End your letter with a closing that matches your relationship to the reader and the letter’s purpose—for formal or business letters, use “Sincerely” or “Respectfully”; for casual or friendly letters, “Best” or “Warmly” work well. The closing is the last thing your reader sees, so it should reinforce your message and leave a positive impression.
Why the Closing Matters
The closing of a letter is more than a formality. It signals the tone of your entire message and shows you’ve thought about the reader’s perspective. A mismatched closing—like “Love” in a business proposal or “Yours faithfully” in a text-style note—can feel jarring and undermine your credibility. On the other hand, a well-chosen closing can strengthen your relationship, whether you’re writing to a client, a friend, or a hiring manager.
In formal correspondence, the closing also sets the stage for your signature and any enclosures. It’s the last chance to convey professionalism or warmth, so it deserves deliberate attention.
Standard Closings by Context
Here are the most common closings and the situations they suit:
- Sincerely – The standard for business letters, cover letters, and formal emails. Safe and professional.
- Respectfully – Use when addressing someone in authority, such as a government official, judge, or senior executive.
- Best regards – A friendly but professional option for routine business correspondence.
- Kind regards – Slightly warmer than “Best regards,” good for client communications.
- Yours faithfully – In British English, used when you don’t know the recipient’s name (e.g., “Dear Sir/Madam”).
- Yours sincerely – In British English, used when you do know the recipient’s name (e.g., “Dear Mr. Smith”).
- Warmly – For friends, family, or colleagues you know well.
- With appreciation – When thanking someone for their time, help, or support.
- Looking forward to your reply – A closing that also prompts action, good for requests.
For informal letters, you can also use “Cheers,” “Take care,” “Talk soon,” or “Yours” (though “Yours” alone can feel dated).
How to Choose the Right Closing
To pick the right closing, ask yourself three questions:
- What is the relationship? Formal (unknown reader, authority figure) vs. informal (friend, close colleague).
- What is the purpose? A job application, complaint, thank-you, or casual update each has a different tone.
- What is the medium? A printed letter may call for a more formal closing than an email or text.
When in doubt, err on the side of formality—”Sincerely” is rarely wrong. For emails, “Best” or “Thanks” are common and acceptable in most professional settings.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even a well-chosen closing can be ruined by a small error. Watch out for these pitfalls:
- Capitalization – Only the first word of the closing is capitalized (e.g., “Best regards,” not “Best Regards,”).
- Punctuation – In American English, use a comma after the closing. British English often omits it, but a comma is never wrong.
- Mismatched tone – Don’t use “Love” in a formal letter, or “Sincerely” in a note to your sibling.
- Forgetting a comma – It’s a small detail, but noticeable.
- Overused closings – “Best” is fine, but if every email you send ends with it, consider varying.
Letter Closing Template
Below is a blank template for a standard business or personal letter. Fill in the blanks with your own information.
| Field | Content |
|---|---|
| Your Address | ____________________ |
| Date | ____________________ |
| Recipient’s Address | ____________________ |
| Salutation | Dear __________, |
| Body | ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________ |
| Closing | __________, |
| Signature | ____________________ |
Sample (fictional): Jane Doe, 123 Main St., Anytown, USA. Date: May 1, 2025. Recipient: Dr. John Smith, 456 Oak Ave. Salutation: Dear Dr. Smith, Body: I am writing to request a letter of recommendation for my graduate school application. Closing: Sincerely, Jane Doe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I use “Sincerely” or “Yours faithfully”?
In American English, “Sincerely” is standard for both known and unknown recipients. In British English, “Yours faithfully” is used when you don’t know the name (Dear Sir/Madam), and “Yours sincerely” when you do. If you’re unsure, “Sincerely” is safe in most contexts.
Can I use “Best” in a formal letter?
“Best” is acceptable in emails and semi-formal letters, but for a printed formal letter (e.g., a cover letter or complaint), “Sincerely” or “Best regards” is more appropriate.
Is it okay to end a letter with “Thanks”?
Yes, “Thanks” is fine for emails and informal notes, especially if you’re requesting something. For formal letters, use “Thank you” or “With appreciation.”
What should I write after the closing?
After the closing, leave space for your signature (if printing), then type your name. In emails, you can add your contact information below your name. If you’re including attachments, write “Enclosure” or “Attachment” below your name.
Do I need a comma after the closing?
In American English, yes—use a comma after the closing (e.g., “Sincerely,”). In British English, it’s often omitted, but a comma is never wrong.
Can I use “Love” in a professional email?
No, “Love” is reserved for close personal relationships. In a professional context, it would be inappropriate and could harm your credibility.
Alternatives to Traditional Closings
If you want to move beyond the standard closings, consider these alternatives based on the situation:
- Action-oriented: “Looking forward to your response,” “Eager to hear from you,” “Let me know if you have any questions.”
- Gratitude-focused: “Thank you for your time,” “Grateful for your consideration,” “With sincere thanks.”
- Warm and personal: “Take care,” “All the best,” “Warm wishes,” “With love” (only for close friends/family).
These can be especially effective in emails where you want to prompt a response or show appreciation.
Final Tip: Match the Closing to the Letter’s Goal
Your closing should reflect the action you want the reader to take. If you’re requesting something, use a closing that expresses expectation (e.g., “Thank you for your consideration”). If you’re apologizing, “Sincerely” with a sincere tone works. If you’re writing a friendly update, a warm closing like “Take care” feels natural. Always read your letter aloud—if the closing sounds stiff or out of place, change it.