How to End a Letter in Standard American English
The closing of a letter is an important part of the writing process. It is an opportunity to leave a lasting impression on your reader and to convey your tone and intent. There are many different ways to end a letter, and the best way to do so will depend on the type of letter you are writing, the relationship you have with the recipient, and the purpose of your letter.
General Guidelines
There are some general guidelines that you should follow when ending a letter. First, you should always use a closing phrase. This phrase should be appropriate for the tone and purpose of your letter. Common closing phrases include:
- Sincerely,
- Best regards,
- Thank you,
- Respectfully,
- Cordially,
- Yours truly,
- With appreciation,
- Warm regards,
- Best wishes,
- Kind regards,
- With gratitude,
- Warmest regards,
- Best,
Second, you should always include your name after the closing phrase. This is especially important in business letters.
Third, you should use a comma after the closing phrase. However, if you are using a closing phrase that ends in a question mark or exclamation point, you do not need to use a comma.
Fourth, you should leave a space between the closing phrase and your name.
Fifth, you should use a formal font, such as Times New Roman or Arial, when writing a business letter. If you are writing a personal letter, you can use a more informal font, such as Comic Sans or Curlz.
Specific Examples
Here are some specific examples of how to end a letter:
- Business letter:
Sincerely,
[Your name]- Personal letter:
Best regards,
[Your name]- Thank-you letter:
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your name]- Request letter:
I would appreciate it if you could consider my request.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your name]- Complaint letter:
I am dissatisfied with the product or service that I received. I would like to request a refund or replacement.
Sincerely,
[Your name]- Letter of apology:
I apologize for any inconvenience that I have caused. I hope that you can forgive me.
Sincerely,
[Your name]FAQs
Q: What is the most common way to end a letter?
A: The most common way to end a letter is with the closing phrase "Sincerely," followed by your name.
Q: What are some other common closing phrases?
A: Other common closing phrases include "Best regards," "Thank you," "Respectfully," "Cordially," "Yours truly," "With appreciation," "Warm regards," "Best wishes," "Kind regards," "With gratitude," "Warmest regards," and "Best."
Q: Do I need to include a comma after the closing phrase?
A: Yes, you should always include a comma after the closing phrase. However, if you are using a closing phrase that ends in a question mark or exclamation point, you do not need to use a comma.
Q: Do I need to leave a space between the closing phrase and my name?
A: Yes, you should always leave a space between the closing phrase and your name.
Q: What is the best font to use when writing a letter?
A: The best font to use when writing a business letter is a formal font, such as Times New Roman or Arial. If you are writing a personal letter, you can use a more informal font, such as Comic Sans or Curlz.
