How To End An Email

How to End an Email in Standard American English

Ending an email professionally and appropriately is crucial for making a positive impression and maintaining effective communication. In standard American English, there are several common email closing phrases that can be used to convey a range of tones and messages. This guide will provide a comprehensive overview of how to end an email in standard American English, including proper grammar, punctuation, and usage guidelines.

Formal Closings

Formal email closings are typically used in professional settings, such as when writing to a colleague, supervisor, or client. These phrases convey a sense of respect and formality.

• Sincerely,
• Respectfully,
• With warm regards,
• Best regards,
• Yours truly,

Example:

Dear Mr. Jones,

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,
John Smith

Professional Closings

Professional email closings are less formal than formal closings but still maintain a level of professionalism. They can be used in a wider range of situations, including business correspondence and communication with colleagues.

• Thank you,
• Best wishes,
• Regards,
• Yours sincerely,

Example:

Dear Sarah,

I appreciate your help with this project.

Thank you,
John

Informal Closings

Informal email closings are typically used in personal correspondence or when communicating with close colleagues or friends. These phrases are more casual and friendly in tone.

• Cheers,
• Best,
• Take care,
• Talk soon,
• Later,

Example:

Dear Jane,

Hope you're having a great day!

Cheers,
John

Additional Tips

• Match the tone of your email: Choose a closing that matches the tone of your email. For example, use a formal closing for a professional email and an informal closing for a personal email.
• Use proper punctuation: End your email closing with a comma.
• Capitalize the first letter of the closing: Always capitalize the first letter of the email closing.
• Include your full name: Unless you are writing to a very close friend or family member, it is generally best to include your full name after the closing.
• Consider adding a personal touch: For more personal emails, you can add a personal touch by including a brief sentence or phrase that relates to the content of the email or shows your appreciation for the recipient.

Example:

Dear Michael,

I hope this email finds you well. I'm writing to you today to express my sincere gratitude for your support over the past year.

Best regards,
John Smith

When to Avoid Using "Best"

While "Best" is a common email closing, it is important to avoid using it in certain situations, such as:

• When requesting action: If you are asking the recipient to take action, it is better to use a more direct closing, such as "Thank you for your time and consideration."
• When expressing negative or critical feedback: Using "Best" can come across as dismissive or insincere when conveying negative or critical feedback.
• When writing to a superior: It is generally considered inappropriate to use "Best" when writing to a superior, as it can be perceived as too informal.

FAQ

1. What is the most common email closing in standard American English?

The most common email closing in standard American English is "Sincerely."

2. Can I use "Regards" as a formal closing?

Yes, "Regards" is a common formal email closing.

3. Is it okay to use "XOXO" in a professional email?

No, "XOXO" is an informal closing that should not be used in professional emails.

4. Should I use my full name after the email closing?

Yes, it is generally considered best practice to include your full name after the email closing.

5. Can I end an email without a closing?

It is not advisable to end an email without a closing, as it can come across as abrupt or unprofessional.

Conclusion

Ending an email professionally and appropriately is an essential aspect of effective communication. By understanding the different types of email closings and following the guidelines outlined in this guide, you can ensure that your emails convey the right message and make a positive impression. Remember to match the tone of your email, use proper punctuation, and consider adding a personal touch when appropriate.