How to End a Letter
Ending a letter can be a tricky business. You want to make sure that you come across as polite and professional, but also friendly and approachable. The way you end your letter can leave a lasting impression on the recipient, so it’s important to get it right.
1. Choose the Right Closing
The first step to ending your letter is choosing the right closing. There are many different options to choose from, including:
- Sincerely
- Best regards
- Yours truly
- Kind regards
- Warm regards
Each of these options has a slightly different tone and can be used in different contexts, so it’s important to choose the one that best fits the situation.
2. Use the Recipient’s Name
Using the recipient’s name in your closing is a great way to personalize your letter and show that you value the relationship. If you don’t know the recipient’s name, you can use “Dear Sir or Madam” instead.
3. Include a Final Thought
Before you sign off, it’s a good idea to include a final thought. This could be a brief summary of the main point of your letter, a call to action, or a friendly message wishing the recipient well.
4. Sign Off
Once you’ve chosen your closing, used the recipient’s name, and included a final thought, it’s time to sign off. The most common way to do this is with “Sincerely,” followed by your name.
5. Consider Your Relationship with the Recipient
The way you end your letter should also depend on your relationship with the recipient. If you’re writing to a close friend or family member, you might use a more informal closing like “Love” or “Take care”. If you’re writing to a business associate, you should choose a more formal closing like “Respectfully” or “Yours sincerely”.
6. Check Your Spelling and Grammar
Before you send your letter, it’s important to check your spelling and grammar. A poorly written closing can undermine the message of your letter and make you look unprofessional. Take the time to proofread your letter carefully.
7. Examples of Letter Closings
Here are a few examples of letter closings you could use:
- Sincerely
- Best regards
- Yours truly
- Kind regards
- Warm regards
- Respectfully
- Yours sincerely
- Take care
- Love
- Many thanks
Conclusion
Ending a letter is an important part of the writing process. By choosing the right closing, using the recipient’s name, including a final thought, and signing off with your name, you can leave a lasting impression on the recipient. Remember to consider your relationship with the recipient, check your spelling and grammar, and use examples of letter closings for inspiration. With a little bit of effort, you can end your letter in a way that is both professional and friendly.
