How to End a Letter: 100+ Professional & Personal Closings for Every Situation [2025]

TL;DR - Quick Answer

The best way to end a letter depends on your relationship with the recipient and the letter's purpose. For formal business letters, use closings like "Sincerely," "Best regards," or "Respectfully." For personal letters, warmer options like "With love," "Warmly," or "Take care" work well. Always follow your closing with a comma, add 3-4 lines of space, then your signature. The key is matching your closing's formality level to your letter's tone and your relationship with the recipient.

Whether you're writing a cover letter for a job application, a formal business correspondence, or a heartfelt personal note, your closing leaves a lasting impression. This comprehensive guide provides over 100 professional and personal closings for every situation, along with expert tips on choosing the right one.

Key Takeaways

• Match your closing to the context: Formal letters require professional closings like "Sincerely" or "Best regards," while personal letters allow warmer alternatives like "With love" or "Yours truly."

• Punctuation matters: Always follow your closing with a comma in American English (or no punctuation in some British formats), leave 3-4 lines for a handwritten signature, then type your name.

• Avoid common mistakes: Never use overly casual closings in professional settings, and avoid abbreviations like "Thx" or "Cheers" in formal correspondence.

• Consider your relationship: First-time contacts require more formal closings, while established relationships can use warmer sign-offs.

• The closing should reinforce your message: Choose a closing that aligns with your letter's purpose—gratitude letters need thankful closings, while cover letters need confident, action-oriented endings.

Introduction: Why Your Letter Closing Matters More Than You Think

The way you end a letter might seem like a minor detail, but it carries significant weight in both professional and personal communication. According to a study by the Radicati Group, over 333 billion emails are sent daily worldwide, yet the fundamental principles of effective letter closings remain unchanged—whether you're typing an email, drafting a formal business letter, or writing a heartfelt personal note.

"The closing of a letter is your final opportunity to leave a positive impression," says Dr. Patricia Thompson, a corporate psychologist and communications expert. "It's the literary equivalent of a firm handshake—it should be appropriate, confident, and memorable."

Research from CareerBuilder shows that 45% of hiring managers form a negative impression when job seekers use overly casual closings in professional correspondence. Conversely, the right closing can reinforce your message, express appropriate sentiment, and encourage the desired response. If you're crafting a job application letter, understanding proper letter endings becomes even more critical.

In this comprehensive guide, you'll learn exactly how to end every type of letter—from formal business correspondence to personal notes, from cover letters to thank-you notes. We'll cover over 100 closing options, explain when to use each one, and help you avoid common mistakes that could undermine your message.

The Anatomy of a Perfect Letter Closing

Before diving into specific closings, let's understand the components that make up a proper letter ending. A well-structured closing typically includes three key elements that work together to create a professional conclusion.

The Three Essential Components

1. The Complimentary Close: This is the actual closing phrase ("Sincerely," "Best regards," etc.). It should always begin with a capital letter and end with a comma in American English.

2. The Signature Space: Leave 3-4 blank lines between your closing and typed name for a handwritten signature if sending a physical letter. For digital correspondence, this space is often reduced to one line.

3. The Signature Block: This includes your typed name, title, company name, and contact information as appropriate. For job applications and professional cover letters, this section should be complete and professional.

Formatting Rules for Letter Closings

• Capitalization: Only capitalize the first word of your closing phrase ("Best regards" not "Best Regards").

• Punctuation: Use a comma after the closing in American English. British English sometimes omits punctuation.

• Alignment: The closing should align with your letter's format—left-aligned for block format, center or right for modified block.

• Spacing: Maintain consistent spacing throughout your letter, with the closing following naturally from your final paragraph.

50+ Professional Closings for Formal Business Letters

Formal business letters require closings that convey professionalism, respect, and appropriate warmth. The right choice depends on your relationship with the recipient, the letter's purpose, and industry norms. Understanding proper letter formatting is essential for making the right impression.

Classic Professional Closings (Most Versatile)

Industry-Specific Professional Closings

Different industries have evolved their own norms for letter closings. Understanding these conventions helps you fit in while maintaining professionalism.

• Legal and Government: "Respectfully submitted," "Very truly yours," "Faithfully," (UK)

• Academic: "With academic regards," "Collegially," "With scholarly appreciation"

• Medical/Healthcare: "In good health," "With professional regards," "Respectfully"

• Finance and Banking: "Yours faithfully," "With professional consideration," "Sincerely"

• Creative Industries: "Creatively yours," "With appreciation," "Best"

If you're applying for jobs in specific industries, consider checking our cover letter examples to see how professionals in your field typically close their letters.

Closings That Express Gratitude

When your letter includes thanks or appreciation, your closing should reinforce that sentiment:

• "With gratitude,"

• "With sincere appreciation,"

• "Thank you for your consideration,"

• "With thanks,"

• "Gratefully,"

• "Many thanks,"

• "With heartfelt thanks,"

• "Appreciatively,"

Closings for First-Time Correspondence

When writing to someone for the first time, err on the side of formality. These closings work well for initial contact:

• "Respectfully,"

• "Sincerely,"

• "With respect,"

• "Professionally,"

• "With professional regards,"

How to End a Cover Letter: Action-Oriented Closings

Cover letters require a special approach because they're persuasive documents designed to prompt action—namely, getting you an interview. Your closing should be confident, express enthusiasm, and include a subtle call to action. For a complete guide on how to end a cover letter effectively, refer to our dedicated resource.

Effective Cover Letter Closing Phrases

Before your actual complimentary close, include a strong final sentence that reinforces your interest:

• "I look forward to discussing how I can contribute to [Company Name]."

• "I'm excited about the opportunity to bring my skills to your team."

• "I welcome the chance to discuss my qualifications in more detail."

• "Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to speaking with you."

• "I am eager to explore how my experience aligns with your needs."

Want to see these closings in context? Check out our cover letter examples for various job roles to see how successful candidates close their letters.

Best Complimentary Closes for Cover Letters

• "Sincerely," — The gold standard for cover letters. Professional and universally accepted.

• "Best regards," — Slightly warmer while remaining professional. Great for creative industries.

• "With enthusiasm," — Shows genuine interest. Best for roles where passion matters.

• "Respectfully," — Ideal for senior positions or traditional industries.

• "Thank you for your consideration," — Polite and appropriate, though some consider it slightly passive.

Need help crafting the perfect cover letter? Our AI cover letter generator creates personalized closings that match your industry and experience level.

Email Sign-Offs: Modern Professional Closings

Email has evolved its own set of conventions that balance professionalism with the medium's inherently casual nature. Understanding how to end an email professionally is crucial in today's digital workplace.

Professional Email Closings by Context

Modern Email Closings That Work

• "Best," — Short, professional, and widely accepted. The most common email closing in business.

• "Thanks," — Appropriate when you've made a request or received help.

• "Cheers," — Common in UK and Australian business culture; use cautiously in US.

• "All the best," — Warm but professional. Good for semi-formal correspondence.

• "Looking forward to hearing from you," — Action-oriented closing for ongoing discussions.

Personal Letter Closings: Warm and Meaningful Options

Personal letters allow for more warmth and creativity in your closings. The key is matching the closing to your relationship with the recipient and the letter's emotional tone.

Closings for Family Members

• "With all my love,"

• "Love always,"

• "Your loving [son/daughter/etc.],"

• "With love and hugs,"

• "Forever yours,"

• "Missing you,"

• "With affection,"

• "Sending love,"

• "Love and kisses,"

• "XOXO,"

Closings for Friends

• "Your friend,"

• "Take care,"

• "Talk soon,"

• "Warmly,"

• "Cheers,"

• "Until next time,"

• "With friendship,"

• "Stay awesome,"

• "Catch you later,"

• "Keep in touch,"

Closings for Romantic Partners

• "Forever yours,"

• "All my love,"

• "Yours always,"

• "With all my heart,"

• "Loving you always,"

• "Eternally yours,"

• "Missing you terribly,"

• "Can't wait to see you,"

• "Dreaming of you,"

• "With love and devotion,"

Thank You Letter and Note Closings

Thank you letters require closings that reinforce your gratitude while maintaining appropriate formality. Whether you're thanking someone for a job interview, a gift, or professional assistance, the closing should feel genuine and warm.

Post-Interview Thank You Closings

After a job interview, your thank you note's closing should express continued interest while remaining professional. These closings work well with the strategies outlined in our guide to writing thank you letters:

• "Thank you again for your time and consideration,"

• "I look forward to the possibility of working together,"

• "With appreciation for your time,"

• "Sincerely grateful for the opportunity,"

• "With renewed enthusiasm for the role,"

Personal Thank You Note Closings

• "With heartfelt thanks,"

• "Gratefully yours,"

• "With deep appreciation,"

• "You're the best!"

• "Thanks a million,"

• "Forever grateful,"

• "With sincere thanks,"

Common Letter Closing Mistakes to Avoid

Even experienced professionals make closing mistakes that can undermine their message. Here are the most common pitfalls and how to avoid them—especially important if you're writing a job application or formal business correspondence.

Critical Mistakes That Hurt Your Credibility

1. Using "Yours truly" in cold correspondence: This closing implies a personal relationship. Save it for letters where you have an established connection.

2. Mismatching formality levels: Starting with "Dear Mr. Smith" and ending with "Cheers" creates dissonance. Maintain consistent formality throughout.

3. Incorrect capitalization: Write "Best regards," not "Best Regards." Only the first word should be capitalized.

4. Forgetting the comma: In American English, always follow your closing with a comma.

5. Overly familiar closings to strangers: "Love," "XOXO," or "Hugs" are never appropriate in professional settings.

Closings to Avoid in Professional Settings

• "Thx" or "Thanx" — Too casual and looks unprofessional

• "Later" or "Peace" — Far too informal for business

• "Sent from my iPhone" — Not a closing; either remove or add a proper one

• No closing at all — Appears abrupt and rude

• "Warmly" to cold contacts — Can seem presumptuous

• Religious closings in secular settings — "God bless" may alienate recipients

• Emojis in formal letters — Never appropriate in formal correspondence

"I've seen candidates lose job opportunities because their closing was too casual or included a smiley face," notes Jennifer Mills, a senior recruiter at a Fortune 500 company. "When in doubt, default to 'Sincerely.' You can't go wrong with the classics."

Sincerely vs. Regards: Choosing the Right Closing

One of the most common questions about letter closings involves choosing between "Sincerely" and its various "Regards" alternatives. Here's a detailed comparison to help you choose correctly.

When to Use "Sincerely"

• First-time correspondence with unknown recipients

• Job applications and cover letters

• Formal business proposals

• Letters to government officials

• Any situation requiring maximum professionalism

• When you're unsure which closing to use

The "Regards" Family: A Comparison

According to a 2023 survey by Indeed, 78% of hiring managers prefer "Sincerely" or "Best regards" in cover letters, while 15% find "Regards" alone too abrupt.

Regional and Cultural Differences in Letter Closings

Letter closing conventions vary significantly across cultures and regions. Understanding these differences is crucial for international correspondence.

American vs. British English Conventions

The "Yours Faithfully" vs. "Yours Sincerely" Rule (UK)

British English has a specific convention that's worth understanding:

• "Yours faithfully" — Use when you don't know the recipient's name (letters starting with "Dear Sir/Madam")

• "Yours sincerely" — Use when you know and have used the recipient's name (letters starting with "Dear Mr. Smith")

International Business Considerations

• Germany: "Mit freundlichen Grüßen" is the standard formal closing

• France: Closings are often longer and more elaborate than in English

• Japan: Honorifics and formal language in closings show respect

• Middle East: Warm, relationship-focused closings are appreciated

• Latin America: Warmer closings are generally expected, even in business

Letter Closings by Letter Type: Quick Reference Guide

Different types of letters call for different closing strategies. Here's a quick reference guide for various letter types.

Resignation Letters

End resignation letters professionally to maintain relationships:

• "With appreciation for the opportunities provided,"

• "Wishing the team continued success,"

• "Gratefully,"

• "With best wishes for the future,"

• "Respectfully,"

Recommendation Letters

Recommendation letter closings should reinforce your endorsement:

• "I recommend [Name] without reservation,"

• "Please don't hesitate to contact me for further information,"

• "With highest recommendation,"

• "I am confident [Name] will exceed your expectations,"

• "Sincerely," (with contact information)

Complaint Letters

Even in complaints, maintain professionalism in your closing:

• "I trust this matter will be resolved promptly,"

• "I look forward to your response,"

• "Awaiting your swift resolution,"

• "Sincerely,"

• "Respectfully,"

Cover Letters for Specific Roles

If you're writing a cover letter for a specific role, check out our role-specific guides:

• Software Engineer cover letters

• Nursing cover letters

• Teacher cover letters

• Marketing Manager cover letters

• Entry-level cover letters

Step-by-Step Guide: Choosing the Perfect Letter Closing

Follow this simple decision process to choose the perfect closing for any letter:

Step 1: Assess the Formality Level

Ask yourself: How formal is this letter? Consider:

• Who is the recipient? (Stranger, colleague, friend, family)

• What is the purpose? (Job application, request, thank you, personal)

• What is the industry norm? (Finance = formal, tech = less formal)

• What salutation did you use? (Match the closing's formality)

Step 2: Consider Your Relationship

Your relationship with the recipient guides your choice:

• First contact: Maximum formality (Sincerely, Respectfully)

• Established professional: Standard professional (Best regards, Kind regards)

• Close colleague: Warm professional (Best, Thanks, All the best)

• Friend/family: Personal (Love, Warmly, Take care)

Step 3: Match Your Letter's Purpose

• Requesting something: Thank you in advance, With appreciation

• Expressing gratitude: Gratefully, With sincere thanks

• Seeking employment: Sincerely, With enthusiasm

• Maintaining contact: Best regards, Looking forward to hearing from you

• Sharing news: Warmly, All the best

• Apologizing: Sincerely, With regret, Respectfully

Step 4: Final Check

Before sending, verify:

• The closing matches the letter's overall tone

• Capitalization is correct (only first word)

• Punctuation is appropriate (comma in American English)

• There's adequate space for your signature

• Your full name and title are included below

Expert Tips for Memorable Letter Closings

Elevate your letter closings with these professional tips used by successful communicators.

Tip 1: Personalize When Possible

Generic closings are safe but unmemorable. When appropriate, personalize your closing to reference something specific:

• "Looking forward to discussing the marketing strategy on Tuesday,"

• "With excitement about the partnership opportunity,"

• "Grateful for your mentorship these past months,"

Tip 2: Create a Professional Email Signature

For emails, combine your closing with a professional signature block:

• Include your full name, title, and company

• Add relevant contact information

• Consider including a link to your LinkedIn profile

• Keep design simple and professional

Tip 3: Match the Energy

Your closing should match the letter's energy throughout. A formal letter with a casual closing (or vice versa) creates cognitive dissonance. If you started with formal letter formatting, end formally too.

Tip 4: Consider the Next Steps

The best closings often hint at future action:

• "I'll follow up next week to discuss further,"

• "Looking forward to your response,"

• "I'm available to discuss this at your convenience,"

• "Please don't hesitate to reach out with questions,"

Modern Trends in Letter Closings

Letter closing conventions continue to evolve, especially in digital communication. Here's what's changing in 2025.

Emerging Trends

• Shorter closings: "Best" and "Thanks" are increasingly acceptable in professional emails.

• More warmth: "Warmly" and "With gratitude" are becoming more common in professional settings.

• Industry-specific closings: Tech and creative industries are developing their own norms.

• AI-generated letters: Tools like AI cover letter generators are standardizing professional closings.

What's Staying the Same

• "Sincerely" remains the safest choice for formal letters

• Matching formality levels is still essential

• Proper punctuation and formatting still matter

• Personal relationships still dictate appropriate closings

Frequently Asked Questions About Letter Closings

What is the most professional way to end a letter?

The most universally professional way to end a letter is with "Sincerely," followed by your signature and typed name. This closing is appropriate for virtually any professional context, from job applications to business correspondence to formal requests. It conveys respect and professionalism without being overly formal or cold.

Alternative professional closings include "Best regards," "Kind regards," and "Respectfully," each adding slightly different nuances. "Respectfully" is particularly appropriate when writing to superiors or in very formal contexts.

Is it OK to end a letter with just your name?

No, ending a letter with just your name is considered abrupt and unprofessional. It's like walking away from a conversation without saying goodbye. Always include a complimentary close (like "Sincerely" or "Best regards") before your name.

The only exception might be very brief internal emails where context makes a formal closing unnecessary, though even then, a simple "Thanks" or "Best" is preferable.

What can I say instead of 'Sincerely' at the end of a letter?

There are many professional alternatives to "Sincerely," depending on the context:

• For equal formality: "Best regards," "Kind regards," "Respectfully"

• For slight warmth: "Warm regards," "With appreciation," "Cordially"

• For thank-you contexts: "With gratitude," "Many thanks," "Appreciatively"

• For ongoing relationships: "Best," "All the best," "Looking forward"

How do you end a formal letter to someone you don't know?

When writing to someone you don't know, use a formal closing that doesn't presume familiarity. The best options include:

• "Sincerely," (American English)

• "Yours faithfully," (British English, with "Dear Sir/Madam")

• "Respectfully,"

• "With respect,"

Avoid closings like "Warmly" or "Yours truly" for unknown recipients, as these imply a personal relationship. For cover letters to unknown hiring managers, "Sincerely" is always a safe choice.

Should I use 'Best' or 'Best Regards' in a formal letter?

For formal letters, use "Best regards" rather than just "Best." The abbreviated "Best" is acceptable for emails and established relationships but can feel too casual for first-time correspondence or formal business letters.

That said, workplace norms vary. In tech companies and startups, "Best" is often standard even in relatively formal contexts. Pay attention to how others in your industry communicate.

How do you end a cover letter professionally?

A professional cover letter closing should include three elements: a closing statement expressing continued interest, a complimentary close, and your signature block. For example:

"I look forward to discussing how my experience can benefit [Company Name]. Thank you for your consideration."

"Sincerely,"

[Your Name]

For more guidance on effective cover letter closings, see our detailed guide on how to conclude a cover letter.

Is 'Warm Regards' too informal for business?

"Warm regards" sits in a middle ground—it's more personal than "Sincerely" but still professional. It's perfectly appropriate for:

• Correspondence with people you've worked with before

• Thank-you notes and appreciation letters

• Internal communications within a friendly workplace

• Follow-up emails with professional contacts

However, for first-time correspondence, job applications, or very formal situations, stick with "Sincerely" or "Best regards."

What's the difference between 'Yours Truly' and 'Sincerely'?

"Yours truly" implies a personal relationship—it suggests genuine, personal sentiment. "Sincerely" is more neutral and professional, making it appropriate for any context.

In practice, use "Yours truly" for personal letters to people you know well, and "Sincerely" for professional correspondence or letters to people you've never met.

How do I end a letter asking for something?

When requesting something, your closing should express appreciation while subtly prompting action:

• "Thank you for your time and consideration,"

• "I appreciate your prompt attention to this matter,"

• "Thank you in advance for your assistance,"

• "I look forward to your response,"

Follow with a standard professional close like "Sincerely" or "Best regards."

Can I use 'Cheers' in a professional letter?

"Cheers" is culturally dependent. In the UK, Australia, and some other Commonwealth countries, "Cheers" is acceptable in semi-formal business emails. In the United States, it's generally considered too casual for professional correspondence.

When in doubt, especially for international correspondence, stick with "Best regards" or "Sincerely."

How do you end a letter of recommendation?

Recommendation letters should end with a strong endorsement and offer to provide more information:

"I recommend [Name] without reservation and am confident they will excel in [role/program]. Please don't hesitate to contact me if you require any additional information."

"Sincerely,"

[Your Name]

[Your Title]

[Contact Information]

What's the best closing for a thank-you letter after an interview?

Post-interview thank-you letters should reinforce your interest while expressing gratitude:

• "Thank you again for the opportunity to discuss the [Position] role. I'm excited about the possibility of contributing to [Company Name]."

• "With appreciation for your time,"

• "Sincerely,"

Conclusion: Master the Art of the Perfect Letter Closing

The way you end a letter speaks volumes about your professionalism, attention to detail, and social awareness. Whether you're drafting a formal business proposal, a heartfelt personal note, or a compelling cover letter, choosing the right closing ensures your message ends on the perfect note.

Remember these key principles:

• Match your closing to the context: Consider formality, relationship, and purpose.

• When in doubt, go formal: "Sincerely" is never wrong in professional settings.

• Be consistent: Your closing should match your salutation's formality level.

• Proofread: Typos in your closing undermine your entire message.

• Personalize when appropriate: A thoughtful closing can make your letter memorable.

Need help crafting the perfect professional letter? Our AI cover letter generator creates personalized, professionally-closed letters in under 60 seconds. With proper formatting, appropriate closings, and compelling content, you'll make the right impression every time.

For more guidance on professional communication, explore our comprehensive cover letter guides and cover letter templates designed for every industry and career stage.