Valedictions or customary closings are an important aspect for any letter or email. ‘Regards’ is commonly used for informal communication that is written to close friends or relatives. Our favorite resources are included below.Key Difference: ‘Yours sincerely’ is commonly used in a formal letter wherein the author knows the name of the respondent. Look forward to speaking with you regarding this opportunity. Here is a simple closing statement and sign-off: Example closing phrase and email sign off If it's business correspondence, "regards" might be a wiser choice. For example, "Regards" "Best regards." It's up to you to choose sign-offs that match the style of email it is.Ī less formal email or letter closing might need something like, "Yours truly." Still, the first word is the only one that's capitalized. If your closing statement is more than one word, be sure to capitalize only the first word of the phrase.
Still confused on what to use? Use "Best regards." It's a great choice for any type of letter or email.
Though, for many professionals, it might communicate that you don’t have the most personal of relation with them.Īn alternative for sending an email where you want to sound professional as well as extend your relationship-building intent would be “Thank you so much.” Using “Best Regards” as an ending to an email is acceptable. What About Using “Best Regards” In an Email This type of ending to a letter is called a “salutation” by many but is in reality a Valediction, which is a complimentary expression and closing statement in American English. Meaning, your intention behind the message is in honest attention, concern, or desire. The Dictionary defines regards as: attention to or concern for something. The “regards” part of your message is what will communicate that.
The only thing that this communicates is that your message is met with honest intent. This means that the letter might be a thank you note, recommendation letter, cover letter, or some other type of semi-formal business message.
These are letter endings that many use when they want to sound formal but with friendly intent. Why use “Warm Regards” or “Best Regards”? Historically, this is the Old English formality that was used to end a business letter from 1601. In a letter from Queen Elizabeth the first, dated 1601, tire’s a valediction “Your Sovereign that best regards you.” While this may not have been the first time it was used. They show body language, interpretation, and intent in your writing. That’s why your greetings as well as your letter endings matter. Is this going to come across as confident, strong, professional, and with a serious tone? No. But what if this were a legal letter? For divorce proceedings. Are you ending a formal or semi-formal business letter? Want ideas for ways to close your letter without saying warm wishes or best regards? Here are more than twenty expert-approved alternatives that you can use to end your business letter.īoth your greeting (or salutation) and your letter ending can have a major impact on whether or not the reader decides to respond, take action upon your requests within the letter, and how they interpret your message as a whole.įor example, starting your letter with “What's up!” might sound fun.