The way you conclude a letter leaves a lasting impression. Choosing the right closing depends heavily on the context, your relationship with the recipient, and the overall tone you want to convey. A poorly chosen closing can undermine even the most well-written letter, while a thoughtful and appropriate one can strengthen your message and foster a positive connection.
This guide provides 25 diverse ways to conclude a letter, ranging from formal and professional to casual and friendly. We’ll explore the nuances of each closing, offering sample letters to illustrate their effective use. By understanding these options, you can confidently select the perfect sign-off for any occasion, ensuring your letter ends on the right note.
25 Letter Closings with Examples
1. Sincerely
One of the most common and widely accepted closings, suitable for most formal and semi-formal letters.
Sample Letter:
Dear Mr. Smith,
Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
2. Respectfully
Used when addressing someone of higher authority or in a situation requiring deference.
Sample Letter:
Dear Professor Johnson,
Thank you for your insightful lecture. I greatly appreciate your guidance.
Respectfully,
[Your Name]
3. Yours Truly
A classic and polite closing, suitable for a wide range of correspondence, but perhaps slightly less formal than “Sincerely.”
Sample Letter:
Dear Ms. Davis,
I hope this letter finds you well. Please let me know if you have any questions.
Yours Truly,
[Your Name]
4. Best Regards
A versatile and friendly closing, appropriate for professional and semi-professional contexts.
Sample Letter:
Dear John,
It was great catching up with you last week. Looking forward to our next meeting.
Best Regards,
[Your Name]
5. Kind Regards
Similar to “Best Regards,” but slightly more formal. Expresses goodwill and respect.
Sample Letter:
Dear Marketing Team,
Thank you for your hard work on the recent campaign. It was a resounding success.
Kind Regards,
[Your Name]
6. Best Wishes
A warm and friendly closing, suitable for both personal and professional correspondence, especially when conveying good fortune.
Sample Letter:
Dear Sarah,
Congratulations on your new job! I wish you all the best in your future endeavors.
Best Wishes,
[Your Name]
7. Thank you
A simple and direct closing, effective when expressing gratitude is the primary purpose of the letter.
Sample Letter:
Dear Hiring Manager,
Thank you again for the opportunity to interview for the position.
Thank you,
[Your Name]
8. Thank you for your consideration
A more formal and polite way to express gratitude, particularly suitable in job applications or requests.
Sample Letter:
Dear Admissions Committee,
I have attached my application materials and I thank you for your consideration.
Thank you for your consideration,
[Your Name]
9. Yours Respectfully
Similar to Respectfully, conveys high regard and is suitable for formal contexts and interactions with superiors.
Sample Letter:
Dear Senator Thompson,
I am writing to express my concerns about the proposed legislation. I believe it would be detrimental to our community.
Yours Respectfully,
[Your Name]
10. Cordially
A formal and friendly closing, often used in invitations or letters of appreciation.
Sample Letter:
Dear Guests,
We cordially invite you to celebrate our wedding.
Cordially,
[Your Name(s)]
11. Sincerely yours
A slightly warmer version of “Sincerely,” suggesting a closer relationship.
Sample Letter:
Dear Mr. President,
It has been a pleasure serving on your board.
Sincerely yours,
[Your Name]
12. Cheers
An informal and friendly closing, suitable for close colleagues or friends in a casual setting. Be cautious using it in formal business correspondence.
Sample Letter:
Hey Dave,
Just wanted to follow up on that project. Let me know if you have any questions.
Cheers,
[Your Name]
13. All the best
A common and versatile closing suitable for a wide range of recipients and situations, conveying positive wishes.
Sample Letter:
Dear Emily,
It was great working with you on this project.
All the best,
[Your Name]
14. Hope to hear from you soon
Implies expectation of a response; suitable when further communication is desired.
Sample Letter:
Dear Dr. Lee,
Please review the attached documents and I hope to hear from you soon.
Hope to hear from you soon,
[Your Name]
15. Looking forward to hearing from you
Similar to “Hope to hear from you soon,” but slightly more formal.
Sample Letter:
Dear Mr. Johnson,
I am eager to discuss this opportunity further. Looking forward to hearing from you.
Looking forward to hearing from you,
[Your Name]
16. With appreciation
Expresses gratitude in a more formal way than a simple “Thank you.”
Sample Letter:
Dear Donors,
Your generous contributions make our work possible.
With appreciation,
[Your Name]
17. Warmly
A friendly and personal closing, suitable for friends, family, or close colleagues.
Sample Letter:
Dear Mom,
Just wanted to let you know I’m thinking of you.
Warmly,
[Your Name]
18. Take care
An informal and caring closing, suitable for friends, family, or colleagues you are close to.
Sample Letter:
Hey Mark,
It was great talking to you. Drive safely.
Take care,
[Your Name]
19. Faithfully
A somewhat old-fashioned and formal closing, less commonly used today.
Sample Letter:
Dear Sir,
I have reviewed your request.
Faithfully,
[Your Name]
20. Very truly yours
An older, formal option. Use when a high level of respect is needed.
Sample Letter:
Dear Minister of Education,
I am writing to you today to advocate for better funding.
Very truly yours,
[Your Name]
21. Regards
A shortened version of “Best Regards,” suitable for slightly less formal situations.
Sample Letter:
Hi Team,
Please see the attached agenda for tomorrow’s meeting.
Regards,
[Your Name]
22. Best
A very simple and concise closing, suitable for many situations, especially with people you know well.
Sample Letter:
Dear Lisa,
Just wanted to send you the updated file.
Best,
[Your Name]
23. Talk to you soon
Implies a near future conversation. Best for those you communicate with regularly.
Sample Letter:
Dear Manager,
Let me know if you have any questions!
Talk to you soon,
[Your Name]
24. Have a great day
Suitable to extend good will, typically for those you are acquainted with.
Sample Letter:
Dear Customer,
Thank you for shopping with us!
Have a great day,
[Your Name]
25. With gratitude
Expresses deep appreciation, typically suitable for circumstances of meaningful importance.
Sample Letter:
Dear Foundation Members,
Your contributions will assist us in our work on important project.
With gratitude,
[Your Name]
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Letter Closing
Selecting the right closing for your letter is a crucial final step that reflects your professionalism, respect, and relationship with the recipient. As illustrated in the 25 examples above, the best choice depends on a combination of factors, including the formality of the situation, your existing connection with the recipient, and the specific message you wish to convey. Consider these factors carefully to ensure your letter leaves the desired impression.
For highly formal communication, such as letters to superiors or individuals you don’t know well, closings like “Sincerely,” “Respectfully,” or “Yours Truly” are generally safe and appropriate. For semi-formal or professional communication with colleagues or acquaintances, “Best Regards,” “Kind Regards,” or “All the best” provide a friendly yet professional tone. In personal correspondence, you have more freedom to express warmth and personality with closings like “Warmly,” “Take care,” or even a simple “Cheers” (when appropriate).
Ultimately, the goal is to choose a closing that feels genuine and authentic while maintaining the appropriate level of professionalism and respect. By mastering the art of letter closing, you can ensure your correspondence ends on a strong and positive note, strengthening your message and building lasting relationships.