Greeting to our Valued Readers
As we all know, email has become a vital part of our daily routine, whether in personal or professional settings. We communicate with our colleagues, clients, friends, and family through email regularly. Our email communication usually takes the formality of the written letters, so we must know how to draft a proper email, including how to end it. In this article, we will give you the ultimate guide on how to end an email professionally and effectively.
Why Knowing How to End an Email Matters?
Sending an email is not only about typing a message and hitting the send button. It is crucial to choose the right words to convey the appropriate tone, attitude, and message. Ending an email appropriately can give a positive impression and improve the reader’s perception of you. On the other hand, you might ruin the positive impact of your email if you end it inappropriately.
So, How Should You End an Email?
There are several ways to end an email, and choosing the right one depends on the context, audience, and purpose. Here are the most common ways to end an email:
| Ending | Usage |
|---|---|
| Best regards | Professional and neutral |
| Kind regards | Professional and slightly personal |
| Yours sincerely | Formal and respectful |
| Yours faithfully | Formal and respectful (when you don’t know the recipient’s name) |
| Thanks | Casual and friendly |
| Best | Casual and friendly |
| Take care | Personal and friendly |
Best Regards
The most common way to end a professional email is by using “Best regards.” It is neutral and suitable for most business settings. It does not imply any personal relationship or emotion, and it does not sound too formal or too casual. You can use this ending for formal and informal emails to your bosses, colleagues, customers, or clients.
Example: “Thank you for your time, and I look forward to hearing from you. Best regards,”
Kind Regards
“Kind regards” is another way to end a professional email that sounds slightly personal. It shows that you care about the recipient and appreciate the communication. You can use this ending for formal and semi-formal emails to your colleagues, customers, or clients.
Example: “Thank you for considering my proposal. Kind regards,”
Yours Sincerely
“Yours sincerely” is a formal and respectful way to end an email, especially when you want to convey your respect and gratitude to the recipient. You can use this ending for formal and legal emails to your clients, partners, or authorities.
Example: “I hope my response has satisfied your inquiry. Yours sincerely,”
Yours Faithfully
“Yours faithfully” is a formal and respectful way to end an email when you don’t know the recipient’s name or when you address an authority or a group. It shows your respect and commitment to the recipient despite not knowing their name personally.
Example: “Dear Sir/Madam, I would like to inquire about your products. Yours faithfully,”
Thanks
“Thanks” is a casual and friendly way to end an email when you have a pleasant and informal relationship with the recipient. It shows your appreciation and gratitude for their help or cooperation.
Example: “Thanks for your prompt response. Let’s keep in touch,”
Best
“Best” is another casual and friendly way to end an email when you have a personal and informal relationship with the recipient. It shows your warmth and friendliness, similar to saying “Have a nice day.”
Example: “Enjoy the weekend! Best,”
Take Care
“Take care” is a personal and friendly way to end an email when you want to show your concern and wish the recipient well. It is more suitable for personal emails to your friends, family, or acquaintances.
Example: “I hope you feel better soon. Take care,”
Other Ways to End an Email
Aside from the common ways to end an email, there are other alternatives you can use, depending on the context and audience. Here are some examples:
With appreciation
“With appreciation” is an elegant and grateful way to end an email when you want to express your gratitude for the recipient’s efforts or contributions.
Warm wishes
“Warm wishes” is a friendly and personal way to end an email when you have a warm and personal relationship with the recipient.
Cheers
“Cheers” is a casual and friendly way to end an email, similar to saying “Best.” It is more popular among British and Australian cultures.
Looking forward to hearing from you
“Looking forward to hearing from you” is a way to end an email when you expect a response from the recipient. It shows your anticipation and interest in the recipient’s reply.
With gratitude
“With gratitude” is another way to express your gratitude and thankfulness to the recipient. It sounds more formal and elegant than “Thanks.”
All the best
“All the best” is a friendly and positive way to end an email when you want to convey your good wishes and blessings to the recipient.
Take it easy
“Take it easy” is an informal and casual way to end an email when you want to convey a relaxed and cheerful mood. It is more suitable for personal emails to your friends or family.
In Conclusion
In conclusion, ending an email is as crucial as starting it. You should choose the right words that reflect the context, audience, and purpose of your email. The most common ways to end an email are “Best regards,” “Kind regards,” “Yours sincerely,” “Yours faithfully,” “Thanks,” “Best,” and “Take care.” However, you can also use other alternatives such as “With appreciation,” “Warm wishes,” “Cheers,” “Looking forward to hearing from you,” “With gratitude,” “All the best,” and “Take it easy.”
FAQs
Q: Are there any rules for ending an email?
A: There are no strict rules for ending an email. However, it is suggested to choose an appropriate way to end an email that reflects the context, audience, and purpose of your email.
Q: Can I end an email with “Love”?
A: No. “Love” is too personal and intimate and should not be used in professional settings. You can use it in personal emails to your family or close friends.
Q: Can I end an email with just my name?
A: It depends on the context and audience. If you have a warm and informal relationship with the recipient, you can end an email with just your name. However, it is more appropriate to use a professional ending in most business settings.
Q: Can I end an email with an exclamation mark?
A: It depends on the tone and message of your email. You can use an exclamation mark to convey excitement, gratitude, or encouragement. However, it is suggested to use it sparingly and appropriately to avoid sounding unprofessional or casual.
Q: Can I end an email with an emoji?
A: It depends on the context and audience. You can use an emoji to emphasize your message or convey your mood. However, it is suggested to use it sparingly and appropriately to avoid sounding unprofessional or inappropriate.
Q: How do I know which ending to use?
A: You should choose an ending that reflects the context, audience, and purpose of your email. If you are not sure, you can use a neutral ending such as “Best regards” or “Kind regards.”
Q: Can I use an ending that is not on the list?
A: Yes. The list is not exhaustive, and you can use other alternatives depending on your preference and context. However, you should avoid using endings that sound unprofessional or inappropriate.
Q: How can I avoid sounding too formal or too casual?
A: You should choose an ending that is appropriate for your context and audience. If you are not sure, you can use a neutral or slightly personal ending such as “Best regards” or “Kind regards.”
Q: Can I use an ending in another language?
A: It depends on the context and audience. If you are sending an email to a recipient who speaks the same language, you can use an ending in that language. However, if you are sending an email to an international audience, it is best to use an ending in English.
Q: How can I make sure my email ending is appropriate?
A: You can proofread your email and ask for feedback from a colleague or friend. You should also consider the context, audience, and purpose of your email.
Q: Can I end an email with a question?
A: No. An email ending should not be a question, as it might confuse the recipient and leave them unsure of how to respond.
Q: How long should an email ending be?
A: An email ending should be brief and concise, usually one phrase or sentence.
Q: Can I use the same ending for all my emails?
A: It depends on the context and audience. You can use the same ending for similar emails to the same audience. However, it is best to choose an appropriate ending that reflects the context and purpose of your email.
Q: Can I use an ending with an apology?
A: Yes. If you want to apologize for any inconvenience or mistake, you can use an ending that expresses your regret and apology.
Q: How can I make my email ending unique?
A: You can use an alternative ending that reflects your personality, style, or brand. However, you should avoid using endings that sound unprofessional or inappropriate.
Take Action Now!
To become more effective in your email communication, follow the guidelines and tips we have provided. Be mindful of your email endings and showcase your professionalism and positivity. Start practicing today and see the positive impact it can bring to your email communication!
Closing Note
Thank you for taking the time to read our ultimate guide on how to end an email. We hope this has been helpful to you in improving your email communication skills. Remember, ending an email appropriately is as important as starting it. Choose the right words and make a positive impression on your recipient. Happy emailing!