Last letter styles refer to the different ways people sign off at the end of a letter or email, such as “Sincerely,” “Best regards,” or “Yours faithfully.” The style you choose depends on the formality of the relationship, the purpose of the message, and cultural or regional conventions.
Why the Closing Matters
The closing line of a letter is more than a formality—it sets the tone for the entire message and leaves a lasting impression on the reader. It signals respect, warmth, or professionalism, and it can influence how the recipient perceives the content. A mismatched closing (e.g., using “Cheers” in a formal complaint) can undermine your credibility, while a well-chosen one can reinforce your message. In business and personal correspondence, the closing is the final chance to convey your attitude, so it deserves deliberate thought.
Common Last Letter Styles by Formality
Here are the most frequently used closings, grouped by the level of formality they convey. This is not an exhaustive list, but it covers the styles you will encounter in everyday writing.
- Formal: “Yours faithfully” (used when you don’t know the recipient’s name), “Yours sincerely” (used when you do know the name), “Respectfully,” “With appreciation.”
- Semi-formal: “Best regards,” “Kind regards,” “Warm regards,” “Sincerely,” “Regards.”
- Informal: “Best,” “Thanks,” “Cheers,” “Take care,” “Talk soon,” “Yours,” “Love” (for close friends/family).
The key difference between “Yours faithfully” and “Yours sincerely” is a British English convention: use “faithfully” if you started the letter with “Dear Sir/Madam” (no name), and “sincerely” if you used the person’s name (e.g., “Dear Mr. Smith”). In American English, “Sincerely” is standard for both cases, and “Yours faithfully” is rarely used.
How to Choose the Right Closing
Choosing a closing is a matter of matching the tone to the context. Consider these factors:
- Relationship: How well do you know the recipient? A close colleague might get “Best,” while a client you’ve never met gets “Best regards.”
- Purpose: A job application calls for a formal closing like “Sincerely,” while a thank-you note to a friend can be “With love.”
- Medium: Emails tend to be less formal than printed letters. A printed business letter usually requires “Sincerely” or “Yours faithfully,” while an email can use “Best regards.”
- Cultural norms: In some countries (e.g., Germany, Japan), closings are more formal and prescribed. In others (e.g., Australia, the U.S.), informality is more accepted.
When in doubt, err on the side of formality. You can always become less formal in subsequent correspondence if the recipient responds in kind.
Common Mistakes and Misconceptions
People often make errors with closings, such as:
- Using “Yours faithfully” when the recipient’s name is known—this is incorrect in British English.
- Capitalizing the second word: “Best Regards” is technically incorrect; only the first word should be capitalized (“Best regards”).
- Forgetting the comma after the closing—standard punctuation in most styles.
- Using overly intimate closings (e.g., “Love”) in professional settings.
A common misconception is that “Sincerely” is always formal. In reality, it is neutral and can be used in both formal and semi-formal contexts. Another misconception is that you must always match the closing to the salutation; while that is true for “Yours faithfully/sincerely,” it is not a strict rule for other closings.
Last Letter Styles in Email vs. Print
Email has relaxed many conventions, but the closing still matters. In emails, a closing like “Best” or “Thanks” is common, but for first-time contacts or formal requests, use “Best regards” or “Sincerely.” In printed letters, the closing is followed by a comma, then your signature (if handwritten) and your typed name. In emails, you typically just type your name after the closing. Also, in emails, it’s acceptable to omit the closing entirely if the message is very short and informal (e.g., a quick reply to a colleague), but in a formal letter, the closing is mandatory.
Template for a Formal Letter Closing
Template (blank):
Dear [Recipient Name or Sir/Madam],
[Body of the letter—state your purpose, provide details, and conclude with a call to action if needed.]
Yours sincerely,
_________________________
(Signature)
_________________________
(Typed Name)
_________________________
(Date)
Sample (fictional):
Dear Ms. Johnson,
I am writing to apply for the position of Marketing Coordinator at your company. I have three years of experience in digital marketing and a strong record of increasing engagement. I have attached my resume and portfolio for your review. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my application further.
Yours sincerely,
_________________________
Alex Rivera
_________________________
October 5, 2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use “Best regards” in a formal letter?
Yes, “Best regards” is acceptable in most formal business letters, especially in American English. It is slightly less formal than “Sincerely” but still professional. If you are writing to a very traditional or high-ranking official, “Sincerely” is safer.
What does “Yours faithfully” mean?
It is a formal closing used in British English when you do not know the recipient’s name (e.g., you started with “Dear Sir/Madam”). It means you are being faithful to the duty of writing respectfully. In American English, it is rarely used.
Is it okay to omit the closing in an email?
Yes, in informal or very short emails, you can omit the closing and just sign your name. However, for formal emails or when you need to maintain a professional tone, always include a closing. It shows respect and helps structure the message.
What is the difference between “Sincerely” and “Yours sincerely”?
“Sincerely” is the American version, while “Yours sincerely” is the British version. They are used in the same situations—when you know the recipient’s name. The meaning is identical, but the phrasing differs by region.
Can I use “Cheers” in a business email?
“Cheers” is informal and best reserved for colleagues you know well or in casual work environments. In a formal business context, avoid it. If you are unsure, use “Best” or “Thanks” instead.
Final Thoughts on Choosing a Closing
The last letter style you choose is a small but significant part of communication. It reflects your attention to detail and your understanding of social norms. By matching the closing to the relationship, purpose, and medium, you ensure your message ends on the right note. When in doubt, choose a more formal option—it is easier to soften later than to recover from an overly casual tone.