The word “sincerely” is a ubiquitous closing in formal and semi-formal correspondence. While perfectly acceptable, relying solely on “sincerely” can make your writing sound repetitive and lack personality.
Mastering alternative closing remarks is crucial for effective communication, allowing you to tailor your sign-off to the specific context, audience, and purpose of your message. This article explores a wide range of alternatives to “sincerely,” providing detailed explanations, practical examples, and helpful exercises to enhance your writing skills.
Whether you’re a student, professional, or simply looking to improve your communication, this guide will equip you with the knowledge and tools to craft compelling and appropriate closing remarks.
By diversifying your closing remarks, you can create a more positive and lasting impression on your reader, demonstrating your attention to detail and your ability to communicate effectively in various situations. This skill is invaluable in both personal and professional settings, helping you build stronger relationships and achieve your communication goals.
Table of Contents
- Definition and Context
- Structural Breakdown of Closing Remarks
- Types and Categories of Alternative Closing Remarks
- Examples of Alternative Closing Remarks
- Usage Rules for Closing Remarks
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Practice Exercises
- Advanced Topics in Closing Remarks
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Definition and Context
A closing remark, also known as a complimentary close or valediction, is a word or phrase used to end a letter, email, or other form of written communication. It serves as a polite way to signal the end of the message and often expresses a degree of respect, gratitude, or goodwill towards the recipient.
The choice of closing remark depends heavily on the relationship between the sender and receiver, the context of the communication, and the overall tone of the message.
The function of a closing remark is multifaceted. It not only signifies the end of the communication but also reinforces the relationship between the sender and the receiver.
A well-chosen closing can strengthen a professional connection, express genuine appreciation, or convey warmth and friendliness in a personal message. Understanding the nuances of different closing remarks is essential for effective and professional communication.
Closing remarks can be classified based on their level of formality. Formal closings are typically used in professional or official correspondence, while informal closings are appropriate for personal messages and casual interactions.
Semi-formal closings occupy a middle ground, suitable for situations where a degree of respect is required but a more relaxed tone is acceptable. The context of the communication—whether it’s a job application, a thank-you note, or a friendly email—also dictates the appropriate closing remark.
Structural Breakdown of Closing Remarks
The structure of a closing remark typically consists of a closing phrase followed by a comma and then the sender’s name. For example, “Sincerely, John Doe.” The closing phrase is the key element, conveying the desired tone and level of formality.
The comma is essential for grammatical correctness, separating the closing phrase from the sender’s name.
The capitalization of the closing phrase is also important. Only the first word of the closing phrase is capitalized, regardless of the number of words in the phrase.
For instance, “Best regards,” not “Best Regards.” This rule applies to all types of closing remarks, from formal to informal.
The placement of the closing remark is also crucial. It should be placed two lines below the body of the message and aligned with the left margin or indented slightly, depending on the preferred formatting style.
Consistent placement ensures a professional and polished appearance.
Types and Categories of Alternative Closing Remarks
Alternative closing remarks can be categorized based on their level of formality and the specific context in which they are used. Here’s a breakdown of the different types:
Formal Closings
Formal closings are used in professional or official correspondence where a high degree of respect and formality is required. These are appropriate for job applications, business letters, legal documents, and communications with superiors or individuals you don’t know well.
Semi-Formal Closings
Semi-formal closings strike a balance between formality and friendliness. They are suitable for communications with colleagues, clients, or acquaintances where a degree of respect is necessary but a more relaxed tone is acceptable.
These closings are often used in email communications and less formal business correspondence.
Informal Closings
Informal closings are used in personal messages and casual interactions with friends, family, and close acquaintances. These closings convey warmth, friendliness, and a sense of familiarity.
They are appropriate for emails, text messages, and handwritten notes to loved ones.
Professional Closings
Professional closings are tailored for specific professional contexts, often emphasizing collaboration, anticipation, or a call to action. These closings are used to reinforce the purpose of the communication and encourage a desired outcome.
Personal Closings
Personal closings are designed to express genuine care, affection, or appreciation in personal relationships. These closings convey warmth and strengthen bonds with loved ones.
Examples of Alternative Closing Remarks
Here are various examples of alternative closing remarks, categorized by formality and context. Each category includes a table with multiple examples to illustrate the range of options available.
Formal Closing Examples
The following table provides a variety of formal closing remarks suitable for professional and official correspondence. These closings convey respect, professionalism, and a high degree of formality.
| Closing Remark | Context |
|---|---|
| Respectfully, | For formal letters to superiors or authority figures. |
| Sincerely yours, | A more traditional and formal alternative to “Sincerely.” |
| Very truly yours, | Another classic formal closing, conveying respect. |
| Yours faithfully, | Used when the recipient’s name is unknown (common in the UK). |
| Yours respectfully, | Similar to “Respectfully,” used for high-ranking individuals. |
| Best regards, | A slightly less formal option for professional communications. |
| Kind regards, | Similar to “Best regards,” but slightly warmer. |
| With appreciation, | Expressing gratitude in a formal setting. |
| Thank you for your consideration, | Closing a cover letter or application. |
| Awaiting your response, | Indicating anticipation of a reply in a formal context. |
| I remain, | An extremely formal, almost archaic closing. |
| Cordially, | A formal and polite closing. |
| With best wishes, | A formal way to send good wishes. |
| I appreciate your time, | Expressing gratitude for the recipient’s time. |
| Looking forward to your reply, | Formally anticipating a response. |
| Yours very sincerely, | A slightly emphatic version of “Sincerely yours.” |
| Faithfully yours, | Another variation of “Yours faithfully.” |
| With sincere appreciation, | Expressing deep gratitude in a formal way. |
| Thank you in advance for your assistance, | Expressing gratitude for future help. |
| Anticipating your favorable response, | Hoping for a positive reply. |
| We remain, | Used when representing a company or organization. |
| On behalf of [Company Name], | Closing on behalf of a business entity. |
| Respectfully submitted, | Often used in formal reports or documents. |
| In anticipation, | Briefly expressing anticipation. |
| Your prompt attention to this matter is appreciated, | Requesting urgent attention. |
Semi-Formal Closing Examples
The subsequent table presents a range of semi-formal closing remarks suitable for communications with colleagues, clients, or acquaintances. These closings convey a balance of respect and friendliness.
| Closing Remark | Context |
|---|---|
| Best regards, | A versatile option suitable for many professional emails. |
| Kind regards, | Slightly warmer than “Best regards.” |
| Regards, | A concise and professional closing. |
| Best, | A simple and friendly closing. |
| Warm regards, | Conveys warmth and friendliness. |
| With appreciation, | Expressing gratitude in a semi-formal setting. |
| Thank you, | A simple and direct expression of thanks. |
| Looking forward to hearing from you, | Anticipating a response in a friendly way. |
| Sincerely, | Still acceptable, but less personal than other options. |
| Respectfully, | If the context requires a slightly more formal tone. |
| All the best, | A friendly and positive closing. |
| Have a great day, | A cheerful and informal closing. |
| Have a good one, | Similar to “Have a great day.” |
| Cheers, | Common in British English, conveys friendliness. |
| Best wishes, | A warm and friendly closing. |
| Thank you for your time, | Showing appreciation for the recipient’s time. |
| Appreciatively, | Briefly expressing gratitude. |
| Gratefully, | Expressing gratitude. |
| Eagerly awaiting your response, | Expressing enthusiasm for a reply. |
| Looking forward to connecting, | Anticipating future interaction. |
| With gratitude, | Expressing thankfulness. |
| Thank you again, | Reinforcing gratitude. |
| Wishing you well, | Sending good wishes. |
| Hope this helps, | Concluding with a helpful sentiment. |
| Please let me know if you have any questions, | Offering further assistance. |
Informal Closing Examples
The subsequent table showcases a variety of informal closing remarks suitable for personal messages and casual interactions with friends, family, and close acquaintances. These closings convey warmth, friendliness, and a sense of familiarity.
| Closing Remark | Context |
|---|---|
| Love, | For close family members and romantic partners. |
| Lots of love, | A more emphatic version of “Love.” |
| Take care, | A friendly and casual closing. |
| Best, | A simple and versatile informal closing. |
| Cheers, | Common among friends, conveys lightheartedness. |
| Talk soon, | Indicating an intention to communicate again soon. |
| See you soon, | Indicating an intention to meet in person soon. |
| Later, | A very casual and informal closing. |
| Hugs, | Expressing affection. |
| Kisses, | For romantic partners or very close family. |
| Warmly, | Conveys a sense of warmth and affection. |
| Thinking of you, | Expressing care and concern. |
| All my love, | A more affectionate version of “Love.” |
| Yours always, | Expressing enduring affection. |
| Best wishes, | A friendly and warm closing. |
| Take it easy, | A relaxed and casual closing. |
| Have a good one, | A friendly and informal closing. |
| Peace, | A very casual and informal closing. |
| XOXO, | Hugs and kisses, for close friends and family. |
| Much love, | Expressing a great deal of affection. |
| Catch you later, | Similar to “Talk soon” or “See you soon.” |
| Later gator, | A playful and very informal closing. |
| Stay cool, | A casual and friendly closing. |
| Keep in touch, | Encouraging continued communication. |
| Bye for now, | A temporary farewell. |
Professional Closing Examples
The forthcoming table provides a variety of professional closing remarks tailored for specific professional contexts, often emphasizing collaboration, anticipation, or a call to action. These closings are used to reinforce the purpose of the communication and encourage a desired outcome.
| Closing Remark | Context |
|---|---|
| Looking forward to our collaboration, | When anticipating a joint project. |
| Anticipating a successful partnership, | Expressing optimism about a future collaboration. |
| I look forward to your feedback, | Soliciting input on a project or proposal. |
| Awaiting your decision, | When a decision is pending. |
| Thank you for your business, | Expressing gratitude to a client or customer. |
| We value your partnership, | Reinforcing the importance of a business relationship. |
| We appreciate your continued support, | Thanking a client or stakeholder for their ongoing support. |
| For any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me, | Offering further assistance. |
| Please feel free to reach out with any inquiries, | Similar to the above, offering help. |
| I welcome the opportunity to discuss this further, | Expressing interest in further conversation. |
| Hoping to hear from you soon, | Anticipating a prompt response. |
| Looking forward to connecting, | Anticipating future interaction. |
| Thank you for your consideration and time, | Expressing gratitude for the recipient’s time and attention. |
| I am available at your earliest convenience, | Offering availability for meetings or calls. |
| Your prompt attention to this matter is appreciated, | When requesting urgent action. |
| Anticipating your favorable response, | Expressing hope for a positive reply. |
| With sincere appreciation for your support, | Expressing deep gratitude for assistance. |
| We are committed to your satisfaction, | Reassuring a client of your dedication. |
| We strive for excellence in all that we do, | Reinforcing a commitment to quality. |
| We value your feedback and look forward to serving you, | Soliciting feedback and reaffirming commitment to service. |
| Thank you for the opportunity, | Expressing gratitude for a chance to work together. |
| I am eager to contribute to your team, | Expressing enthusiasm for joining a team. |
| Looking forward to a productive partnership, | Anticipating a successful collaborative effort. |
| I am confident that we can achieve great things together, | Expressing confidence in a future collaboration. |
| We are dedicated to providing exceptional service, | Reiterating a commitment to high-quality service. |
Personal Closing Examples
The following table showcases personal closing remarks designed to express genuine care, affection, or appreciation in personal relationships. These closings convey warmth and strengthen bonds with loved ones.
| Closing Remark | Context |
|---|---|
| Love always, | Expressing enduring affection. |
| Thinking of you, | Expressing care and concern. |
| Missing you, | Expressing a feeling of longing. |
| With all my love, | A more emphatic version of “Love.” |
| Hugs and kisses, | For romantic partners or very close family. |
| Warmly, | Conveys a sense of warmth and affection. |
| Take care and stay safe, | Expressing concern for the recipient’s well-being. |
| Sending you my best, | Sending positive thoughts and wishes. |
| With heartfelt gratitude, | Expressing deep appreciation. |
| Yours forever, | Expressing enduring love and commitment. |
| All my love and blessings, | Combining affection with good wishes. |
| In my thoughts and prayers, | Expressing care and concern, often during difficult times. |
| With deepest affection, | Expressing profound fondness. |
| Always and forever, | Expressing eternal love. |
| You mean the world to me, | Expressing deep affection and appreciation. |
| I cherish our friendship, | Expressing the value of a friendship. |
| Thank you for being you, | Expressing appreciation for the recipient’s unique qualities. |
| I am so grateful for your presence in my life, | Expressing gratitude for the recipient’s role in your life. |
| You make my life better, | Expressing the positive impact of the recipient’s presence. |
| You are always in my heart, | Expressing enduring love and affection. |
| I am so lucky to have you, | Expressing gratitude for the recipient’s presence. |
| You are the best, | Expressing admiration and appreciation. |
| I love you more than words can say, | Expressing profound love and affection. |
| You are my everything, | Expressing that the recipient is the most important person. |
| With endless love, | Expressing boundless affection. |
Usage Rules for Closing Remarks
Selecting the appropriate closing remark is crucial for conveying the desired tone and maintaining professionalism. Here are some key usage rules to consider:
- Formality: Choose a closing remark that matches the formality of the communication. Avoid informal closings in formal contexts and vice versa.
- Relationship: Consider your relationship with the recipient. A closer relationship allows for more informal closings.
- Context: The context of the communication should also influence your choice. A thank-you note may warrant a different closing than a job application.
- Consistency: Maintain consistency in your closing remarks within a single communication or a series of communications with the same recipient.
- Capitalization: Always capitalize the first word of the closing remark and follow it with a comma.
- Placement: Place the closing remark two lines below the body of the message and align it with the left margin or indent it slightly.
It’s also important to be mindful of cultural differences in closing remarks. Some closings may be more common or appropriate in certain cultures than others.
For example, “Yours faithfully” is more common in the UK than in the US.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Several common mistakes can undermine the effectiveness of your closing remarks. Here are some errors to avoid:
- Incorrect Capitalization: Capitalizing more than the first word of the closing remark is incorrect. Incorrect: “Best Regards,” Correct: “Best regards,”
- Missing Comma: Omitting the comma after the closing remark is a grammatical error. Incorrect: “Sincerely John Doe,” Correct: “Sincerely, John Doe”
- Inappropriate Formality: Using an informal closing in a formal context or vice versa can be unprofessional. Incorrect: “Love,” in a job application; Incorrect: “Respectfully,” in a text message to a friend.
- Overuse of “Sincerely”: Relying solely on “sincerely” can make your writing sound repetitive and uninspired. Diversify your closing remarks to create a more positive impression.
- Misspelled Closings: Ensure that your closing remark is spelled correctly. Incorrect: “Sincerly,” Correct: “Sincerely,”
Avoiding these common mistakes will help you craft professional and effective closing remarks that enhance your communication.
Practice Exercises
Test your understanding of alternative closing remarks with these practice exercises. Choose the most appropriate closing remark for each scenario.
| Question | Possible Answers | Correct Answer |
|---|---|---|
| 1. You are writing a cover letter for a job application. Which closing remark is most appropriate? | a) Cheers, b) Respectfully, c) Love, | b) Respectfully, |
| 2. You are sending a thank-you note to a close friend. Which closing remark is most appropriate? | a) Very truly yours, b) Take care, c) Regards, | b) Take care, |
| 3. You are emailing a colleague about a project update. Which closing remark is most appropriate? | a) XOXO, b) Best regards, c) Yours faithfully, | b) Best regards, |
| 4. You are writing a formal letter to a government official. Which closing remark is most appropriate? | a) Later, b) Yours respectfully, c) Best, | b) Yours respectfully, |
| 5. You are sending a quick email to a client. Which closing remark is most appropriate? | a) Warm regards, b) Love, c) I remain, | a) Warm regards, |
| 6. You are writing to a family member. Which closing remark is best? | a) Respectfully, b) Cordially, c) Love, | c) Love, |
| 7. You are writing a business proposal. Which closing is most suitable? | a) Take it easy, b) Anticipating a successful partnership, c) Bye for now, | b) Anticipating a successful partnership, |
| 8. You are writing to a professor. Which closing is best? | a) Cheers, b) Sincerely, c) Peace, | b) Sincerely, |
| 9. You are writing to a customer service representative. Which closing is best? | a) Later gator, b) Thank you for your assistance, c) Hugs, | b) Thank you for your assistance, |
| 10. You are writing a note to your significant other. Which closing is most fitting? | a) Best regards, b) Yours always, c) Respectfully, | b) Yours always, |
Advanced Topics in Closing Remarks
For advanced learners, consider these more complex aspects of closing remarks:
- Cultural Sensitivity: Research and understand cultural norms regarding closing remarks in different countries and regions.
- Industry-Specific Closings: Some industries may have specific closing remarks that are considered standard practice.
- Personal Branding: Develop a unique closing remark that reflects your personal brand and communication style.
- Psychological Impact: Consider the psychological impact of different closing remarks on the recipient and choose closings that evoke positive emotions.
- A.I. and Closing Remarks: Explore how AI writing tools can assist in generating appropriate closing remarks for various contexts.
Mastering these advanced topics will further enhance your ability to communicate effectively and build strong relationships.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about alternative closing remarks:
- Q: Is it ever acceptable to use no closing remark at all?
A: While generally not recommended, omitting a closing remark might be acceptable in very informal communications, such as quick text messages or brief emails to close friends. However, it’s always safer to include a closing remark to maintain politeness and avoid any potential misunderstandings. - Q: What if I don’t know the recipient’s name?
A: In formal situations where you don’t know the recipient’s name, use “Yours faithfully,” (common in the UK). In less formal scenarios, “Best regards,” or “Kind regards,” are suitable alternatives. - Q: Can I use a closing remark that doesn’t express gratitude or respect?
A: While most closing remarks express gratitude or respect, some neutral closings like “Regards,” or “Best,” can be used when you want to maintain a professional tone without explicitly expressing either. - Q: How important is the comma after the closing remark?
A: The comma after the closing remark is grammatically essential. Omitting it is a common mistake that can make your writing appear unprofessional. - Q: Are there any closing remarks that should be avoided altogether?
A: Avoid overly informal or casual closings in professional or formal contexts. Also, avoid closings that could be misconstrued or offensive. - Q: Can I use a closing remark that includes a call to action?
A: Yes, you can use a closing remark that includes a call to action, such as “Looking forward to your response,” or “Please let me know if you have any questions.” - Q: How do I choose a closing remark that reflects my personal brand?
A: Consider your communication style and values. Choose a closing remark that aligns with your brand and conveys your unique personality. - Q: Should I use the same closing remark for every email?
A: No, it’s best to vary your closing remarks depending on the context, relationship, and tone of the communication. Using the same closing remark repeatedly can make your writing sound monotonous.
Conclusion
Mastering alternative closing remarks is an essential skill for effective communication. By understanding the different types of closings, their appropriate usage, and common mistakes to avoid, you can enhance your writing and create a more positive impression on your reader.
Diversifying your closing remarks allows you to tailor your communication to specific contexts and audiences, demonstrating your attention to detail and your ability to communicate professionally and effectively.
Remember to consider the formality, relationship, and context when choosing a closing remark. Practice using different closings in various scenarios to develop your skills and confidence.
By incorporating these tips into your writing, you can elevate your communication and build stronger relationships in both personal and professional settings. Keep practicing, and soon you’ll be able to select the perfect closing for any situation.