The word “sincerely” is a classic email or letter closing, but there are many alternatives that can fit different tones. Instead of “sincerely,” you could try “yours truly,” “with appreciation,” or “respectfully.”
These alternatives keep your closing polite and professional while allowing you to adjust for formal, warm, or respectful contexts.
What Does “Sincerely” Really Mean?
The word “sincerely” functions as an adverb in the closing of a letter or email. It conveys a sense of honesty, genuineness, and truthfulness in the preceding message.
Essentially, it assures the recipient that the sender’s words are meant in good faith and are free from deception. It’s a conventional way to express respect and goodwill, signaling the end of the communication in a polite and professional manner.
While “sincerely” is widely accepted, its overuse can diminish its impact, highlighting the importance of exploring alternative closings to add variety and specificity to your writing.
The term originates from the Latin word sincerus, meaning “pure,” “clean,” or “genuine.” This etymological root underscores the underlying intention of the word – to assure the recipient of the unadulterated truthfulness of the message. In modern usage, “sincerely” maintains this core meaning, but its application has become somewhat formulaic, particularly in professional settings. Therefore, understanding the nuances of different closing phrases allows for more effective and personalized communication.
The Structure of a Letter Closing
The closing of a letter or email typically follows a specific structure, consisting of several key elements. Understanding this structure will help you effectively incorporate alternative closings into your correspondence.
The standard components include:
- The Closing Phrase: This is the word or phrase that signals the end of the message and conveys your final sentiment (e.g., “Sincerely,” “Best regards,” “Thank you”).
- A Comma: A comma always follows the closing phrase.
- A Line Break: A blank line separates the closing phrase from your typed name.
- Your Typed Name: This is your full name or the name you wish to be addressed by.
- Your Signature (Optional): In a traditional letter, a handwritten signature appears above your typed name. In an email, this is often omitted or replaced with a digital signature.
For example:
Best regards,
John Smith
The closing phrase is the most variable element of this structure, offering the opportunity to personalize your message and convey the appropriate tone. By carefully selecting an alternative to “sincerely,” you can enhance the overall impact of your communication.
Types of Other Ways To Say Sincerely
Alternative closings can be broadly categorized based on their level of formality, professional context, and personal sentiment. Choosing the right type of closing depends on your relationship with the recipient, the purpose of your communication, and the overall tone you wish to convey.
Formal Closings
Formal closings are appropriate for business letters, official correspondence, and situations where you need to maintain a high level of respect and professionalism. These closings are typically used when addressing someone you don’t know well or someone in a position of authority.
Examples of formal closings include:
- Respectfully,
- Very respectfully,
- Yours faithfully, (used when the recipient’s name is unknown)
- Yours sincerely, (used when the recipient’s name is known)
Semi-Formal Closings
Semi-formal closings strike a balance between professionalism and friendliness. They are suitable for situations where you have a working relationship with the recipient but still need to maintain a degree of formality.
These closings are often used in email correspondence with colleagues, clients, or acquaintances.
Examples of semi-formal closings include:
- Best regards,
- Kind regards,
- Warm regards,
- Sincerely,
Informal Closings
Informal closings are appropriate for personal correspondence with friends, family, and close acquaintances. These closings convey a sense of warmth, familiarity, and personal connection.
They are typically used in emails, text messages, and handwritten notes to people you know well.
Examples of informal closings include:
- Best,
- Cheers,
- Take care,
- Warmly,
Professional Closings
Professional closings are tailored to specific business contexts and emphasize particular aspects of the communication. These closings can convey gratitude, anticipation, or a call to action, depending on the purpose of the message.
They are suitable for emails, letters, and reports within a professional environment.
Examples of professional closings include:
- Thank you,
- Looking forward to hearing from you,
- Best wishes,
- With appreciation,
Personal Closings
Personal closings are used to express genuine emotion and connection with the recipient. These closings are appropriate for cards, letters, and emails to loved ones, expressing affection, gratitude, or support.
They often include words that convey warmth, care, and personal sentiment.
Examples of personal closings include:
- Love,
- With love,
- Thinking of you,
- All my love,
Extensive Examples of Alternative Closings
To effectively incorporate alternative closings into your writing, it’s helpful to see them used in context. The following tables provide a variety of examples organized by category, demonstrating how different closings can be used to convey different tones and sentiments.
Formal Examples
This table provides examples of formal closings suitable for official correspondence and business letters. These closings maintain a high level of respect and professionalism.
| Closing Phrase | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| Respectfully, | I have attached the requested documents. Respectfully, John Doe |
| Very respectfully, | Thank you for your time and consideration. Very respectfully, Jane Smith |
| Yours faithfully, | We look forward to your response. Yours faithfully, The Acme Corporation |
| Yours sincerely, | Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter. Yours sincerely, Robert Jones |
| I remain, Sir/Madam, yours respectfully, | I hope this information is helpful. I remain, Sir/Madam, yours respectfully, Emily Brown |
| Sincerely yours, | We appreciate your business. Sincerely yours, Global Solutions Inc. |
| Very truly yours, | We value your partnership. Very truly yours, Continental Enterprises |
| I am, with great respect, | I trust this meets your approval. I am, with great respect, Michael Green |
| With deepest respect, | We acknowledge your contributions. With deepest respect, Sarah White |
| Humbly yours, | I hope this finds you well. Humbly yours, David Black |
| Most respectfully, | We appreciate your guidance. Most respectfully, Linda Grey |
| I have the honor to be, | Thank you for the opportunity. I have the honor to be, William Silver |
| With the utmost respect, | We value your expertise. With the utmost respect, Patricia Gold |
| Yours with great respect, | I hope this clarification is helpful. Yours with great respect, Charles Copper |
| I remain, with kindest regards, | I trust this information serves you well. I remain, with kindest regards, Elizabeth Iron |
| Very sincerely yours, | We appreciate your understanding. Very sincerely yours, Samuel Steel |
| Respectfully submitted, | The report is attached for your review. Respectfully submitted, Katherine Lead |
| With profound respect, | We acknowledge your leadership. With profound respect, Thomas Tin |
| I am, Sir, with due respect, | I hope this explanation is sufficient. I am, Sir, with due respect, Margaret Zinc |
| Yours in deep respect, | We value your contributions to the field. Yours in deep respect, Daniel Nickel |
Semi-Formal Examples
This table showcases semi-formal closings suitable for professional communication where a friendly yet respectful tone is desired. These are perfect for colleagues, clients, or acquaintances.
| Closing Phrase | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| Best regards, | Looking forward to your feedback. Best regards, John Doe |
| Kind regards, | Please let me know if you have any questions. Kind regards, Jane Smith |
| Warm regards, | It was a pleasure speaking with you. Warm regards, Robert Jones |
| Sincerely, | Thank you for your help. Sincerely, Emily Brown |
| Regards, | I hope this information is helpful. Regards, Michael Green |
| Best, | Let me know what you think. Best, Sarah White |
| All the best, | Wishing you a great week. All the best, David Black |
| With appreciation, | Thank you for your support. With appreciation, Linda Grey |
| Thank you, | I appreciate your time. Thank you, William Silver |
| Looking forward to hearing from you, | I anticipate your response. Looking forward to hearing from you, Patricia Gold |
| Best wishes, | I hope everything goes well. Best wishes, Charles Copper |
| With kindest regards, | It was a pleasure working with you. With kindest regards, Elizabeth Iron |
| Yours truly, | I hope this meets your needs. Yours truly, Samuel Steel |
| Respectfully yours, | I hope this clarifies the matter. Respectfully yours, Katherine Lead |
| Gratefully, | Thank you for your generosity. Gratefully, Thomas Tin |
| Cordially, | I look forward to our next meeting. Cordially, Margaret Zinc |
| Faithfully yours, | I hope this finds you well. Faithfully yours, Daniel Nickel |
| Sincerely yours, | Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely yours, Olivia Gold |
| In anticipation, | Looking forward to your reply. In anticipation, Ethan Silver |
| With sincere appreciation, | Thank you for your invaluable help. With sincere appreciation, Sophia Copper |
Informal Examples
This table presents informal closings suitable for personal correspondence with friends and family. These closings convey warmth and familiarity.
| Closing Phrase | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| Best, | Hope to see you soon! Best, John |
| Cheers, | Talk to you later! Cheers, Jane |
| Take care, | Have a great weekend! Take care, Robert |
| Warmly, | Thinking of you! Warmly, Emily |
| Love, | Missing you tons! Love, Michael |
| Hugs, | Sending you lots of love! Hugs, Sarah |
| All the best, | Hope you’re doing well! All the best, David |
| Talk soon, | Can’t wait to catch up! Talk soon, Linda |
| Later, | See you around! Later, William |
| Ciao, | Goodbye for now! Ciao, Patricia |
| Yours, | Always thinking of you! Yours, Charles |
| Much love, | Sending you all my love! Much love, Elizabeth |
| Thinking of you, | Hope you’re having a good day! Thinking of you, Samuel |
| See you, | Looking forward to seeing you! See you, Katherine |
| Bye for now, | Talk to you soon! Bye for now, Thomas |
| Hoping to hear from you soon, | Can’t wait to hear your news! Hoping to hear from you soon, Margaret |
| Lots of love, | Sending you all my affection! Lots of love, Daniel |
| Love always, | Forever in my heart! Love always, Olivia |
| Hoping to see you soon, | Looking forward to our next visit! Hoping to see you soon, Ethan |
| With love and affection, | Sending you all my warmest thoughts! With love and affection, Sophia |
Professional Examples
This table gives examples of professional closings that are tailored to specific business contexts. They can convey gratitude, anticipation, or a call to action.
| Closing Phrase | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| Thank you for your consideration, | We appreciate your time and effort. Thank you for your consideration, John Doe |
| Looking forward to your reply, | We await your prompt response. Looking forward to your reply, Jane Smith |
| We appreciate your business, | Thank you for your continued partnership. We appreciate your business, Robert Jones |
| Awaiting your feedback, | We value your input. Awaiting your feedback, Emily Brown |
| Thank you for your time, | We are grateful for your attention. Thank you for your time, Michael Green |
| We look forward to working with you, | We are excited about the opportunity. We look forward to working with you, Sarah White |
| We value your partnership, | Thank you for your collaboration. We value your partnership, David Black |
| We appreciate your prompt attention to this matter, | Thank you for addressing this issue quickly. We appreciate your prompt attention to this matter, Linda Grey |
| We look forward to hearing from you soon, | We anticipate your response in the near future. We look forward to hearing from you soon, William Silver |
| We are grateful for your support, | Thank you for your ongoing assistance. We are grateful for your support, Patricia Gold |
| We appreciate your understanding, | Thank you for your comprehension. We appreciate your understanding, Charles Copper |
| We look forward to a successful collaboration, | We anticipate a fruitful partnership. We look forward to a successful collaboration, Elizabeth Iron |
| We value your insights, | Thank you for your valuable contributions. We value your insights, Samuel Steel |
| We appreciate your cooperation, | Thank you for working with us. We appreciate your cooperation, Katherine Lead |
| We look forward to your continued support, | We anticipate your ongoing assistance. We look forward to your continued support, Thomas Tin |
| We are grateful for your business and support, | Thank you for your patronage and assistance. We are grateful for your business and support, Margaret Zinc |
| We appreciate your dedication, | Thank you for your commitment. We appreciate your dedication, Daniel Nickel |
| We look forward to resolving this matter, | We anticipate a positive resolution. We look forward to resolving this matter, Olivia Gold |
| We are grateful for your trust, | Thank you for your confidence in us. We are grateful for your trust, Ethan Silver |
| We look forward to your valuable input, | We anticipate your important contributions. We look forward to your valuable input, Sophia Copper |
Personal Examples
This table contains examples of personal closings used to express genuine emotion and connection with the recipient. These are suitable for cards, letters, and emails to loved ones.
| Closing Phrase | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| Love, | I miss you dearly. Love, John |
| With love, | Thinking of you always. With love, Jane |
| Thinking of you, | Hope you’re doing well. Thinking of you, Robert |
| All my love, | Sending you warm wishes. All my love, Emily |
| Hugs and kisses, | Can’t wait to see you. Hugs and kisses, Michael |
| Lots of love, | Missing you so much. Lots of love, Sarah |
| Warmly, | Sending you my best. Warmly, David |
| Yours always, | Forever in my heart. Yours always, Linda |
| With affection, | Thinking of you fondly. With affection, William |
| Lovingly, | Sending you my dearest thoughts. Lovingly, Patricia |
| Always, | Forever and always. Always, Charles |
| Forever yours, | My heart belongs to you. Forever yours, Elizabeth |
| XOXO, | Sending you love and hugs. XOXO, Samuel |
| With heartfelt love, | Thinking of you with all my heart. With heartfelt love, Katherine |
| Sending you all my love, | Missing you every day. Sending you all my love, Thomas |
| With deepest affection, | Thinking of you with great fondness. With deepest affection, Margaret |
| With all my heart, | Sending you my warmest wishes. With all my heart, Daniel |
| Love you always, | Forever and ever. Love you always, Olivia |
| With enduring love, | Thinking of you with lasting affection. With enduring love, Ethan |
| With everlasting love, | My love for you will never fade. With everlasting love, Sophia |
Usage Rules and Considerations
Choosing the right closing phrase involves several key considerations. Understanding these rules will help you select the most appropriate closing for any situation.
- Formality: Match the formality of the closing to the formality of the message and your relationship with the recipient.
- Context: Consider the purpose of your communication and the message you want to convey.
- Relationship: Choose a closing that reflects the nature of your relationship with the recipient.
- Tone: Ensure the closing aligns with the overall tone of your message.
- Audience: Tailor your closing to the specific audience you are addressing.
For example, using “Love,” in a business email would be highly inappropriate, while using “Respectfully,” in a casual text message to a friend would sound overly formal and out of place.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Several common mistakes can undermine the effectiveness of your closing phrase. Being aware of these errors will help you avoid awkward or inappropriate situations.
| Incorrect | Correct | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Sincerely yours, (in a business email) | Best regards, | “Sincerely yours,” is generally considered outdated in modern business communication. |
| Love, (in a formal letter) | Respectfully, | “Love,” is too informal for formal correspondence. |
| Best regards. (no comma) | Best regards, | A comma is always required after the closing phrase. |
| Regards(no capitalization) | Regards, | The first word of the closing phrase should always be capitalized. |
| Talk to you soon! (in a formal email) | Looking forward to hearing from you, | “Talk to you soon!” is too informal for a formal email. |
| Faithfully, (when you know the recipient’s name) | Sincerely, | Use “Yours faithfully,” only when you don’t know the recipient’s name. |
| Best, John. (period after name) | Best, John | There should be no punctuation after your name. |
| Kind regards, (to a close friend) | Best, | While not incorrect, “Kind regards,” can sound overly formal to a close friend. |
| Best Regards, (capitalizing the second word) | Best regards, | Only the first word of the closing phrase should be capitalized. |
| Later! (in a business email) | Best regards, | “Later!” is much too informal for any professional setting. |
Practice Exercises
Test your understanding of alternative closing phrases with these practice exercises. Choose the most appropriate closing phrase for each scenario.
Exercise 1: Choosing the Right Closing
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. You are writing a formal letter to a potential employer. | Respectfully, |
| 2. You are sending a friendly email to a colleague. | Best regards, |
| 3. You are writing a thank-you note to a close friend. | Love, |
| 4. You are sending a business email to a client. | Thank you for your consideration, |
| 5. You are writing a letter of condolence to a family member. | Thinking of you, |
| 6. You are sending a casual email to a friend. | Cheers, |
| 7. You are writing a formal report to your supervisor. | Respectfully submitted, |
| 8. You are sending a follow-up email after a job interview. | Looking forward to hearing from you, |
| 9. You are writing a thank-you note to a business contact. | With appreciation, |
| 10. You are sending a farewell email to colleagues as you leave the company. | Best wishes, |
Exercise 2: Identifying Appropriate Closings
For each of the following scenarios, select the three most appropriate closing phrases from the list provided.
Scenario: You are writing an email to a professor to ask for clarification on an assignment.
List of Closings: Love, Respectfully, Cheers, Best regards, Thank you, Warmly, Yours faithfully, Looking forward to your reply, Hugs, Sincerely.
Answers: Respectfully, Best regards, Thank you, Looking forward to your reply, Sincerely.
Scenario: You are writing a thank-you note to your grandmother for a gift.
List of Closings: Respectfully, Love, Cheers, Best regards, Thank you, Warmly, Yours faithfully, Looking forward to your reply, Hugs, Sincerely.
Answers: Love, Thank you, Warmly, Hugs, Sincerely.
Exercise 3: Correcting Inappropriate Closings
Identify the inappropriate closing phrase in each sentence and suggest a more suitable alternative.
Sentence: Thank you for your time. Love, John.
Inappropriate Closing: Love,
Suitable Alternative: Best regards,
Sentence: Looking forward to your reply. Cheers, Jane.
Inappropriate Closing: Cheers,
Suitable Alternative: Sincerely,
Advanced Topics: Nuance and Context
Mastering alternative closing phrases involves understanding the subtle nuances of language and the importance of context. Advanced learners can refine their communication skills by considering the following factors:
- Cultural Differences: Closing phrases can vary across cultures. Research the appropriate closing for international correspondence.
- Industry Standards: Certain industries may have preferred closing phrases. Be aware of the conventions in your field.
- Personal Style: Develop your own unique style while adhering to the principles of formality and appropriateness.
- Emotional Intelligence: Choose a closing that reflects your understanding of the recipient’s emotions and needs.
By paying attention to these advanced considerations, you can craft closing phrases that are not only grammatically correct but also emotionally intelligent and culturally sensitive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about alternative closing phrases:
Is it ever okay to use “Sincerely” in a business email?
Yes, “Sincerely” is still acceptable in many business contexts, particularly when you know the recipient’s name and want to convey a tone of respectful professionalism. However, consider alternatives like “Best regards” or “Thank you for your consideration” to add variety and specificity.
When should I use “Yours faithfully” instead of “Yours sincerely”?
Use “Yours faithfully” when you do not know the name of the person you are writing to (e.g., “Dear Sir or Madam”). Use “Yours sincerely” when you know the name of the person you are writing to (e.g., “Dear Mr. Smith”).
Can I use “Best” in a formal email?
“Best” is generally considered too informal for formal emails. It’s more appropriate for semi-formal or informal communication with colleagues or acquaintances you know well.
What is the best closing phrase to use when asking for a favor?
When asking for a favor, it’s best to use a closing phrase that expresses gratitude, such as “Thank you for your consideration” or “With appreciation.” This shows that you value the recipient’s time and effort.
How do I choose the right closing phrase for a cover letter?
In a cover letter, it’s important to convey professionalism and enthusiasm. Suitable closing phrases include “Sincerely,” “Best regards,” or “Thank you for your time and consideration.”
Is it okay to use a closing phrase in a text message?
Yes, it’s perfectly acceptable to use a closing phrase in a text message, especially when communicating with someone you know well. Informal closings like “Best,” “Cheers,” or “Take care” are commonly used.
What’s the difference between “Kind regards” and “Warm regards”?
Both “Kind regards” and “Warm regards” are semi-formal closings that convey a sense of friendliness and respect. “Warm regards” suggests a slightly closer relationship and a more personal connection.
How important is it to use a comma after the closing phrase?
It is essential to use a comma after the closing phrase. Omitting the comma is a grammatical error that can make your writing appear unprofessional or careless.
Conclusion
Mastering alternative closing phrases is a valuable skill for effective communication. By understanding the nuances of formality, context, and relationship, you can choose the most appropriate closing for any situation.
This article has provided a comprehensive overview of alternative closings, including definitions, examples, usage rules, common mistakes, practice exercises, and frequently asked questions. Expanding your repertoire of closing phrases will enhance your writing, convey your intended message more effectively, and leave a lasting impression on your audience.
Remember to consider the formality of the message, your relationship with the recipient, and the overall tone you wish to convey. By practicing and applying these guidelines, you can confidently select the perfect closing for every occasion, elevating your communication skills and achieving your desired outcomes.
So, go beyond “Sincerely” and explore the rich variety of closing phrases available to you. Your writing will be more engaging, more impactful, and more authentically you.