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  1. Learn the meaning of sincerely as an adverb and a letter-ending phrase. See how to use it in different contexts and languages with examples from the Cambridge Dictionary.

    • Overview
    • Professional Closers
    • Personal Closers
    • Formatting & Signature Tips
    • Examples to End a Business and Personal Letter

    A complete guide to writing a sincere, respectful, and appropriate closing phrase for any letter

    Are you feeling confused about how to choose a sincere, situation-appropriate closing phrase for your letter? You’re not alone! Whether you’re writing a business letter or a thank-you note, your closer is an important piece of the puzzle—and the right one often depends on the situation. Here, we’ll show you which closing phrases are most sincere and teach you how to choose the best one for your letter.

    Phrases like “Sincerely” and “Best” (along with variations like “Sincerely yours” and “Best wishes”) are great additions to any letter.

    Use professional closes like “Regards” and “Thank you for your time” to convey your message while being polite to people you don’t know well.

    Sincerely” works for any kind of letter, both professional and personal. When you’re trying to express sincerity, why not do so literally? “Sincerely” is a classic complementary close. The tone is formal enough for any professional correspondence while also conveying your sincerity to the reader (whoever they may be).

    Variations of this close include:

    Use distant but polite closes for new, important professional contacts. When you’re introducing yourself to a new contact or reaching out to a business associate you don’t know very well, it’s important to

    “Regards” implies both sincerity and respect.

    “Regards” is a fairly neutral phrase. If you want to add some decorum without getting too friendly, “Best regards” is an easy switch.

    “Kind regards” or “Yours truly”

    Affectionate closers convey sincerity to close friends and loved ones. There are some closes that should never be included in business correspondence—but are lovely and sincere inclusions in a letter to a close friend, partner, or family member.

    In addition to “Love” and “Fondly,” those include:

    Use “As always” with friends and contacts you haven’t spoken to in a while. The phrase is polite and sincere; it indicates that you and your feelings are still the same. When you’re writing to a friend you don’t see often, it doesn’t hurt to remind them that you’re still you!

    You could also use “As ever” to close the letter instead.

    Base your signature on how well you know the person you’re writing to.

    A signature is an important part of any handwritten letter and provides a feeling of authenticity to your words. Just be sure to consider who you’re writing to before signing your letter and sending it off!

    Sign your first and last name when you write to someone you’ve never met in person.

    Sign only your first name on letters to friends or work colleagues who know you.

    Write your last name in parentheses if you’ve spoken to the recipient on the phone but never met them in person.

    Use a handwritten or email format when sending professional letters.

    Does my printed name go below my signature?

    Yes, for more formal situations. When writing to a friend or a family member, though, it's not necessary.

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    How do I know when to use "sincerely"?

  2. Learn the meaning, synonyms, examples, and history of the adverb sincerely, which means in a sincere or truthful way. Find out how to use it as a complimentary close in letters or emails.

  3. Sincerely definition: in a way that is genuine, earnest, or truthful. See examples of SINCERELY used in a sentence.

  4. Definition of sincerely adverb in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

  5. Sincerely is one way of signing off on a letter you’ve written, and it’s also an adverb you’d use when you want to emphasize how much you really mean it. I sincerely hope you understand what I’m talking about.

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