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You need to send an email to someone and show them that you expect their response. How do you sign off? “Looking forward to hearing from you” is a popular email ending, but it’s so often used that most see it as a faux pas.

The phrases “I look forward to hearing from you” or “I’m looking forward to hearing from you” can be seen as a friendly greeting that shows you’re familiar with the message’s recipient when you use it. It also tells that you expect a response, but it’s not too demanding. But at the same time, “I look forward to hearing from you” may sound like a cliche and shows the recipient that you can’t do anything until receiving an answer.

In a way, it’s similar to “thank you in advance,” which sometimes makes it seem presumptuous. And since it is so often used, it loses its effect and is frequently overlooked. That being said, here are some alternatives to “I look forward to hearing from you.”

Other ways to say “I look forward to hearing from you”

Here are 6 substitutes for the commonly used email closing “I look forward to hearing from you soon.”

Use call-to-action endings

Creating a more personalized sign-off gives the impression that you’re trying harder, eliminating your communicator’s guesswork. End your email with phrases like: “Please inform me about the price,” “Please tell me which time works for you,” etc. Make your sign-off more specific, pushing the recipient to answer you as soon as possible. “I’m looking forward to hearing from you” may not sound like you need to respond quickly.

Example:

We need your decision in regard to the color of the product as soon as Monday. Please let us know at your earliest convenience so that we can start with the work.

I appreciate your quick response

Be careful—it sounds sterner if you use it in business letters. In other words, it means that there should be a reply from the recipient. It sounds more stimulative to give a response than “I look forward to hearing from you.”

Example:

To send your package, we need the address and confirmation of payment. As you know, this determines when we’ll send it, so we’d appreciate your quick response.

Keep me updated/ Keep me informed

This is a slightly less formal phrase but a good closer if you expect a reply to your email.

Example:

I’m glad that the event planning is going smoothly. Keep me informed!

I await your fast/ immediate/ prompt response

It’s a far less utilized phrase, but also a good one. It’s a perfect way to emphasize that their response is important and urgent.

Example:

Your insight on this matter will determine how we approach things. We cannot start it without you. I await your prompt response.

Write to you soon

This friendly email closing can be used in communication with your close friends or relatives. But remember not to use it in your formal letters.

Let’s keep in touch

This last alternative is rather informal, so use it for the more casual emails or people you know very well.

EnglishIdioms & expressions