Quick Answer: “Sincerely” is a standard, formal letter closing used in professional correspondence. Top alternatives include: Sincerely yours, Yours sincerely, Yours truly, Very truly yours, and Respectfully.
Have you ever stared at the end of a letter and wondered if “Sincerely” was the only option? If so, you are not alone. This closing appears in countless business letters, cover letters, and formal emails, which makes it one of the most repeated sign-offs in written English.
English learners and professionals often default to “Sincerely” because it feels safe and standard. However, learning alternatives to “Sincerely” helps you match your closing to the tone of your letter, whether you need something more formal, more personal, or more distinctive.
Knowing other ways to say “Sincerely” gives you flexibility for every relationship and context. For example, you can be respectful with a superior, warm with a colleague, or traditional with a formal institution. This guide gives you 30 practical alternatives with clear examples so you can use each one with confidence.
“The right closing leaves a final impression that matches the whole letter.”
Quick Categories
Formal alternatives to “Sincerely”
- Very truly yours
- Yours very truly
- Respectfully
- Respectfully yours
Pro Tips Box: Formal alternatives suit letters to superiors, official institutions, and situations that demand deference.
Standard alternatives
- Sincerely yours
- Yours sincerely
- Yours truly
- Cordially
Pro Tips Box: Standard alternatives work in most business letters and general professional correspondence.
Warmer alternatives
- Best regards
- Warm regards
- Kind regards
- With appreciation
Pro Tips Box: Warmer alternatives suit colleagues you know, ongoing professional relationships, and letters with a personal touch.
Personal alternatives
- Fondly
- With affection
- Warmly
- Take care
Pro Tips Box: Personal alternatives work only in letters to friends, family, or close acquaintances.
Common Mistakes
- Using “Sincerely” with a known colleague
Example: “Sincerely” to a teammate you speak with daily. This can feel stiff and distant. - Forgetting the comma after the closing
Example: “Sincerely” without a comma. Standard letter format requires a comma after the closing phrase . - Capitalizing every word in the closing
Example: “Sincerely Yours.” Only the first word should be capitalized . - Using “Fondly” in a business letter
Example: “Fondly” to a new client. This sounds overly personal and can be misinterpreted . - Mixing formal and informal tones
Example: “Dear Mr. Smith” followed by “Cheers.” The greeting and closing should match in tone .
“A closing should feel like the natural end of the conversation.”
What Does “Sincerely” Mean?
“Sincerely” is a complimentary close used to end a letter or email in a genuine and polite manner. It signals that the contents of the message are honest and that the sender is trustworthy . In letter format, it is followed by a comma and placed below the body of the letter .
Example Sentence: “Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Jane Doe.”
When to Use “Sincerely”
- When writing a formal business letter
- When addressing someone you do not know well
- When applying for a job
- When corresponding with an institution
- When you want a neutral, professional tone
Spoken vs Written: Almost exclusively used in written correspondence, especially letters and formal emails.
Formal vs Informal: Neutral to formal. It is the standard closing for general business letters .
Is It Professional or Polite to Say “Sincerely”?
Polite? Yes, in almost every written context.
Professional? Yes, it is the most widely accepted standard closing in business English .
Business-style example: “Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, [Your Name]”
“When in doubt, Sincerely is never wrong. But it is not always the best choice.”
Pros and Cons of Using “Sincerely”
Pros:
- Universally accepted
- Professional and neutral
- Easy to use
- Safe choice in any formal context
Cons:
- Overused in business letters
- Can feel generic or distant
- Limited emotional range
- Does not convey warmth or personality
Other Ways to Say “Sincerely” (With Examples)
These alternatives will help you sound more fluent, confident, and natural in different situations. Use them according to tone, context, and audience to match the relationship and purpose of your letter.
1. Phrase: Sincerely yours
Meaning: A variation of “Sincerely” with a slightly more traditional feel.
Explanation: Common in American English formal correspondence.
Example Sentence: “Thank you for reviewing my application. Sincerely yours, [Name]”
Best Use: Formal letters
Worst Use: Casual emails
Tone: Formal, traditional, polite
Context Variability: Ideal for formal and professional contexts.
2. Phrase: Yours sincerely
Meaning: The British English equivalent of “Sincerely yours.”
Explanation: Standard in UK formal letters.
Example Sentence: “I look forward to your response. Yours sincerely, [Name]”
Best Use: UK formal letters
Worst Use: US casual emails
Tone: Formal, polite, standard
Context Variability: Ideal for formal contexts.
3. Phrase: Yours truly
Meaning: A traditional and polite closing.
Explanation: Slightly less personal than “Sincerely.”
Example Sentence: “Thank you for your assistance. Yours truly, [Name]”
Best Use: General business letters
Worst Use: Personal notes
Tone: Formal, traditional, neutral
Context Variability: Works in formal and professional contexts .
4. Phrase: Very truly yours
Meaning: A more formal version of “Yours truly.”
Explanation: Conveys respect and formality.
Example Sentence: “I appreciate your consideration. Very truly yours, [Name]”
Best Use: Formal correspondence
Worst Use: Quick emails
Tone: Formal, respectful, traditional
Context Variability: Ideal for formal contexts .
5. Phrase: Respectfully
Meaning: A closing that conveys deference and respect.
Explanation: Suited for letters to superiors or authority figures.
Example Sentence: “Thank you for your guidance. Respectfully, [Name]”
Best Use: Letters to superiors
Worst Use: Casual notes
Tone: Formal, respectful, deferential
Context Variability: Ideal for formal and hierarchical contexts .
6. Phrase: Respectfully yours
Meaning: A stronger expression of respect.
Explanation: Formal and deferential.
Example Sentence: “I submit this request for your review. Respectfully yours, [Name]”
Best Use: Official letters
Worst Use: Peer communication
Tone: Formal, respectful, official
Context Variability: Ideal for formal contexts .
7. Phrase: Cordially
Meaning: A warm and formal closing.
Explanation: Friendly yet professional.
Example Sentence: “Thank you for your hospitality. Cordially, [Name]”
Best Use: Professional relationships
Worst Use: Cold formal letters
Tone: Warm, formal, friendly
Context Variability: Works in professional and social contexts .
8. Phrase: Best regards
Meaning: A friendly and professional closing.
Explanation: Warmer than “Sincerely” but still appropriate for business.
Example Sentence: “Thank you for your help on this project. Best regards, [Name]”
Best Use: Colleagues and clients
Worst Use: Highly formal institutions
Tone: Professional, warm, friendly
Context Variability: Works in professional and semi-formal contexts .
9. Phrase: Warm regards
Meaning: A warmer version of “Best regards.”
Explanation: Suited for ongoing professional relationships.
Example Sentence: “It was a pleasure meeting you. Warm regards, [Name]”
Best Use: Known colleagues
Worst Use: First-time formal contact
Tone: Warm, professional, personal
Context Variability: Works in professional and semi-formal contexts .
10. Phrase: Kind regards
Meaning: A polite and friendly closing.
Explanation: Common in British business correspondence.
Example Sentence: “Thank you for your time. Kind regards, [Name]”
Best Use: Professional emails
Worst Use: Formal letters
Tone: Polite, warm, professional
Context Variability: Works in professional contexts.
11. Phrase: With appreciation
Meaning: A closing that expresses gratitude.
Explanation: Suited for letters requesting help or thanking someone.
Example Sentence: “Thank you for your support. With appreciation, [Name]”
Best Use: Thank-you letters
Worst Use: Cold formal correspondence
Tone: Grateful, warm, sincere
Context Variability: Works in professional and personal contexts.
12. Phrase: With sincere thanks
Meaning: A formal expression of gratitude.
Explanation: Combines sincerity with appreciation.
Example Sentence: “I am grateful for your guidance. With sincere thanks, [Name]”
Best Use: Formal thank-you letters
Worst Use: Quick emails
Tone: Formal, grateful, sincere
Context Variability: Ideal for formal contexts.
13. Phrase: Fondly
Meaning: A warm and affectionate closing.
Explanation: Only for people you know personally.
Example Sentence: “I think of you often. Fondly, [Name]”
Best Use: Friends and family
Worst Use: Business letters
Tone: Warm, personal, affectionate
Context Variability: Best in personal contexts .
14. Phrase: With affection
Meaning: A warm personal closing.
Explanation: Expresses care and fondness.
Example Sentence: “Sending you my best. With affection, [Name]”
Best Use: Close relationships
Worst Use: Professional settings
Tone: Warm, personal, affectionate
Context Variability: Best in personal contexts.
15. Phrase: Warmly
Meaning: A friendly and warm closing.
Explanation: Versatile for personal and semi-professional notes.
Example Sentence: “Thank you for everything. Warmly, [Name]”
Best Use: Personal notes
Worst Use: Formal letters
Tone: Warm, friendly, personal
Context Variability: Works in personal and semi-formal contexts.
16. Phrase: Take care
Meaning: A caring and friendly closing.
Explanation: Common in informal correspondence.
Example Sentence: “It was good to hear from you. Take care, [Name]”
Best Use: Friends and colleagues
Worst Use: Formal institutions
Tone: Casual, caring, friendly
Context Variability: Works in casual and semi-formal contexts.
17. Phrase: All the best
Meaning: A friendly and positive closing.
Explanation: Warm but not overly personal.
Example Sentence: “Good luck with your new role. All the best, [Name]”
Best Use: Colleagues and acquaintances
Worst Use: Formal letters
Tone: Friendly, positive, casual
Context Variability: Works in casual and professional contexts.
18. Phrase: Best wishes
Meaning: A warm and standard closing.
Explanation: Suitable for personal and semi-formal letters.
Example Sentence: “Congratulations on your achievement. Best wishes, [Name]”
Best Use: Personal correspondence
Worst Use: Formal business letters
Tone: Warm, friendly, standard
Context Variability: Works in personal and semi-formal contexts.
19. Phrase: Yours faithfully
Meaning: A very formal British closing.
Explanation: Used when the recipient’s name is unknown.
Example Sentence: “Dear Sir or Madam, Yours faithfully, [Name]”
Best Use: UK formal letters
Worst Use: Known recipients
Tone: Formal, traditional, polite
Context Variability: Ideal for formal UK contexts.
20. Phrase: Faithfully yours
Meaning: A formal and traditional closing.
Explanation: Similar to “Yours faithfully.”
Example Sentence: “I remain at your service. Faithfully yours, [Name]”
Best Use: Very formal letters
Worst Use: Modern business emails
Tone: Formal, traditional, loyal
Context Variability: Ideal for formal contexts .
21. Phrase: Humbly yours
Meaning: A very formal and deferential closing.
Explanation: Indicates respect and humility.
Example Sentence: “I submit this application for your consideration. Humbly yours, [Name]”
Best Use: Letters to authority
Worst Use: Peer communication
Tone: Formal, humble, deferential
Context Variability: Ideal for formal and hierarchical contexts .
22. Phrase: With respect
Meaning: A formal expression of regard.
Explanation: Direct and respectful.
Example Sentence: “Thank you for your time. With respect, [Name]”
Best Use: Formal correspondence
Worst Use: Casual notes
Tone: Formal, respectful, direct
Context Variability: Ideal for formal contexts .
23. Phrase: In appreciation
Meaning: A closing that acknowledges value received.
Explanation: Warm and grateful.
Example Sentence: “Thank you for your support. In appreciation, [Name]”
Best Use: Thank-you letters
Worst Use: Cold outreach
Tone: Grateful, warm, sincere
Context Variability: Works in professional and personal contexts.
24. Phrase: With gratitude
Meaning: A sincere expression of thanks.
Explanation: Warm and heartfelt.
Example Sentence: “I am deeply grateful. With gratitude, [Name]”
Best Use: Personal and professional thanks
Worst Use: Neutral correspondence
Tone: Grateful, sincere, warm
Context Variability: Works in personal and formal contexts.
25. Phrase: Cordially yours
Meaning: A warm and formal closing.
Explanation: Friendly yet respectful.
Example Sentence: “Thank you for your partnership. Cordially yours, [Name]”
Best Use: Professional relationships
Worst Use: Cold formal letters
Tone: Warm, formal, friendly
Context Variability: Works in professional contexts .
26. Phrase: With kind regards
Meaning: A polite and friendly closing.
Explanation: Common in British correspondence.
Example Sentence: “Thank you for your help. With kind regards, [Name]”
Best Use: Professional emails
Worst Use: Highly formal letters
Tone: Polite, warm, professional
Context Variability: Works in professional contexts.
27. Phrase: Sincerest regards
Meaning: A warm and sincere closing.
Explanation: Stronger than “Best regards.”
Example Sentence: “Thank you for everything. Sincerest regards, [Name]”
Best Use: Professional and personal
Worst Use: Quick emails
Tone: Warm, sincere, professional
Context Variability: Works in professional and personal contexts .
28. Phrase: Thank you
Meaning: A simple and direct closing.
Explanation: Appropriate when the letter includes a request or expression of thanks.
Example Sentence: “Thank you for your consideration. Thank you, [Name]”
Best Use: Request letters
Worst Use: General correspondence
Tone: Direct, grateful, professional
Context Variability: Works in professional contexts .
29. Phrase: Looking forward to hearing from you
Meaning: A forward-looking closing.
Explanation: Suited for letters that expect a response.
Example Sentence: “Looking forward to hearing from you. Sincerely, [Name]”
Best Use: Inquiry letters
Worst Use: Final correspondence
Tone: Professional, expectant, polite
Context Variability: Works in professional contexts.
30. Phrase: I remain at your service
Meaning: A very formal and traditional closing.
Explanation: Conveys availability and respect.
Example Sentence: “I remain at your service. Respectfully, [Name]”
Best Use: Very formal letters
Worst Use: Modern emails
Tone: Formal, traditional, respectful
Context Variability: Ideal for formal contexts.
“A closing is the handshake at the end of a written conversation.”
Mini Quiz / Self-Check
- Which closing is best for a letter to an unknown recipient in the UK?
a) Fondly
b) Yours faithfully
c) Best regards - Which closing works best for a colleague you know well?
a) Very truly yours
b) Best regards
c) Respectfully yours - You want to express deep respect to a superior. Which is best?
a) Cordially
b) Respectfully
c) Take care - Which closing is most personal?
a) Sincerely yours
b) Fondly
c) Yours truly
Answers: 1-b, 2-b, 3-b, 4-b
Comparison Table: Top Alternatives
| Phrase | Tone | Best Use |
|---|---|---|
| Sincerely yours | Formal, traditional | Formal letters |
| Yours sincerely | Formal, standard | UK formal letters |
| Yours truly | Formal, neutral | General business letters |
| Very truly yours | Formal, respectful | Formal correspondence |
| Respectfully | Formal, deferential | Letters to superiors |
| Cordially | Warm, formal | Professional relationships |
| Best regards | Professional, warm | Colleagues and clients |
| Warm regards | Warm, personal | Known colleagues |
| Fondly | Warm, affectionate | Friends and family |
| With appreciation | Grateful, warm | Thank-you letters |
FAQs
1. What is another way to say “Sincerely” in a letter?
Use “Sincerely yours,” “Yours sincerely,” or “Yours truly” for a similar level of formality .
2. Is “Yours truly” the same as “Sincerely”?
They are very similar in tone. “Yours truly” is slightly more traditional and neutral .
3. Can I use “Best regards” instead of “Sincerely”?
Yes, “Best regards” is warmer and works well with colleagues you know, but it is less formal than “Sincerely” .
4. What is the most formal letter closing?
“Respectfully yours” or “Very truly yours” are among the most formal options, suitable for letters to superiors or institutions .
5. How should I punctuate a letter closing?
Capitalize only the first word and follow it with a comma: “Sincerely,” or “Best regards,” .
Conclusion
Learning other ways to say “Sincerely” gives you the flexibility to close letters with the right tone for every relationship and purpose. Whether you need a formal alternative for an official letter or a warmer phrase for a colleague, the right closing strengthens your message and leaves a polished final impression.
Practice these alternatives daily and pay attention to tone awareness. The more you experiment with different closings, the more fluent and confident your written English will become.
CTA: Which closing will you try first? Share your favorite in the comments below.
See also:
- Other Ways to Say “I Appreciate It” (30+ Examples)
- Professional English Guide: How to Sound Confident at Work
Emma Writes is a passionate content writer at ResponsCraft.com, creating practical, well-researched articles that help readers make informed decisions. She enjoys turning complex topics into clear, engaging and easy-to-follow content.