to seeing you again soon. | Social |
| I am looking forward to the concert tonight. | Entertainment |
| She is looking forward to the new season of her favorite show. | Entertainment |
| We are looking forward to trying the new restaurant downtown. | Culinary |
| The students are looking forward to the field trip. | Education |
| He is looking forward to learning new skills in the workshop. | Professional Development |
| They are looking forward to the opportunity to collaborate on the project. | Teamwork |
| I am looking forward to the peacefulness of the countryside. | Nature |
| She is looking forward to a relaxing weekend. | Personal |
| We are looking forward to the positive changes that are coming. | Optimistic |
| The community is looking forward to the new library opening. | Community |
| He is looking forward to the opportunity to make a difference. | Social Impact |
| They are looking forward to a brighter future. | Hopeful |
| I am looking forward to the day when we can all be together again. | Longing |
| She is looking forward to seeing her grandchildren grow up. | Family |
| We are looking forward to the next chapter of our lives. | Life Transition |
| The company is looking forward to continued success. | Business |
| He is looking forward to reaching his goals. | Personal Achievement |
| They are looking forward to building a better world. | Idealistic |
| I am looking forward to the simple joys of everyday life. | Contentment |
Table 3: Examples using “Awaiting with Bated Breath”
This table illustrates how “awaiting with bated breath” is used to express a high degree of suspense and excitement, often in situations where the outcome is uncertain or significant.
| Example | Context |
|---|---|
| The world was awaiting with bated breath the results of the scientific experiment. | Science |
| The audience was awaiting with bated breath the magician’s final trick. | Entertainment |
| The family was awaiting with bated breath the arrival of the ambulance. | Emergency |
| The investors were awaiting with bated breath the stock market’s opening bell. | Finance |
| The nation was awaiting with bated breath the president’s address. | Politics |
| The students were awaiting with bated breath the announcement of the exam scores. | Education |
| The fans were awaiting with bated breath the final seconds of the championship game. | Sports |
| The couple was awaiting with bated breath the judge’s decision in their adoption case. | Legal/Personal |
| The community was awaiting with bated breath the news of the missing child. | Community/Crisis |
| The artists were awaiting with bated breath the critics’ reviews of their new work. | Art |
| The contestants were awaiting with bated breath the host’s announcement of the winner. | Competition |
| The patients were awaiting with bated breath the doctor’s diagnosis. | Medical |
| The rescue team was awaiting with bated breath the first sign of life in the rubble. | Disaster Relief |
| The employees were awaiting with bated breath the CEO’s announcement about layoffs. | Corporate |
| The explorers were awaiting with bated breath the discovery of new lands. | Exploration |
| The negotiators were awaiting with bated breath the other side’s final offer. | Negotiation |
| The scientists were awaiting with bated breath the data from the space probe. | Space Exploration |
| The journalists were awaiting with bated breath the release of the classified documents. | Journalism |
| The activists were awaiting with bated breath the outcome of the protest. | Activism |
| The authors were awaiting with bated breath the sales figures for their new book. | Publishing |
| The developers were awaiting with bated breath the user feedback on the new app. | Technology |
| The diplomats were awaiting with bated breath the response from the foreign government. | Diplomacy |
| The families were awaiting with bated breath the safe return of the soldiers. | Military |
| The witnesses were awaiting with bated breath the jury’s verdict. | Legal |
Table 4: Examples using “On the Edge of My Seat”
This table displays examples of “on the edge of my seat”, usually used to express excitement during a movie, book or event.
| Example | Context |
|---|---|
| I was on the edge of my seat during the entire action movie. | Entertainment |
| The courtroom drama had me on the edge of my seat until the very end. | Legal |
| The suspenseful novel kept me on the edge of my seat all night. | Literature |
| The final minutes of the game had everyone on the edge of their seats. | Sports |
| The plot twists in the TV series left me on the edge of my seat each week. | Television |
| The roller coaster ride had me on the edge of my seat with excitement and fear. | Amusement Park |
| The magic show was so captivating, I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. | Performance |
| The election results had the entire country on the edge of its seat. | Politics |
| The speaker’s revelation had the audience on the edge of their seats. | Public Speaking |
| The thriller movie had me on the edge of my seat with its unexpected turns. | Film |
| The high-stakes poker game kept viewers on the edge of their seats. | Gaming |
| The race to the finish line had spectators on the edge of their seats. | Competition |
| The astronaut’s daring spacewalk had the world on the edge of its seat. | Space Exploration |
| The climber’s ascent of the treacherous peak had everyone on the edge of their seats. | Adventure |
| The rescue mission had the nation on the edge of its seat praying for a miracle. | Emergency Response |
| The surprise ending of the play left the audience on the edge of their seats. | Theater |
| The unveiling of the new technology had the industry on the edge of its seat. | Innovation |
| The negotiation between the warring factions had diplomats on the edge of their seats. | Diplomacy |
| The countdown to the launch had the scientists on the edge of their seats. | Science |
| The entrepreneur’s pitch to the investors had them on the edge of their seats. | Business |
Table 5: Examples using “Thrilled About”
This table features a variety of sentences using the phrase “thrilled about” in different contexts. Note how the phrase is a more direct synonym for “excited” and conveys intense pleasure.
| Example | Context |
|---|---|
| I am thrilled about starting my new job next week. | Professional |
| She is thrilled about her upcoming wedding. | Personal |
| We are thrilled about the birth of our first grandchild. | Family |
| The students are thrilled about the end of the school year. | Education |
| He is thrilled about the opportunity to travel the world. | Travel |
| They are thrilled about the success of their fundraising campaign. | Non-Profit |
| I am thrilled about seeing my favorite band in concert. | Entertainment |
| She is thrilled about the release of her new book. | Literary |
| We are thrilled about the progress we are making on the project. | Teamwork |
| The community is thrilled about the new park being built. | Community |
| He is thrilled about receiving the award. | Achievement |
| They are thrilled about the positive feedback they have received. | Recognition |
| I am thrilled about the chance to learn new skills. | Personal Development |
| She is thrilled about the opportunity to mentor others. | Mentorship |
| We are thrilled about the possibility of a brighter future. | Optimism |
| The team is thrilled about winning the championship. | Sports |
| He is thrilled about spending time with his loved ones. | Relationships |
| They are thrilled about the simple joys of life. | Contentment |
| I am thrilled about the delicious meal I am about to eat. | Culinary |
| She is thrilled about the beautiful sunset. | Nature |
Usage Rules
While most of these phrases are interchangeable to some extent, it’s important to consider the context and audience when choosing the most appropriate expression.
- Formality: “Looking forward to” is generally suitable for both formal and informal settings. “Awaiting with bated breath” and “on the edge of my seat” are more dramatic and best suited for informal contexts.
- Intensity: “Thrilled about,” “awaiting with bated breath,” and “on the edge of my seat” convey a higher degree of excitement than “looking forward to.”
- Specificity: “Counting down the days” is appropriate when referring to a specific event with a known date. “Relishing the thought” is best used when emphasizing the enjoyment of anticipation itself.
- Grammar: Pay attention to the grammar of each phrase. For example, “looking forward to” is always followed by a noun or gerund (verb ending in -ing).
Common Mistakes
Here are some common mistakes to avoid when using these alternative phrases:
Mistake 1: Incorrect preposition after “looking forward.”
- Incorrect: I am looking forward to meet you.
- Correct: I am looking forward to meeting you.
Mistake 2: Using “awaiting with bated breath” in inappropriate contexts.
- Incorrect: I am awaiting with bated breath my dentist appointment.
- Correct: I am looking forward to my dentist appointment (if you’re not particularly anxious).
Mistake 3: Mixing up “excited” and “exciting.”
- Incorrect: The news was very excited.
- Correct: The news was very exciting. (The news causes excitement)
- Correct: I was very excited about the news. (I experienced excitement)
Practice Exercises
Test your understanding with these practice exercises. Choose the best alternative phrase to replace “excited for what’s to come” in each sentence.
Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks
Fill in the blanks with the most appropriate phrase from the list: eagerly anticipating, looking forward to, awaiting with bated breath, thrilled about, counting down the days.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. I am __________ my graduation ceremony. | looking forward to |
| 2. The fans were __________ the announcement of the concert dates. | awaiting with bated breath |
| 3. She is __________ her trip to Europe next month. | eagerly anticipating |
| 4. We are __________ the arrival of our new puppy. | thrilled about |
| 5. He is __________ until the release of the new video game. | counting down the days |
| 6. The company is _________ the launch of its innovative product. | eagerly anticipating |
| 7. The children are _________ Christmas morning. | counting down the days |
| 8. I am _________ attending the conference next week. | looking forward to |
| 9. The community is _________ the opening of the new community center. | thrilled about |
| 10. The investors were _______ the company’s earning reports. | awaiting with bated breath |
Exercise 2: Sentence Transformation
Rewrite the following sentences using a different alternative to “excited for what’s to come.”
| Original Sentence | Transformed Sentence |
|---|---|
| 1. I am excited for what’s to come in my career. | I am eagerly anticipating what’s to come in my career. |
| 2. She is excited for what’s to come in her relationship. | She is looking forward to what’s to come in her relationship. |
| 3. We are excited for what’s to come in our new home. | We are thrilled about what’s to come in our new home. |
| 4. The students are excited for what’s to come during their summer vacation. | The students are counting down the days until their summer vacation. |
| 5. He is excited for what’s to come in the upcoming election. | He is awaiting with bated breath the results of the upcoming election. |
| 6. They are excited for what’s to come during the festival. | They are buzzing with anticipation for the festival. |
| 7. I am excited for what’s to come as I am about to graduate. | I am relishing the thought of what’s to come as I am about to graduate. |
| 8. She is excited for what’s to come in her new role at the company. | She is in high spirits about her new role at the company. |
| 9. We are excited for what’s to come when the baby is born. | We can hardly wait for the baby to be born. |
| 10. He is excited for what’s to come in the next chapter of his life. | He is eagerly anticipating the next chapter of his life. |
Advanced Topics
For advanced learners, consider exploring the following:
- Figurative Language: Analyze how metaphors and similes contribute to the emotional impact of these phrases. For example, how does “buzzing with anticipation” create a more vivid image than “excited”?
- Cultural Context: Research how different cultures express anticipation and excitement. Are there idioms or phrases that are unique to certain languages or regions?
- Formal vs. Informal Writing: Practice using these phrases effectively in various writing styles, from academic papers to creative fiction.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about expressing anticipation:
Q1: Is “looking forward to” always followed by a gerund?
Yes, “looking forward to” is always followed by a noun or a gerund (a verb ending in -ing that functions as a noun). For example, “I am looking forward to the meeting” (noun) or “I am looking forward to meeting you” (gerund).
Q2: When is it appropriate to use “awaiting with bated breath”?
“Awaiting with bated breath” is best used in situations where there is a high degree of suspense, uncertainty, or excitement. It’s not appropriate for everyday occurrences or mundane events.
It implies a significant emotional investment in the outcome.
Q3: What’s the difference between “excited” and “thrilled”?
Both “excited” and “thrilled” express positive emotions, but “thrilled” generally indicates a stronger, more intense feeling of pleasure and delight. “Thrilled” suggests a higher level of enthusiasm than “excited.”
Q4: Can I use “counting down the days” for events that are far in the future?
While you can technically use “counting down the days” for events that are far in the future, it’s more commonly used for events that are relatively close and eagerly anticipated. Using it for events years away might sound a bit unusual.
Q5: Is “on the edge of my seat” only used for movies and books?
No, “on the edge of my seat” can be used for any situation that involves a high degree of suspense, excitement, or anticipation. This could include sporting events, competitions, dramatic news stories, or even personal situations with uncertain outcomes.
Q6: How can I make my writing more engaging when expressing anticipation?
To make your writing more engaging, use vivid language and sensory details to describe the feeling of anticipation. Instead of simply saying “I am excited,” try describing the physical sensations or mental images associated with the anticipation.
Use metaphors and similes to create a more impactful and memorable expression.
Q7: Are there any formal alternatives to “excited for what’s to come”?
Yes, in formal settings, consider using phrases like “I anticipate with pleasure,” “I await with keen interest,” or “I am highly anticipating.” These phrases convey a sense of anticipation in a more refined and professional manner.
Q8: What are some other ways to express excitement without using the word “excited” at all?
You can use phrases such as “I am enthusiastic about,” “I am passionate about,” “I am eager for,” “I am keen on,” or “I am full of anticipation for.” These variations allow you to convey excitement while avoiding repetition of the word “excited.” You could also describe the feeling itself, such as “My heart races at the thought of…”
Conclusion
Mastering alternative ways to express excitement and anticipation is a valuable skill for any English language learner or writer. By understanding the nuances of phrases like “eagerly anticipating,” “looking forward to,” “awaiting with bated breath,” and others, you can communicate your feelings more precisely and effectively.
Remember to consider the context, audience, and intensity of your emotions when choosing the most appropriate expression.
Practice using these phrases in your everyday conversations and writing to solidify your understanding. Pay attention to how native speakers use them and experiment with different variations to find your own unique voice.
With consistent effort, you can expand your vocabulary and express yourself with greater confidence and flair. Keep practicing, and you’ll be well on your way to mastering the art of expressing anticipation!