Beyond “Sincerely”: Diverse Ways to Close Your Letters

Closing a letter or email effectively is crucial for leaving a positive and lasting impression. While “Sincerely” is a common and reliable choice, it can sometimes feel repetitive or lack the nuance needed for specific situations.

Understanding alternative closings allows you to tailor your sign-off to the relationship with the recipient, the context of your communication, and the overall tone you wish to convey. This article explores a wide array of alternatives to “Sincerely,” providing definitions, examples, and usage guidelines to help you choose the perfect closing for any occasion.

Whether you’re writing a formal business letter, a casual email to a friend, or a heartfelt note to a loved one, mastering these alternatives will enhance your communication skills and make your writing more impactful. This guide is beneficial for students, professionals, and anyone looking to refine their writing and communication skills in English.

Table of Contents

Definition of Letter Closings

A letter closing, also known as a complimentary close, is a short phrase used at the end of a letter or email, immediately preceding the signature. Its primary function is to express a degree of politeness, respect, or goodwill towards the recipient.

The choice of closing depends heavily on the formality of the communication, the relationship between the writer and the recipient, and the overall tone of the message. Letter closings serve as a final courteous gesture, reinforcing the desired impression and leaving the recipient with a positive feeling.

They are an essential element of effective written communication, contributing to clarity, professionalism, and rapport.

Classifying letter closings involves categorizing them based on their level of formality and the context in which they are appropriate. Formal closings are reserved for professional or official correspondence, while informal closings are suitable for personal communication with friends and family.

Semi-formal closings bridge the gap, offering a balance of politeness and approachability. Furthermore, closings can be categorized by the specific emotion or intention they convey, such as gratitude, anticipation, or respect.

Understanding these classifications enables writers to select the most fitting closing for each unique situation, ensuring their message is received as intended.

Structural Breakdown of Letter Closings

The structure of a letter closing is relatively simple, but adherence to proper formatting is crucial for maintaining professionalism and clarity. A typical letter closing consists of the closing phrase itself, followed by a comma.

This comma signals a brief pause before the signature, visually separating the closing from the writer’s name. The signature is placed directly below the closing, either handwritten in formal letters or typed in emails and less formal correspondence.

Beneath the signature, the writer’s typed name is included for clarity, especially when the handwriting may be difficult to read. In some cases, the writer’s title or position may also be included below their name, particularly in formal business communications.

The placement of the closing is also important. In most formats, the closing is aligned with the left margin or indented slightly to the right, depending on the overall letter format.

There should be at least one blank line between the body of the letter and the closing, providing visual separation and enhancing readability. Consistent formatting throughout the letter, including the closing, contributes to a polished and professional appearance.

Deviations from these structural guidelines can make the letter appear sloppy or unprofessional, potentially detracting from the message itself. Paying attention to these details ensures that the closing effectively complements the overall communication.

Types and Categories of Letter Closings

Letter closings can be broadly categorized based on their level of formality and the context in which they are used. These categories include formal, semi-formal, informal, professional, and personal closings.

Each category serves a distinct purpose and is appropriate for different types of communication. Choosing the right closing is essential for conveying the desired tone and maintaining a positive relationship with the recipient.

Here’s a detailed look at each category:

Formal Closings

Formal closings are reserved for professional or official correspondence, such as letters to government officials, job applications, or formal business proposals. These closings convey respect, professionalism, and a high degree of formality.

They are typically used when the writer has no personal relationship with the recipient or when addressing someone in a position of authority. Examples of formal closings include “Sincerely,” “Respectfully,” and “Yours faithfully.”

Semi-Formal Closings

Semi-formal closings strike a balance between formality and approachability. They are suitable for situations where the writer has a working relationship with the recipient but wants to maintain a level of professionalism.

These closings are often used in business emails, letters to colleagues, or communications with clients. Examples of semi-formal closings include “Best regards,” “Kind regards,” and “Sincerely yours.”

Informal Closings

Informal closings are used in personal communication with friends, family, or close acquaintances. These closings convey warmth, familiarity, and a relaxed tone.

They are appropriate for casual emails, personal letters, or text messages. Examples of informal closings include “Best,” “Cheers,” “Take care,” and “Warmly.”

Professional Closings

Professional closings are tailored for specific business contexts, conveying a particular message or intention. They may express gratitude, anticipation, or a desire for future collaboration.

These closings are often used in sales emails, follow-up letters, or networking communications. Examples of professional closings include “Thank you for your time,” “Looking forward to hearing from you,” and “Respectfully submitted.”

Personal Closings

Personal closings are used to express affection, love, or deep connection with the recipient. These closings are reserved for intimate relationships with family members, romantic partners, or very close friends.

They convey a sense of warmth, care, and emotional intimacy. Examples of personal closings include “Love,” “With love,” “Yours always,” and “Thinking of you.”

Examples of Letter Closings

To illustrate the various types of letter closings and their appropriate contexts, the following sections provide extensive examples organized by category. Each category includes a range of options to suit different situations and preferences.

These examples will help you choose the perfect closing for any occasion, ensuring your message is well-received and conveys the intended tone.

Formal Closing Examples

Formal closings are essential for maintaining professionalism and respect in official communications. Here are some specific examples of formal closings, along with example sentences demonstrating their usage:

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The following table presents 20 examples of formal letter closings, each accompanied by an example sentence to illustrate its appropriate use.

Formal Closing Example Sentence
Sincerely, I appreciate your consideration, Sincerely, [Your Name]
Respectfully, I submit this report for your review, Respectfully, [Your Name]
Yours faithfully, As per your request, I have attached the documents, Yours faithfully, [Your Name]
Yours truly, Thank you for your time and attention, Yours truly, [Your Name]
Very truly yours, We value your business and look forward to serving you, Very truly yours, [Your Name]
Respectfully submitted, The proposal is now complete and ready for evaluation, Respectfully submitted, [Your Name]
I remain, respectfully, I await your decision with anticipation, I remain, respectfully, [Your Name]
Cordially, We invite you to our company event, Cordially, [Your Name]
With great respect, I commend your contributions to the field, With great respect, [Your Name]
Yours with great respect, I value your mentorship, Yours with great respect, [Your Name]
I am, Sir, respectfully yours, Addressing the chairman, I am, Sir, respectfully yours, [Your Name]
I have the honor to remain, Sir, your obedient servant, In formal governmental correspondence, I have the honor to remain, Sir, your obedient servant, [Your Name]
Sincerely yours, While slightly less formal than ‘Sincerely,’ it still expresses professionalism: Sincerely yours, [Your Name]
Faithfully yours, A classic formal closing: Faithfully yours, [Your Name]
With sincere appreciation, Used when expressing gratitude in a formal context: With sincere appreciation, [Your Name]
I remain, Madam, respectfully yours, Addressing a female superior formally, I remain, Madam, respectfully yours, [Your Name]
I am, Madam, yours respectfully, Another variation for formal correspondence with a woman: I am, Madam, yours respectfully, [Your Name]
Most respectfully, Conveys a high degree of deference: Most respectfully, [Your Name]
Yours in service, Used in certain professional contexts, such as public service: Yours in service, [Your Name]
I beg to remain, Sir, yours respectfully, An older, very formal style: I beg to remain, Sir, yours respectfully, [Your Name]

Semi-Formal Closing Examples

Semi-formal closings are suitable for professional interactions where a more approachable tone is desired. The following table provides 25 examples of semi-formal closings, each with an example sentence illustrating its use:

Semi-Formal Closing Example Sentence
Best regards, I look forward to your reply, Best regards, [Your Name]
Kind regards, Thank you for your assistance, Kind regards, [Your Name]
Regards, Please let me know if you have any questions, Regards, [Your Name]
Best, I hope this helps, Best, [Your Name]
Warm regards, It was a pleasure speaking with you, Warm regards, [Your Name]
With appreciation, We value your partnership, With appreciation, [Your Name]
Sincerely yours, I am grateful for your support, Sincerely yours, [Your Name]
Thank you, Thank you for your consideration, [Your Name]
Looking forward, Looking forward to our next meeting, [Your Name]
Respectfully, Used when maintaining a level of respect but aiming for approachability: Respectfully, [Your Name]
Best wishes, Wishing you all the best, Best wishes, [Your Name]
All the best, A friendly yet professional closing: All the best, [Your Name]
Have a great day, Adding a personal touch to a professional email: Have a great day, [Your Name]
Have a good day, Similar to the above, but slightly more formal: Have a good day, [Your Name]
Yours truly, Still conveys a sense of sincerity: Yours truly, [Your Name]
Gratefully, Expressing gratitude in a professional context: Gratefully, [Your Name]
Appreciatively, Similar to ‘Gratefully’: Appreciatively, [Your Name]
With gratitude, Used when you want to emphasize your thankfulness: With gratitude, [Your Name]
Kindest regards, Slightly warmer than ‘Kind regards’: Kindest regards, [Your Name]
I remain, A somewhat traditional semi-formal closing: I remain, [Your Name]
Eagerly awaiting your reply, Expresses anticipation in a professional setting: Eagerly awaiting your reply, [Your Name]
Awaiting your response, Similar to the above: Awaiting your response, [Your Name]
Thanking you in advance, Expresses thanks preemptively: Thanking you in advance, [Your Name]
Hope to hear from you soon, Friendly and professional: Hope to hear from you soon, [Your Name]
Looking forward to connecting, Used when anticipating future interaction: Looking forward to connecting, [Your Name]

Informal Closing Examples

Informal closings are perfect for personal communications with friends and family. The following provides 30 examples of informal closings, each accompanied by an example sentence:

Informal Closing Example Sentence
Best, Hope to see you soon, Best, [Your Name]
Cheers, Catch you later, Cheers, [Your Name]
Take care, Stay safe, Take care, [Your Name]
Warmly, Thinking of you, Warmly, [Your Name]
Love, Missing you, Love, [Your Name]
Lots of love, Sending you all my love, Lots of love, [Your Name]
With love, Hoping you’re well, With love, [Your Name]
Yours, As always, Yours, [Your Name]
Talk soon, Looking forward to our chat, Talk soon, [Your Name]
See you, See you next week, [Your Name]
Later, Catch you on the flip side, Later, [Your Name]
Bye, Have a great weekend, Bye, [Your Name]
Hugs, Sending you hugs, [Your Name]
Kisses, For your significant other: Kisses, [Your Name]
XOXO, Hugs and kisses, XOXO, [Your Name]
Thinking of you, Letting you know I care: Thinking of you, [Your Name]
Miss you, For someone you haven’t seen in a while: Miss you, [Your Name]
Love ya, Affectionate and casual: Love ya, [Your Name]
Peace, Informal and friendly: Peace, [Your Name]
Best wishes, A slightly more formal option, but still suitable for friends: Best wishes, [Your Name]
All the best, Similar to ‘Best wishes’: All the best, [Your Name]
Much love, Expressing a lot of affection: Much love, [Your Name]
Warmest wishes, Similar to ‘Warmly’: Warmest wishes, [Your Name]
Take it easy, Wishing someone well in a relaxed way: Take it easy, [Your Name]
Until next time, Looking forward to the next interaction: Until next time, [Your Name]
See ya later, Casual and friendly: See ya later, [Your Name]
Later gator, A playful and very informal option: Later gator, [Your Name]
Keep in touch, Encouraging future communication: Keep in touch, [Your Name]
With affection, Expressing fondness: With affection, [Your Name]
Big hugs, Sending extra love: Big hugs, [Your Name]

Professional Closing Examples

Professional closings are tailored for specific business contexts. The following table provides 20 examples of professional closings, each with an example sentence:

Professional Closing Example Sentence
Thank you for your time, I appreciate the opportunity to interview, Thank you for your time, [Your Name]
Looking forward to hearing from you, I await your feedback, Looking forward to hearing from you, [Your Name]
Sincerely, A standard professional closing, Sincerely, [Your Name]
Best regards, A common and versatile professional closing, Best regards, [Your Name]
Kind regards, Expressing politeness and respect, Kind regards, [Your Name]
Respectfully, Maintaining a professional distance, Respectfully, [Your Name]
Yours truly, A reliable professional closing, Yours truly, [Your Name]
Cordially, A slightly warmer professional closing, Cordially, [Your Name]
With appreciation, Expressing gratitude for a professional opportunity, With appreciation, [Your Name]
Thank you for your consideration, Expressing gratitude for a professional opportunity, Thank you for your consideration, [Your Name]
Respectfully submitted, Used when submitting a formal document, Respectfully submitted, [Your Name]
Looking forward to your reply, Expressing anticipation for a response, Looking forward to your reply, [Your Name]
Anticipating your response, Similar to the above, Anticipating your response, [Your Name]
Gratefully, Expressing gratitude, Gratefully, [Your Name]
Appreciatively, Similar to ‘Gratefully’, Appreciatively, [Your Name]
With gratitude, Emphasizing thankfulness, With gratitude, [Your Name]
Yours in service, Used in certain professional contexts, such as public service, Yours in service, [Your Name]
Eagerly awaiting your reply, Expressing high anticipation, Eagerly awaiting your reply, [Your Name]
Awaiting your response, Similar to the above, Awaiting your response, [Your Name]
Thanking you in advance, Expressing thanks preemptively, Thanking you in advance, [Your Name]
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Personal Closing Examples

Personal closings are reserved for intimate relationships. Here are 20 examples of personal closings, each accompanied by an example sentence:

Personal Closing Example Sentence
Love, Thinking of you always, Love, [Your Name]
With love, Missing you dearly, With love, [Your Name]
Lots of love, Sending you all my affection, Lots of love, [Your Name]
Yours always, Forever and always, Yours always, [Your Name]
Thinking of you, Holding you in my thoughts, Thinking of you, [Your Name]
Miss you, Can’t wait to see you again, Miss you, [Your Name]
Love ya, Affectionately yours, Love ya, [Your Name]
Hugs, Sending you warm hugs, [Your Name]
Kisses, All my love and kisses, [Your Name]
XOXO, Hugs and kisses, XOXO, [Your Name]
Warmly, Sending you my warmest thoughts, Warmly, [Your Name]
Forever yours, My heart belongs to you, Forever yours, [Your Name]
Eternally, My love for you is eternal, Eternally, [Your Name]
Devotedly, I am devoted to you, Devotedly, [Your Name]
Affectionately, Sending you all my affection, Affectionately, [Your Name]
Yours truly, In a more intimate context, Yours truly, [Your Name]
All my love, Expressing deep affection, All my love, [Your Name]
With deepest affection, Emphasizing the depth of your feelings, With deepest affection, [Your Name]
Always and forever, A promise of enduring love, Always and forever, [Your Name]
Dreaming of you, Expressing longing and affection, Dreaming of you, [Your Name]

Usage Rules for Letter Closings

Choosing the appropriate letter closing involves understanding and adhering to specific usage rules. These rules dictate the level of formality, the relationship with the recipient, and the overall tone of the communication.

Ignoring these rules can lead to miscommunication, offense, or a negative impression. Here’s a comprehensive overview of the key usage rules for letter closings:

  • Formality: Always match the closing to the formality of the letter. Use formal closings for official correspondence, semi-formal closings for professional interactions, and informal closings for personal communications.
  • Relationship: Consider your relationship with the recipient. Use more formal closings for people you don’t know well or those in positions of authority. Use informal closings for friends, family, and close acquaintances.
  • Tone: Choose a closing that reflects the overall tone of your message. If your letter is conveying gratitude, use a closing that expresses appreciation. If your letter is conveying sympathy, use a closing that expresses condolences.
  • Consistency: Maintain consistency in your closings. If you’ve established a certain level of formality in your communication, stick to it. Avoid switching between formal and informal closings within the same correspondence.
  • Punctuation: Always follow the closing with a comma. This is a standard punctuation rule that should not be overlooked.
  • Capitalization: Capitalize the first word of the closing, but not the subsequent words, unless they are proper nouns.
  • Alignment: Align the closing with the left margin or indent it slightly to the right, depending on the overall letter format.
  • Spacing: Leave at least one blank line between the body of the letter and the closing.

Common Mistakes in Letter Closings

Despite their simplicity, letter closings are often misused, leading to awkward or inappropriate communication. Understanding common mistakes can help you avoid these pitfalls and ensure your closings are always effective.

Here are some frequent errors to watch out for:

  • Using informal closings in formal contexts: This can come across as unprofessional or disrespectful.
    • Incorrect: “Cheers, [Your Name]” in a job application letter.
    • Correct: “Sincerely, [Your Name]” in a job application letter.
  • Using overly formal closings in informal contexts: This can seem stiff or insincere.
    • Incorrect: “Yours faithfully, [Your Name]” in an email to a friend.
    • Correct: “Best, [Your Name]” in an email to a friend.
  • Omitting the comma after the closing: This is a common punctuation error.
    • Incorrect: “Sincerely [Your Name]”
    • Correct: “Sincerely, [Your Name]”
  • Using the wrong capitalization: Only the first word of the closing should be capitalized.
    • Incorrect: “Best Regards, [Your Name]”
    • Correct: “Best regards, [Your Name]”
  • Using overly familiar or intimate closings with professional contacts: This can be inappropriate and damage your professional reputation.
    • Incorrect: “Love, [Your Name]” in an email to your boss.
    • Correct: “Best regards, [Your Name]” in an email to your boss.
  • Inconsistently using closings throughout a series of communications: This can make your communication seem disjointed or unprofessional.
    • Incorrect: Switching between “Sincerely” and “Cheers” in a series of emails with a client.
    • Correct: Consistently using “Best regards” in all emails with a client.

Practice Exercises

To solidify your understanding of letter closings, complete the following practice exercises. Choose the most appropriate closing for each scenario, considering the formality, relationship, and tone.

Exercise 1: Choosing the Right Closing

For each scenario, select the most appropriate closing from the options provided.

Question Options Answer
1. Writing a cover letter for a job application. a) Cheers, b) Sincerely, c) Best b) Sincerely,
2. Sending an email to a close friend. a) Respectfully, b) Regards, c) Love c) Love
3. Thanking a colleague for their help on a project. a) Yours faithfully, b) Kind regards, c) Bye b) Kind regards,
4. Writing to a government official to express your concerns. a) See ya, b) Respectfully, c) Best wishes b) Respectfully,
5. Sending a follow-up email to a potential client. a) Take care, b) Looking forward to hearing from you, c) XOXO b) Looking forward to hearing from you,
6. Writing a thank you note to a family member. a) Respectfully, b) With love, c) Best regards b) With love,
7. Sending an email to your professor to ask a question. a) Cheers, b) Sincerely, c) Hugs b) Sincerely,
8. Writing a formal complaint letter to a company. a) Bye, b) Yours faithfully, c) Best b) Yours faithfully,
9. Sending a casual email to a teammate. a) Respectfully submitted, b) Best, c) Love b) Best,
10. Writing a letter of recommendation for a former student. a) See you soon, b) Sincerely, c) Kisses b) Sincerely,
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Exercise 2: Correcting Incorrect Closings

Identify and correct the inappropriate letter closing in each of the following scenarios.

Question Incorrect Closing Corrected Closing
1. An email to your boss: “Love, [Your Name]” Love, Best regards,
2. A formal letter to a judge: “Cheers, [Your Name]” Cheers, Respectfully,
3. An email to a close friend: “Yours faithfully, [Your Name]” Yours faithfully, Love,
4. A thank-you note to a business client: “Hugs, [Your Name]” Hugs, Kind regards,
5. A cover letter for a job application: “See ya later, [Your Name]” See ya later, Sincerely,
6. A letter expressing condolences to a colleague: “Best, [Your Name]” Best, With deepest sympathy,
7. An email to a professor: “Best wishes, [Your Name]” Best wishes, Sincerely,
8. Writing to a government official: “All the best, [Your Name]” All the best, Respectfully,
9. A casual email to a teammate: “Respectfully, [Your Name]” Respectfully, Best,
10. Writing a letter of recommendation: “Kisses, [Your Name]” Kisses, Sincerely,

Advanced Topics in Letter Closings

For advanced learners, exploring the nuances of letter closings can further refine their communication skills. This includes understanding cultural differences, historical context, and the subtle art of conveying specific emotions through your closing.

Here are some advanced topics to consider:

  • Cultural Variations: Different cultures may have different expectations for letter closings. Research the appropriate closings for specific cultural contexts to avoid misunderstandings.
  • Historical Context: Some closings, such as “Yours obediently,” have historical roots and may no longer be appropriate in modern communication. Understanding the origins of these closings can help you avoid outdated or inappropriate language.
  • Expressing Specific Emotions: Closings can be used to convey a wide range of emotions, such as gratitude, sympathy, anticipation, or respect. Choose closings that accurately reflect the emotional tone of your message.
  • Combining Closings: In some cases, it may be appropriate to combine closings to create a more nuanced effect. For example, you could use “With sincere appreciation and kind regards” to express both gratitude and politeness.
  • Using Closings to Build Rapport: Thoughtfully chosen

    closings can help build rapport by showing that you understand the recipient’s expectations and value the relationship.

Frequently Asked Questions

This section addresses common questions and concerns related to letter closings, providing clear and concise answers to help you navigate this essential aspect of written communication.

Q: Is it always necessary to use a letter closing?
A: Yes, in most cases. A letter closing provides a polite and professional way to end your communication. Omitting it can seem abrupt or rude, especially in formal or semi-formal contexts. However, in very informal emails or text messages, it may be acceptable to omit a closing.
Q: Can I use the same closing for every letter or email?
A: While it’s possible, it’s not recommended. Tailoring your closing to the specific context and relationship with the recipient will make your communication more effective and impactful. Varying your closings also prevents your writing from sounding repetitive.
Q: What if I don’t know the recipient’s name?
A: In formal letters where you don’t know the recipient’s name, use “Yours faithfully,”. If you know their name, use “Sincerely,” or “Yours sincerely,”.
Q: Is it okay to use abbreviations in letter closings?
A: Generally, it’s best to avoid abbreviations in letter closings, especially in formal or semi-formal contexts. Spell out the full closing to maintain professionalism. In very informal communications, abbreviations like “BR” for “Best regards” may be acceptable, but use them sparingly.
Q: How important is the comma after the closing?
A: The comma is crucial. It’s a standard punctuation rule that should always be followed. Omitting the comma can make your closing appear sloppy or unprofessional.
Q: What if I want to express a specific emotion in my closing?
A: Choose a closing that accurately reflects the emotion you want to convey. For example, use “With sincere gratitude” to express thankfulness, or “With deepest sympathy” to express condolences.
Q: Can I use a closing that’s not listed in this article?
A: Yes, this article provides a comprehensive overview of common letter closings, but there may be other options that are appropriate for specific situations. Use your judgment and consider the formality, relationship, and tone when choosing a closing.
Q: What’s the difference between “Sincerely” and “Sincerely yours”?
A: “Sincerely” and “Sincerely yours” are both formal closings that convey sincerity and respect. The difference is subtle, with “Sincerely yours” being slightly more personal. Both are generally interchangeable in most formal contexts.
Q: How do I choose a closing when writing to someone from a different culture?
A: Research the appropriate closings for that specific cultural context. Different cultures may have different expectations for formality and politeness. When in doubt, err on the side of formality to avoid misunderstandings.
Q: Is it okay to use emojis in letter closings?
A: Emojis are generally not appropriate in formal or semi-formal letter closings. They are best reserved for very informal communications with friends and family. Even in informal contexts, use emojis sparingly to avoid making your closing seem unprofessional or childish.

Conclusion

Mastering the art of letter closings is an essential skill for effective written communication. By understanding the various types of closings, their appropriate contexts, and the usage rules that govern them, you can ensure your messages are always well-received and convey the intended tone.

While “Sincerely” remains a reliable choice, exploring the diverse alternatives presented in this article will empower you to tailor your sign-offs to specific situations, strengthen your relationships, and leave a lasting positive impression. Whether you’re crafting a formal business letter, a casual email, or a heartfelt note, remember that the closing is the final touch that completes your message and reinforces your desired impact.

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