Composing effective emails, letters, and other correspondence requires careful word choice. The individual you’re speaking to can be greatly impacted by your thoughtful and careful expression. Even while “sincerely” is a traditional and courteous way to end a message, there are plenty of different ways to express your sentiments or add a personal touch. You can express yourself with warmth and sincerity with these options, regardless of whether you’re looking for a more official or informal tone.
“Sincerely”: What Does It Mean?
Knowing what “sincerely” implies when it comes to ending a message is crucial before moving on to other options. It gives off an authentic, sincere vibe, implying that the author is speaking from the heart. It’s a formal approach to show respect and honesty at the end of a message, particularly in business and professional contexts.
Does “Sincerely” sound polite or professional?
Indeed, using “sincerely” in official letters, emails, and other business correspondence is appropriate because it is courteous and professional. In professional contexts, it is usually employed to express honesty and respect. To fit the tone you want to project, you might choose to use a different closing, though, depending on the situation and your relationship with the recipient.
Pros and Cons of Using “Sincerely”
Pros
- It is commonly acknowledged and used in formal contexts.
- It conveys sincerity and professionalism.
- It makes the message sound more polite.
cons:
- It could come out as very formal or impersonal in more informal or imaginative discussions.
- Excessive use may cause the sign-off to seem generic and robotic.
Other words for “sincerely”
1. Warmly
Meaning: Shows friendliness and care, while staying professional.
Tone: Friendly and polite.
Use: Good for casual or semi-formal emails when you want to sound warm and kind.
Example: Looking forward to working with you again. Warmly, [Your Name]
2. Best Regards
Meaning: A polite and professional way to say goodbye.
Tone: Respectful and neutral.
Use: Works well for both formal and informal emails.
Example: I appreciate your prompt response. Best regards, [Your Name]
3. Kind Regards
Meaning: Polite and slightly warmer than “best regards.”
Tone: Courteous and warm.
Use: Ideal for professional emails when you want to be friendly.
Example: Thank you for your assistance. Kind regards, [Your Name]
4. Yours Truly
Meaning: A very formal and respectful closing.
Tone: Traditional and sincere.
Use: Best for formal letters or business communication.
Example: Thank you for considering my proposal. Yours truly, [Your Name]
5. Best Wishes
Meaning: Sends good thoughts and hopes.
Tone: Cheerful and personal.
Use: Good for friendly or semi-formal emails.
Example: I hope you enjoy the holidays. Best wishes, [Your Name]
6. Cheers
Meaning: A relaxed and friendly sign-off.
Tone: Casual and informal.
Use: Great for friends or coworkers you’re close with.
Example: Thanks for your help. Cheers, [Your Name]
7. Respectfully
Meaning: Shows politeness and respect.
Tone: Formal and serious.
Use: Best for emails to supervisors or people in authority.
Example: I look forward to your response. Respectfully, [Your Name]
8. With Appreciation
Meaning: A way to say thank you.
Tone: Sincere and grateful.
Use: When someone has helped or supported you.
Example: Thank you for your support. With appreciation, [Your Name]
9. All the Best
Meaning: Wishing someone well.
Tone: Positive and friendly.
Use: Great for casual or semi-formal messages.
Example: Good luck with your move. All the best, [Your Name]
10. Take Care
Meaning: A warm and caring goodbye.
Tone: Friendly and informal.
Use: Best for personal or casual emails.
Example: See you soon. Take care, [Your Name]
11. With Gratitude
Meaning: Shows deep thankfulness.
Tone: Appreciative and sincere.
Use: When you truly value someone’s help.
Example: Thank you for your help. With gratitude, [Your Name]
12. Many Thanks
Meaning: A friendly way to say thanks.
Tone: Casual and polite.
Use: Good for everyday emails.
Example: Many thanks for your reply. Many thanks, [Your Name]
13. Faithfully
Meaning: A very formal sign-off.
Tone: Respectful and professional.
Use: When you don’t know the recipient’s name.
Example: Please let me know if you need anything else. Faithfully, [Your Name]
14. Looking Forward
Meaning: Shows you’re eager for future contact.
Tone: Positive and open.
Use: When you expect to follow up soon.
Example: Excited about our next meeting. Looking forward, [Your Name]
15. Until Then
Meaning: Suggests you’ll be in touch again soon.
Tone: Casual and warm.
Use: For friendly emails when you expect more contact.
Example: See you next week. Until then, [Your Name]
16. Appreciatively
Meaning: Shows sincere thanks.
Tone: Warm and respectful.
Use: When you want to be polite and grateful.
Example: Thanks for your feedback. Appreciatively, [Your Name]
17. Yours Faithfully
Meaning: A formal, respectful sign-off.
Tone: Traditional and professional.
Use: For formal letters when you don’t know the person’s name.
Example: I look forward to hearing from you. Yours faithfully, [Your Name]
18. With Warmest Regards
Meaning: A polite and personal sign-off.
Tone: Warm and professional.
Use: Good when you want to sound friendly but still formal.
Example: It was great catching up. With warmest regards, [Your Name]
19. Warm Regards
Meaning: Friendly but still professional.
Tone: Kind and polite.
Use: Great for emails that are friendly but still businesslike.
Example: Thank you for your time. Warm regards, [Your Name]
20. Stay Safe
Meaning: Shows care for the person’s well-being.
Tone: Kind and thoughtful.
Use: Best during tough times or when showing concern.
Example: Wishing you well. Stay safe, [Your Name]
Conclusion:
The way you end your message says a lot. Choosing the right closing helps show how you feel, whether you want to sound warm, polite, or professional. Try different closings based on the person and the tone you want to set.
