When you’re eagerly anticipating something, “I can’t wait” is a common phrase that comes to mind. However, there are many other ways to express your excitement and impatience, especially when you’re looking to add variety to your language. Whether you’re speaking informally with friends or formally in a professional setting, there are multiple alternatives that can convey enthusiasm and anticipation.
In this article, we will explore 20 other ways to say “can’t wait,” complete with examples and explanations for each phrase to help you sound more expressive and dynamic.
List of All Synonyms:
- I’m really looking forward to it.
- I’m so excited about it.
- I can hardly wait.
- I’m counting down the days.
- I can’t stop thinking about it.
- I’m thrilled about it.
- I’m dying to see it.
- I can’t wait to get started.
- I’m on pins and needles.
- I’m eagerly awaiting it.
- I can’t wait to see it unfold.
- I’m looking forward to it immensely.
- I’m stoked about it.
- I’m chomping at the bit.
- I’m itching to go.
- I’m waiting with bated breath.
- I’m so pumped for this.
- I’m raring to go.
- I’m eager to get going.
- I’m pumped up about it.
1. “I’m really looking forward to it.”
Introduction:
A friendly and common phrase that expresses eagerness and anticipation.
Definition: It indicates that you are excited and eagerly awaiting an event or experience.
Meaning: Suggests genuine excitement and positive anticipation.
Tone: Friendly, informal.
Example: “I’m really looking forward to the concert next weekend!”
Explanation: Ideal for both personal and professional settings, expressing enthusiasm in a warm way.
2. “I’m so excited about it.”
Introduction:
This phrase expresses high energy and emotional anticipation.
Definition: “Excited” conveys intense joy and enthusiasm about an upcoming event.
Meaning: Communicates that you’re thrilled and cannot wait for the event to happen.
Tone: Casual, enthusiastic.
Example: “I’m so excited about our upcoming vacation!”
Explanation: Great for informal conversations when you’re eager for something special.
3. “I can hardly wait.”
Introduction:
A more dramatic and emphatic way to express impatience and excitement.
Definition: This phrase emphasizes the difficulty of waiting due to overwhelming excitement.
Meaning: Suggests that the anticipation is almost unbearable.
Tone: Informal, excited.
Example: “I can hardly wait for the weekend to arrive!”
Explanation: Perfect for situations where you’re truly eager and can’t stand the wait.
4. “I’m counting down the days.”
Introduction:
This phrase conveys that you are eagerly anticipating an event and are tracking the time leading up to it.
Definition: It refers to keeping track of the number of days left until the event.
Meaning: Suggests that you’re anticipating the event with great enthusiasm.
Tone: Casual, eager.
Example: “I’m counting down the days until my birthday!”
Explanation: Ideal for expressing excitement as the date of the event draws near.
5. “I can’t stop thinking about it.”
Introduction:
This phrase expresses that the upcoming event is constantly on your mind, showing how much you’re looking forward to it.
Definition: Indicates that the event is so exciting that it dominates your thoughts.
Meaning: Implies that the anticipation is consuming your thoughts.
Tone: Informal, emotional.
Example: “I can’t stop thinking about the new movie release this weekend!”
Explanation: Use this when you’re eagerly anticipating something and can’t get it off your mind.
6. “I’m thrilled about it.”
Introduction:
A slightly more formal way to express excitement and enthusiasm.
Definition: “Thrilled” conveys an overwhelming sense of joy and excitement.
Meaning: Shows deep excitement and positive anticipation.
Tone: Formal, enthusiastic.
Example: “I’m thrilled about starting my new job next week!”
Explanation: A great choice for formal occasions or professional settings when you want to express excitement without sounding overly casual.
7. “I’m dying to see it.”
Introduction:
An informal way to convey that you’re very eager to experience something.
Definition: “Dying” here is used figuratively to express intense eagerness.
Meaning: Emphasizes a strong desire and impatience to see or do something.
Tone: Casual, informal.
Example: “I’m dying to see the new episode of my favorite show!”
Explanation: Best for informal conversations with friends or family when you’re eagerly awaiting something.
8. “I can’t wait to get started.”
Introduction:
This phrase expresses excitement and readiness to begin an activity or project.
Definition: Indicates eagerness to begin something, particularly when preparing for a task or challenge.
Meaning: Shows that you are enthusiastic and ready to dive into the task at hand.
Tone: Professional, eager.
Example: “I can’t wait to get started on this new project!”
Explanation: Perfect for professional settings when you’re enthusiastic about starting a new endeavor.
9. “I’m on pins and needles.”
Introduction:
A phrase used to convey a sense of anxiety mixed with anticipation.
Definition: The phrase reflects a state of nervous excitement, like sitting on the edge of your seat.
Meaning: Indicates both excitement and impatience, sometimes with a sense of anxiety.
Tone: Informal, anxious.
Example: “I’m on pins and needles waiting for the results of the test!”
Explanation: This is a great way to show that you are anxious and excited at the same time.
10. “I’m eagerly awaiting it.”
Introduction:
A more formal way of expressing that you’re excited and can’t wait for something to happen.
Definition: “Awaiting” indicates that you’re looking forward to something and expect it soon.
Meaning: Formal way to express anticipation for an event or experience.
Tone: Formal, polite.
Example: “I’m eagerly awaiting your reply to my proposal.”
Explanation: Perfect for formal or business communication when you want to express excitement respectfully.
11. “I can’t wait to see it unfold.”
Introduction:
This phrase is used when you’re excited to witness something as it happens, often used for events or developments.
Definition: “Unfold” refers to watching something progress or develop in real time.
Meaning: Implies excitement about witnessing an event or process as it happens.
Tone: Informal, anticipatory.
Example: “I can’t wait to see how this new project unfolds.”
Explanation: Great for situations where you’re excited to see the outcome of something in motion.
12. “I’m looking forward to it immensely.”
Introduction:
An alternative to “I’m really looking forward to it,” with a stronger emphasis on excitement.
Definition: “Immensely” adds intensity to the anticipation and excitement.
Meaning: Emphasizes a higher level of excitement or anticipation.
Tone: Formal, enthusiastic.
Example: “I’m looking forward to it immensely. It’s going to be a great experience!”
Explanation: Ideal for expressing strong anticipation in both personal and professional settings.
13. “I’m stoked about it.”
Introduction:
A more informal and slangy way to express excitement.
Definition: “Stoked” is a slang term that means excited or thrilled.
Meaning: Conveys casual excitement and enthusiasm.
Tone: Informal, casual.
Example: “I’m stoked about the concert this weekend!”
Explanation: Perfect for relaxed, informal settings when you want to express excitement in a fun way.
14. “I’m chomping at the bit.”
Introduction:
A phrase that originates from horse racing, used to express eagerness or impatience to begin something.
Definition: Refers to horses that are eager to start running, reflecting excitement and impatience.
Meaning: Shows that you are very eager and ready to start something.
Tone: Informal, eager.
Example: “I’m chomping at the bit to see the new movie!”
Explanation: A colorful and idiomatic way to show impatience and excitement.
15. “I’m itching to go.”
Introduction:
A casual way to express impatience and eagerness to do something.
Definition: “Itching” conveys a strong desire or urge to take action.
Meaning: Expresses a strong, almost irresistible desire to get started or experience something.
Tone: Informal, eager.
Example: “I’m itching to go on vacation!”
Explanation: This phrase emphasizes the urgency and eagerness of wanting to begin an experience.
16. “I’m waiting with bated breath.”
Introduction:
A slightly more dramatic way to express intense anticipation.
Definition: “Bated breath” refers to holding your breath in anticipation or excitement.
Meaning: Implies that you are so excited or anxious about something that you can barely contain yourself.
Tone: Formal, dramatic.
Example: “I’m waiting with bated breath to hear if I got the job!”
Explanation: Suitable for both formal and informal settings when you want to express heightened excitement.
17. “I’m so pumped for this.”
Introduction:
A highly informal way to express being excited and energized about something.
Definition: “Pumped” refers to feeling full of energy and excitement.
Meaning: Indicates a high level of enthusiasm and eagerness.
Tone: Casual, energetic.
Example: “I’m so pumped for the game this weekend!”
Explanation: Perfect for casual conversations with friends or family when you’re particularly excited.
18. “I’m raring to go.”
Introduction:
An expression that conveys enthusiasm and readiness to begin an activity or event.
Definition: “Raring” means eager or excited to start something.
Meaning: Suggests a readiness to jump into action or experience something exciting.
Tone: Informal, energetic.
Example: “I’m raring to go on this new project!”
Explanation: This phrase is ideal for situations where you’re enthusiastic and ready to start immediately.
19. “I’m eager to get going.”
Introduction:
A straightforward and formal way of expressing readiness and excitement.
Definition: “Eager” means very enthusiastic or excited about something.
Meaning: Indicates that you are excited and ready to start an activity or experience.
Tone: Formal, enthusiastic.
Example: “I’m eager to get going on this new venture.”
Explanation: Suitable for professional environments where you want to express excitement with respect.
20. “I’m pumped up about it.”
Introduction:
A casual, energetic way to show you’re excited about something.
Definition: “Pumped up” means full of energy and excitement.
Meaning: Expresses high enthusiasm and readiness for something upcoming.
Tone: Informal, enthusiastic.
Example: “I’m pumped up about the concert this weekend!”
Explanation: Great for informal settings with friends when you’re feeling very excited.
Conclusion:
There are many vibrant and expressive ways to say “can’t wait” that can help you convey your excitement in different tones and settings. Whether you’re in a professional environment or chatting with friends, these alternatives offer a great way to keep your language fresh and engaging.
Use these phrases to express your enthusiasm and anticipation more effectively in all your conversations.
FAQs
- Are these alternatives appropriate for professional settings?
Yes, phrases like “I’m eagerly awaiting it” and “I can’t wait to get started” are perfect for formal settings. - What’s the difference between “I’m counting down the days” and “I can hardly wait”?
“Counting down the days” emphasizes tracking time until the event, while “I can hardly wait” expresses more immediate impatience and excitement. - Can I use these phrases with colleagues or clients?
Yes, but be mindful of the context. Phrases like “I’m eager to get going” or “I’m looking forward to it immensely” are appropriate for professional communication. - https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/pumpedAre any of these phrases slang?
Yes, phrases like “I’m stoked about it” and “I’m pumped up” are more informal and slangy. - How can I vary my language when expressing excitement?
By using different phrases such as those provided, you can keep your language varied and avoid repetition while still conveying your enthusiasm.
Numan Hassan is a passionate educator at EnglishVisions, dedicated to helping students master English with confidence. His dynamic teaching approach turns language learning into an engaging and rewarding experience. With a deep understanding of communication skills, he empowers learners to excel in both spoken and written English.
