Precise Diction

Grammar Tonic with Tutor Tely.

🔹 "I look forward to" vs "I'm looking forward to" — What Comes Next?

These two expressions are often used when you’re excited or expecting something to happen. But what form of the verb should follow?

Here’s the key: Whether you say "I look forward to" or "I’m looking forward to," the verb that comes after must end in -ing (the gerund form).

Why? Because the word "to" here is not part of the infinitive (like "to eat" or "to go"). Instead, it's a preposition, and when a preposition is followed by a verb, that verb must take the -ing form.

✅ Correct: I’m looking forward to meeting you.

❌ Wrong: I’m looking forward to meet you.

✅ Correct: I look forward to hearing from you.

❌ Wrong: I look forward to hear from you.

The choice between "I look forward to" and "I'm looking forward to" depends on tone.

The simple form (I look forward to) sounds more formal and is often used in writing, especially in emails or letters.

The continuous form (I'm looking forward to) feels a bit more casual and conversational.
So whichever one you choose, just remember: “to” is a preposition here, and it must be followed by a verb ending in -ing.

For private grammar tutorials click on the link below and comment “lessons”.
👇
https://wa.link/6lfla0

Grammar Tonic with Tutor Tely.

What if I tell you vs What if I told you What’s the real difference?

Here’s the simple truth: both expressions are correct but the difference is semantic,i.e. in the meaning or intention of the speaker.

Let's examine the statements more closely.

👉🏽 “What if I tell you...” is used when the situation is real or likely to happen. You're talking about something that can actually happen now or soon. It sounds more direct and present.

Examples:
What if I tell you the truth right now?

What if I tell you I’ve already handled it?

👉🏽 “What if I told you” is used when you want the person to imagine something (It’s hypothetical). The situation may not be happening : it’s more like a thought, an idea, or a surprise. It sounds reflective or deep.
Examples:

What if I told you everything you believe is wrong?

What if I told you this is just the beginning?

✔️ So yes, the first sounds real and possible, while the second sounds imaginary or thoughtful.

Now you know which one to use , and when!

Follow for more.

Did you know that there are tautological expressions or statements that, despite their redundancy, are grammatically acceptable (and sometimes stylistically appropriate or idiomatic), especially within British English usage?
We will consider four examples in this lesson. Each includes a reference and common example usage .

1. "Free gift"
Tautology: A gift is inherently free.
Usage: Common in marketing and advertisements.
Example:“Get a free gift when you buy two bottles.”
Reference: Oxford Learner’s Dictionary.

2. "Return back"
Tautology: "Return" already implies going back.
Usage: Used in spoken and informal British English.
Example: “He returned back to London last week.”
Reference: Collins Dictionary lists it as common in informal speech.

3. "Advance warning"
Tautology: A warning is, by nature, given in advance.
Usage: Widely accepted in official and safety contexts.
Example:“The government gave advance warning of the attacks.”
Reference: Cambridge Dictionary of English Language.

4. "Past history"
Tautology: History refers to the past by definition.
Usage: Frequently used in academic or medical records.
Reference: Used in medical English — e.g., “past medical history”
“He had a past history of heart disease.”

(NHS Medical Records Terminology)

Do you want to learn grammar with Tutor Tely ?
Click on the link 👇below,

https://wa.link/6lfla0

and comment,” lessons “.