How to End an Email: The Ultimate Guide

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Greetings Asensio,

Do you ever find yourself unsure of how to end an email? Do you worry that your closing may come across as too formal, too casual, or simply unclear? You are not alone. Knowing how to end an email can be a tricky business, but fear not! In this article, we will provide you with everything you need to know about crafting the perfect email closing. From formal to informal, sincere to professional, we’ve got you covered.

The Importance of Email Closings

While the body of your email may be the most important part in conveying your message, your email closing serves as the last impression you will leave on your recipient. It is your final opportunity to make an impact and ensure that your message is received as intended. A well-crafted email closing can even help establish and maintain relationships and connections.

But how do you know which closing to use in a given situation? The answer to that question depends on a variety of factors including your relationship with the recipient, the tone of your email, and the context in which the email is being sent. Below, we will explore some of the most commonly used email closings, and provide guidance on when to use each one.

The Different Types of Email Closings

Formal Email Closings

Formal email closings are typically used in professional or business settings. These closings show respect and establish a tone of professionalism.

1. Sincerely

Sincerely is a classic and widely used email closing that is appropriate in most settings. It conveys a sense of respect and professionalism. This closing is typically used when you are addressing someone you do not know very well, or in a professional context.

2. Best Regards

Best Regards is another common closing that is appropriate in many settings. It is professional and courteous, but slightly less formal than Sincerely. Best Regards can be used with a variety of recipients, from colleagues to clients to new acquaintances.

3. Yours Faithfully

Yours Faithfully is a formal closing that is typically used when addressing someone you do not know personally. It conveys a sense of duty and responsibility. This closing is commonly used in formal business letters and emails.

4. Respectfully

Respectfully is a slightly more formal closing that is appropriate when addressing someone in a position of authority or when conveying a sense of deference. This closing is often used in legal or government correspondence.

Informal Email Closings

Informal email closings are used in casual settings, such as when emailing friends or family. These closings are more relaxed and often reflect the tone and personality of the sender.

1. Cheers

Cheers is a friendly and informal closing that is appropriate in most casual settings. It conveys a sense of warmth and camaraderie. This closing is often used when emailing friends, family members or colleagues you know well.

2. Take Care

Take Care is a caring and sincere closing that can be used in a variety of settings. It conveys a sense of concern for the recipient’s well-being. This closing is often used when emailing friends or family members you care about.

3. Yours Truly

Yours Truly is a friendly and informal closing that is appropriate in many settings. It conveys a sense of warmth and honesty. This closing is often used when emailing friends, family members, or acquaintances.

Professional Email Closings

Professional email closings are used primarily in business and corporate settings. These closings are more formal than informal closings, but less formal than formal closings.

1. Best

Best is a professional and concise closing that is appropriate in most business settings. It is friendly and warm, but still conveys a sense of professionalism. This closing is often used when emailing colleagues, supervisors, or clients.

2. Thank you

Thank you is a polite and respectful closing that conveys a sense of gratitude. This closing is often used when expressing thanks for a job well done, or when acknowledging a favor or gift.

3. Warm Regards

Warm Regards is a professional closing that conveys a sense of friendliness and warmth. It is less formal than some of the other professional closings, but still appropriate in most business settings. This closing is often used when emailing colleagues, supervisors, or clients.

The Dos and Don’ts of Email Closings

Now that we’ve explored some of the most commonly used email closings, let’s take a look at some basic dos and don’ts for crafting the perfect closing:

The Dos:

Consider your relationship with the recipient.
Think about the context and purpose of your email.
Match the tone and personality of your closing to the tone and personality of your email.
Be professional and courteous.
Keep it concise.
Proofread your closing for errors.
Make sure your closing is appropriate for your recipient and the situation.

The Don’ts:

Use overly casual or slang language.
Be too formal or distant.
Forget to proofread for errors.
Use a closing that is inappropriate for your recipient or situation.
Use a closing that is too long or verbose.
Include personal information that may be inappropriate or unnecessary.
Use a closing that is too generic or impersonal.

FAQs

1. Is it necessary to include a closing in every email?

Yes, it is important to include a closing in every email, as it serves as the final impression you will leave on your recipient.

2. Can I use the same closing for every email?

While it is possible to use the same closing in most emails, it is important to consider the context and purpose of each individual email.

3. Should I include my contact information in my email closing?

If you are emailing someone for the first time or if you are emailing a potential client or employer, it may be appropriate to include your contact information in your closing.

4. How many words should my email closing be?

Your email closing should be concise and to the point. Generally, it should be no longer than one or two sentences.

5. Can I use emojis in my email closing?

Emojis can be appropriate in some casual email settings, but should generally be avoided in professional or formal settings.

6. Should I use the recipient’s name in my email closing?

Using the recipient’s name in your email closing can help establish and maintain relationships and connections.

7. Can I be creative with my email closing?

While it is important to maintain a certain level of professionalism in your email closing, there is room for personalization and creativity. Just make sure your closing is appropriate for the situation and recipient.

Conclusion

So there you have it, Asensio! Everything you need to know about crafting the perfect email closing. Whether you’re sending an email to a colleague, client, or friend, we’ve got you covered. Remember to consider your relationship with the recipient, the context and purpose of your email, and to keep it professional and concise. And as always, proofread for errors and choose a closing that is appropriate for your recipient and situation. Happy writing!

Disclaimer

The information contained in this article is for general information purposes only. The author and publisher assume no responsibility for errors or omissions or for any consequences from the use of this information. The information provided in this article is not intended to replace or substitute for professional advice, and should not be relied upon as such.

Formality	Closing	Examples
Formal	Sincerely	“Sincerely,	John Smith”
Formal	Best Regards	“Best Regards,	Jane Doe”
Formal	Yours Faithfully	“Yours Faithfully,	James Johnson”
Formal	Respectfully	“Respectfully,	Maria Rodriguez”
Informal	Cheers	“Cheers,	David Brown”
Informal	Take Care	“Take Care,	Samantha Jones”
Informal	Yours Truly	“Yours Truly,	Kevin Lee”
Professional	Best	“Best,	Roberta Brown”
Professional	Thank you	“Thank you,	Michael Davis”
Professional	Warm Regards	“Warm Regards,	Erica Martinez”