Email Sign-Offs: Synonyms for “Best Wishes”

Mastering email etiquette involves more than just crafting the perfect message; it also means knowing how to end your emails appropriately. While “Best wishes” is a common and generally safe sign-off, it can become repetitive and may not always convey the specific tone you intend.

Understanding a range of synonyms for “Best wishes” allows you to tailor your email closings to different contexts, relationships, and desired levels of formality. This article explores various alternatives, providing examples and guidance on when to use each one, enhancing your professional and personal communication skills.

This guide will benefit anyone who wants to improve their email writing, including students, professionals, and anyone communicating regularly via email. By learning different email sign-offs, you can make your emails more impactful and leave a positive lasting impression.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Definition of Email Sign-Offs
3. Structural Breakdown of Email Sign-Offs
4. Types and Categories of Email Sign-Offs
   • Formal Sign-Offs
   • Semi-Formal Sign-Offs
   • Informal Sign-Offs
   • Situation-Specific Sign-Offs
5. Examples of Email Sign-Offs
   • Formal Examples
   • Semi-Formal Examples
   • Informal Examples
   • Situation-Specific Examples
6. Usage Rules for Email Sign-Offs
7. Common Mistakes in Using Email Sign-Offs
8. Practice Exercises
9. Advanced Topics in Email Sign-Offs
10. Frequently Asked Questions
11. Conclusion

Definition of Email Sign-Offs

An email sign-off, also known as a closing salutation or complimentary close, is a short phrase or word used to end an email before your name. Its primary function is to signal the end of the message and to convey a specific tone or level of formality.

The choice of sign-off can significantly impact how your email is perceived, affecting the recipient’s overall impression of you and your message. Sign-offs contribute to the overall coherence and politeness of your communication.

Email sign-offs can be classified based on their level of formality, ranging from highly professional to casual. They can also be categorized by their specific function, such as expressing gratitude, offering assistance, or simply wishing the recipient well.

Understanding these classifications is crucial for selecting the most appropriate sign-off for each situation.

In essence, a well-chosen email sign-off acts as a final touch, reinforcing the message’s intent and ensuring a positive and professional conclusion. It is a small but significant element of effective email communication.

Structural Breakdown of Email Sign-Offs

The structure of an email sign-off is relatively simple but crucial for maintaining proper email etiquette. A typical sign-off consists of the following elements:

1. The Sign-Off Phrase: This is the core element, such as “Sincerely,” “Best regards,” or “Cheers.” The phrase should align with the email’s tone and context.
2. The Comma: A comma typically follows the sign-off phrase. This is a standard grammatical convention.
3. Your Name: Your full name (or first name, depending on the context) should be placed on the line immediately below the sign-off phrase.

For example:

Sincerely,
John Doe

Best regards,
Jane Smith

Consider the spacing and punctuation. The comma after the sign-off is not optional.

Omitting it can make the sign-off seem abrupt or less polished. The line break between the sign-off and your name ensures clarity and readability.

In more complex scenarios, you might include your title or affiliation below your name. However, the basic structure of sign-off phrase, comma, and name remains consistent.

Types and Categories of Email Sign-Offs

Email sign-offs can be categorized based on their level of formality and the specific intent they convey. Understanding these categories helps you choose the most appropriate sign-off for each email.

Formal Sign-Offs

Formal sign-offs are suitable for professional communication with individuals you don’t know well, superiors, or when addressing sensitive or important matters. They convey respect and maintain a professional distance.

Examples of formal sign-offs include:

• Sincerely,
• Respectfully,
• Yours sincerely, (more common in British English)
• Yours faithfully, (used when you don’t know the recipient’s name)

Semi-Formal Sign-Offs

Semi-formal sign-offs are appropriate for communication with colleagues, clients, or individuals you have an established professional relationship with. They strike a balance between formality and friendliness.

Examples of semi-formal sign-offs include:

• Best regards,
• Kind regards,
• Warm regards,
• Best,
• Regards,

Informal Sign-Offs

Informal sign-offs are suitable for communication with friends, family, or close colleagues where a relaxed and friendly tone is appropriate. Avoid using these in professional contexts unless you have a very close relationship with the recipient.

Examples of informal sign-offs include:

• Cheers,
• Thanks,
• Take care,
• Best wishes,
• Talk soon,

Situation-Specific Sign-Offs

Some sign-offs are particularly well-suited for specific situations, such as expressing gratitude, offering assistance, or acknowledging a specific event.

Examples of situation-specific sign-offs include:

• Thank you,
• Gratefully,
• Looking forward to hearing from you,
• Please let me know if you have any questions,
• With appreciation,

Examples of Email Sign-Offs

This section provides extensive examples of email sign-offs, categorized by formality level and specific situations. Each table includes a range of options to help you choose the most appropriate sign-off for your needs.

Formal Examples

The following table provides examples of formal email sign-offs, suitable for professional communication with superiors, clients, or when addressing sensitive matters. These sign-offs convey respect and maintain a professional distance.

Sign-Off	Context	Example Sentence
Sincerely,	General formal correspondence	“Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, John Doe”
Respectfully,	Addressing someone of high authority or expressing deference	“I appreciate your guidance on this matter. Respectfully, Jane Smith”
Yours sincerely,	Formal correspondence (British English)	“I look forward to your response. Yours sincerely, David Brown”
Yours faithfully,	Formal correspondence when the recipient’s name is unknown (British English)	“I am writing to inquire about the open position. Yours faithfully,”
Cordially,	Formal and polite, often used in business	“We value your partnership and continued support. Cordially, The Management Team”
With best regards,	Slightly less formal than “Sincerely,” but still professional	“Thank you for your prompt attention to this issue. With best regards, Emily Carter”
Faithfully yours,	Very formal, similar to “Yours faithfully”	“I trust this information is helpful. Faithfully yours,”
Very truly yours,	Formal, often used in legal or official correspondence	“Please find the attached documents for your review. Very truly yours, Legal Department”
I remain,	Extremely formal and somewhat archaic	“I await your further instructions. I remain,”
With deep respect,	Expressing profound respect or admiration	“Your contributions to the field are highly valued. With deep respect, Robert White”
In anticipation,	Expressing expectation of a positive response	“In anticipation of your favorable reply, I thank you in advance.”
Awaiting your reply,	Formal way to indicate you are waiting for a response	“Awaiting your reply, I remain at your service.”
Humbly yours,	Extremely formal and deferential, rarely used today	“Humbly yours, I submit this application for your consideration.”
I have the honor to be,	Very formal, almost archaic, used in official letters	“I have the honor to be, Your Obedient Servant.”
Most respectfully,	Emphasizes the respect being conveyed	“Most respectfully, I submit this proposal for your consideration.”
I beg to remain,	Very old-fashioned and formal	“I beg to remain, Your most humble and obedient servant.”
Objectively,	Used when the email is conveying objective information	“Objectively, the data suggests a different approach.”
Officially,	Used when the email is acting in an official capacity	“Officially, this concludes our investigation.”
Academically,	Used in academic settings	“Academically, this research contributes to the field.”
Professionally,	Used when emphasizing the professional nature of the correspondence	“Professionally, I advise taking the following steps.”
In accordance,	Used when the email is in compliance with certain rules or guidelines	“In accordance, we have processed your request.”
Pursuant to,	A formal and legalistic way to close an email	“Pursuant to our agreement, we have completed the task.”
Under advisement,	Suggests that the matter is still being considered	“Under advisement, we will review your application.”
With due respect,	Acknowledges respect while possibly disagreeing	“With due respect, I must disagree with your assessment.”
I remain at your service,	Formal offer of continued assistance	“I remain at your service for any further inquiries.”

Semi-Formal Examples

The following table provides examples of semi-formal email sign-offs, suitable for communication with colleagues, clients, or individuals you have an established professional relationship with. These sign-offs strike a balance between formality and friendliness.

Sign-Off	Context	Example Sentence
Best regards,	General semi-formal correspondence	“I hope you have a productive week. Best regards, John Doe”
Kind regards,	Expressing a slightly warmer tone	“It was a pleasure speaking with you today. Kind regards, Jane Smith”
Warm regards,	Expressing a friendly and appreciative tone	“Thank you for your assistance with this project. Warm regards, David Brown”
Best,	A concise and versatile semi-formal option	“Let me know if you have any questions. Best, Emily Carter”
Regards,	A simple and generally acceptable semi-formal option	“I look forward to hearing from you soon. Regards, Robert White”
Sincerely yours,	A milder version of “Sincerely”	“Sincerely yours, Alice Johnson”
With appreciation,	Expressing gratitude for something specific	“With appreciation for your hard work, Michael Davis”
Respectfully yours,	Shows respect in a less formal way than “Respectfully”	“Respectfully yours, Sarah Miller”
Looking forward,	Used when anticipating future interaction	“Looking forward to our next meeting, Brian Wilson”
Thank you,	Expressing thanks	“Thank you for your time, Jessica Taylor”
All the best,	A common and versatile option	“All the best, Kevin Moore”
Best wishes,	A generally friendly and positive sign-off	“Best wishes, Ashley Green”
Have a great day,	Wishing the recipient well	“Have a great day, Jason King”
Have a good one,	Similar to “Have a great day” but slightly more casual	“Have a good one, Tiffany Wright”
Take care,	Expressing concern for the recipient’s well-being	“Take care, Christopher Hill”
Until next time,	Used when expecting future contact	“Until next time, Stephanie Baker”
Hope this helps,	Used when offering assistance	“Hope this helps, Brandon Cooper”
Let me know,	Inviting further communication	“Let me know if you have any questions, Nicole Adams”
Kind regards always,	Emphasizes the warmth of the regards	“Kind regards always, Justin Roberts”
Warmest wishes,	A slightly warmer version of “Best wishes”	“Warmest wishes, Megan Phillips”
Looking forward to connecting,	Used when you anticipate networking	“Looking forward to connecting, Jonathan Gray”
In anticipation of your response,	Looking forward to a reply	“In anticipation of your response, I thank you, Melissa Bell”
Eagerly awaiting your reply,	More enthusiastic anticipation	“Eagerly awaiting your reply, Samuel Carter”
I appreciate your help,	Expressing thanks for assistance	“I appreciate your help, Kimberly Ross”
Thanks in advance,	Expressing gratitude proactively	“Thanks in advance, Joshua Cook”

Informal Examples

The following table provides examples of informal email sign-offs, suitable for communication with friends, family, or close colleagues where a relaxed and friendly tone is appropriate. Avoid using these in professional contexts unless you have a very close relationship with the recipient.

Sign-Off	Context	Example Sentence
Cheers,	General informal correspondence, often used in British English	“See you later! Cheers, John”
Thanks,	Expressing gratitude	“Thanks for your help! Jane”
Take care,	Expressing concern for the recipient’s well-being	“Hope you feel better soon! Take care, David”
Best wishes,	A generally friendly and positive sign-off	“Have a great weekend! Best wishes, Emily”
Talk soon,	Indicating an intention to communicate again in the near future	“Looking forward to catching up! Talk soon, Robert”
Later,	Very informal, used among close friends	“See ya! Later, Alice”
Bye,	Simple and casual	“Goodbye! Bye, Michael”
See ya,	Informal version of “See you”	“See ya, Sarah”
Hugs,	Expressing affection	“Sending you hugs! Brian”
Love,	Expressing love and affection	“Thinking of you! Love, Jessica”
XOXO,	Expressing hugs and kisses (very informal)	“Miss you! XOXO, Kevin”
Peace,	Expressing goodwill and harmony	“Peace out! Ashley”
Best,	Casual and friendly	“Catch you later! Best, Jason”
Warmly,	Expressing warmth and friendliness	“Hope you’re doing well! Warmly, Tiffany”
All the best,	A friendly and versatile option	“Have a fantastic time! All the best, Christopher”
Cheers mate,	Informal, used among friends (British English)	“See you at the pub! Cheers mate, Stephanie”
TTYL,	Abbreviation for “Talk to you later”	“Gotta go! TTYL, Brandon”
CU,	Abbreviation for “See you”	“CU soon! Nicole”
Take it easy,	Wishing someone to relax and be well	“Take it easy, Justin”
Keep in touch,	Expressing a desire to stay connected	“Keep in touch, Megan”
Later gator,	Playful and informal	“See ya! Later gator, Jonathan”
Smell ya later,	Very informal and humorous	“Smell ya later, Melissa”
Ciao,	Italian for “goodbye” (informal)	“Ciao for now! Samuel”
Adios,	Spanish for “goodbye” (informal)	“Adios, Kimberly”
Rock on,	Expressing enthusiasm and encouragement	“Rock on! Joshua”

Situation-Specific Examples

The following table provides examples of situation-specific email sign-offs, tailored for particular circumstances such as expressing gratitude, offering assistance, or acknowledging a specific event.

Sign-Off	Context	Example Sentence
Thank you,	Expressing gratitude for a specific action or assistance	“Thank you for your prompt response. John Doe”
Gratefully,	Expressing deep appreciation	“I am so grateful for your support. Gratefully, Jane Smith”
Looking forward to hearing from you,	Expressing anticipation for a response	“I am eager to discuss this further. Looking forward to hearing from you, David Brown”
Please let me know if you have any questions,	Offering assistance and inviting further communication	“I am happy to provide more information. Please let me know if you have any questions, Emily Carter”
With appreciation,	Expressing gratitude for a specific contribution	“With appreciation for your hard work on this project, Robert White”
In anticipation,	Looking forward to a positive outcome	“In anticipation of your approval, Alice Johnson”
Awaiting your reply,	Expressing that you are waiting for a response	“Awaiting your reply, Michael Davis”
I appreciate your consideration,	Expressing gratitude for consideration	“I appreciate your consideration, Sarah Miller”
With sincere thanks,	Emphasizing the sincerity of the thanks	“With sincere thanks, Brian Wilson”
Thank you for your understanding,	Expressing gratitude for understanding a difficult situation	“Thank you for your understanding, Jessica Taylor”
Hoping to hear from you soon,	Expressing a wish to receive a response promptly	“Hoping to hear from you soon, Kevin Moore”
Grateful for your time,	Expressing gratitude for the recipient’s time	“Grateful for your time, Ashley Green”
Thanks again,	Reiterating gratitude	“Thanks again, Jason King”
Thank you for everything,	Expressing gratitude for multiple things	“Thank you for everything, Tiffany Wright”
Appreciatively,	A concise way to express appreciation	“Appreciatively, Christopher Hill”
With gratitude,	Emphasizing the feeling of gratitude	“With gratitude, Stephanie Baker”
I value your input,	Expressing appreciation for the recipient’s contributions	“I value your input, Brandon Cooper”
I am grateful,	Directly expressing gratitude	“I am grateful for your assistance, Nicole Adams”
Many thanks,	Expressing a significant amount of gratitude	“Many thanks, Justin Roberts”
I am indebted,	Expressing a sense of obligation for assistance	“I am indebted to you for your help, Megan Phillips”
Looking forward to collaborating,	Expressing anticipation for future collaboration	“Looking forward to collaborating, Jonathan Gray”
Anticipating your cooperation,	Looking forward to the recipient’s cooperation	“Anticipating your cooperation, Melissa Bell”
I look forward to your feedback,	Expressing anticipation for feedback	“I look forward to your feedback, Samuel Carter”
Hoping for a positive outcome,	Expressing a wish for a favorable result	“Hoping for a positive outcome, Kimberly Ross”
I am at your disposal,	Offering availability for further assistance	“I am at your disposal, Joshua Cook”

Usage Rules for Email Sign-Offs

Choosing the right email sign-off involves more than just knowing the options; it requires understanding the rules and conventions that govern their use. Improper use of a sign-off can undermine your message and create a negative impression.

1. Consider Your Audience: The most important factor is your relationship with the recipient. Formal sign-offs are appropriate for superiors, clients, or individuals you don’t know well. Semi-formal sign-offs work well for colleagues and established professional contacts. Informal sign-offs are best reserved for friends and family.
2. Match the Tone of Your Email: The sign-off should align with the overall tone of your message. If your email is serious or formal, a casual sign-off would be inappropriate. Conversely, if your email is friendly and informal, a highly formal sign-off might seem out of place.
3. Be Consistent: Maintain consistency in your sign-off style when communicating with the same person over time. Switching between formal and informal sign-offs can be confusing and may send the wrong message.
4. Avoid Overly Familiar Sign-Offs: Even in semi-formal contexts, avoid sign-offs that are too personal or intimate, such as “Hugs” or “Love.” These are generally inappropriate for professional communication.
5. Use a Comma: Always include a comma after the sign-off phrase. This is a standard grammatical convention.
6. Proofread: Ensure that your sign-off is spelled correctly and free of grammatical errors. A mistake in your sign-off can detract from the overall professionalism of your email.
7. Be Mindful of Cultural Differences: Different cultures may have different expectations regarding email etiquette. Be aware of these differences when communicating with individuals from other countries. For instance, “Yours sincerely” and “Yours faithfully” are more common in British English than in American English.
8. Use of Abbreviations: Avoid using abbreviations like “TTYL” or “CU” in professional emails. These are suitable only for very informal communications.
9. Avoid Emojis: Unless you are certain that the recipient will appreciate them, avoid using emojis in your sign-off. They are generally not appropriate for professional emails.
10. Repetitive Use: While “Best wishes” is a safe option, avoid using it in every email. Vary your sign-offs to keep your communication fresh and engaging.

Common Mistakes in Using Email Sign-Offs

Even experienced email users can make mistakes when choosing and using email sign-offs. Being aware of these common errors can help you avoid them and ensure that your emails convey the right message.

Incorrect	Correct	Explanation
Sincerely John Doe	Sincerely, John Doe	Missing comma after the sign-off phrase.
Love, John Doe	Best regards, John Doe	Using an overly familiar sign-off in a professional context.
Best Wishes, John Doe	Best regards, John Doe	“Best Wishes” is generally considered informal, while “Best regards” is semi-formal and more appropriate for professional communication.
Respectfully, john doe	Respectfully, John Doe	Using lowercase letters for your name in a formal context.
Cheers, John Doe (to a client)	Sincerely, John Doe	Using an informal sign-off with a client.
Thx, John Doe	Thanks, John Doe	Using abbreviations in professional correspondence.
Best. John Doe	Best, John Doe	Incorrect punctuation. A comma is required.
Yours Sincerely John Doe	Yours sincerely, John Doe	Incorrect capitalization. Only the first word is capitalized.
Regards! John Doe	Regards, John Doe	Using an exclamation mark instead of a comma.
Best regards, John Doe	Best regards, John Doe	Unnecessary extra line break before the name.
Looking forward to hearing from you John Doe	Looking forward to hearing from you, John Doe	Missing comma after the sign-off phrase.
Please let me know if you have any questions John Doe	Please let me know if you have any questions, John Doe	Missing comma and line break.
Thank you for your help John Doe	Thank you for your help, John Doe	Missing comma and line break.
With appreciation John Doe	With appreciation, John Doe	Missing comma and line break.
Bestregards, John Doe	Best regards, John Doe	Misspelling the sign-off phrase.

Practice Exercises

Test your understanding of email sign-offs with these practice exercises. Choose the most appropriate sign-off for each scenario.

Question	Scenario	Possible Answers	Correct Answer
1. What sign-off is appropriate for an email to your manager requesting time off?	Email to your manager	a) Cheers, b) Best regards, c) Love, d) TTYL	b) Best regards,
2. What sign-off is appropriate for an email to a close friend?	Email to a close friend	a) Sincerely, b) Regards, c) Love, d) Respectfully	c) Love,
3. What sign-off is appropriate for an email to a potential client?	Email to a potential client	a) Cheers, b) Best, c) Yours faithfully, d) See ya	c) Yours faithfully,
4. What sign-off is appropriate for an email to a colleague you work with closely?	Email to a close colleague	a) Respectfully, b) Kind regards, c) XOXO, d) Adios	b) Kind regards,
5. What sign-off is appropriate for an email to a professor asking for clarification on an assignment?	Email to a professor	a) Cheers, b) Sincerely, c) Bye, d) CU	b) Sincerely,
6. What sign-off is appropriate for an email thanking a recruiter for their time?	Email to a recruiter	a) Cheers, b) With appreciation, c) Later, d) TTYL	b) With appreciation,
7. What sign-off is appropriate for an email to a customer service representative?	Email to customer service	a) Cheers, b) Regards, c) Hugs, d) Peace	b) Regards,
8. What sign-off is appropriate for an email to a family member?	Email to a family member	a) Respectfully, b) Warmly, c) Yours faithfully, d) Regards	b) Warmly,
9. What sign-off is appropriate for an email to a business partner?	Email to a business partner	a) Cheers, b) Best regards, c) Love, d) See ya	b) Best regards,
10. What sign-off is appropriate for an email to a mentor?	Email to a mentor	a) Cheers, b) Respectfully, c) TTYL, d) Bye	b) Respectfully,

Advanced Topics in Email Sign-Offs

For advanced learners, understanding the nuances of email sign-offs can further enhance your communication skills. This includes adapting sign-offs for international audiences and understanding the psychological impact of different sign-offs.

• International Email Etiquette: Different cultures have different expectations regarding email communication. Research the norms of the recipient’s culture before choosing a sign-off. For example, in some Asian cultures, a more formal sign-off is always preferred, even with colleagues. In contrast, some European

  cultures may be more relaxed and open to semi-formal or even informal sign-offs in professional settings.

• Psychological Impact of Sign-Offs: The choice of sign-off can influence how your email is perceived. A warm and friendly sign-off can create a positive impression, while a formal sign-off can convey authority and respect. Consider the message you want to convey and choose a sign-off that aligns with your goals.
• Personal Branding: Consistent use of a particular sign-off can contribute to your personal brand. Choose a sign-off that reflects your personality and professional style. For example, if you want to project an image of warmth and friendliness, you might consistently use “Warm regards.”
• Analyzing Recipient’s Sign-Off: Pay attention to the sign-offs used by the people you are emailing. This can give you clues about their communication style and preferences. Mirroring their sign-off style (while still being appropriate for the context) can help build rapport.
• Sign-Offs in Different Industries: Different industries may have their own norms regarding email sign-offs. For example, the legal profession may favor more formal sign-offs, while the tech industry may be more open to casual sign-offs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Mastering the art of email sign-offs is a crucial aspect of effective communication. By understanding the different types of sign-offs, their appropriate usage, and common mistakes to avoid, you can enhance your emails and leave a positive lasting impression.

Whether you’re communicating with superiors, colleagues, clients, or friends, choosing the right sign-off can significantly impact how your message is received.

Remember to consider your audience, match the tone of your email, and be consistent in your sign-off style. With practice and attention to detail, you can confidently navigate the world of email sign-offs and elevate your communication skills to the next level.

So, go ahead and experiment with different sign-offs, and find the ones that best reflect your personality and professional style. Happy emailing!