How to end an email example. Let's figure out how to finish a personal, business, congratulatory letter

01.10.2019

The signature "with respect" at the end of the letter is a standard formula of politeness. Is it always necessary to end the letter with this phrase? How to write it correctly in Russian and English? Let's look at examples.

From the article you will learn:

There are no random phrases in official correspondence. Stylistics requires conciseness and careful selection of words from the author. Closing phrases reinforce positive emotions, express confidence and appreciation at the same time. A clear signature helps maintain business conversation contributes to the achievement of the goal. Respect the interlocutor and compose the text so that it is pleasant to read. Politeness combined with professionalism speaks of the competence of a specialist.

How to end a business letter with respect for the addressee?

When writing a formal message, remember that you are speaking on behalf of the entire company. The secretary must be extremely correct, as he represents his leader. Compliance with the generally accepted rules of business correspondence creates a positive image of the company in the eyes of partners and customers.

Official correspondence always has specific goals. The purpose determines the structure of the text. In the general case, the text is divided into several semantic parts: introduction, problem statement, argumentation and conclusion. Each part performs specific tasks. The introduction, for example, prepares for the perception of the main ideas. Conclusion - expresses wishes and hopes, assures further partnership.

Advice from the Editor: There are generally accepted formulas for each of the tasks. By ending the letter politely, you show that you respect your partner, set him up for positive emotions and leave a good impression. Find out, in the electronic journal "Secretary's Handbook". To read the article, complete demo access for 3 days.

How do you spell "respectfully" at the end of a letter?

A single regulation of business correspondence and bringing it to common standards is typical for large companies. Design letterhead, the form of "autographs" at the end of the message becomes part of the corporate culture, an element of style. Whether it is a paper or electronic message, compliance with a single standard is an indicator of attention to detail and important subtleties.

There are several types of closing phrases in business correspondence. Their choice depends on how well you know the addressee. For example, the signature "with respect" in a formal letter is neutral. If you want to focus your partner’s attention on something or once again remind him of the request, use restrained phrases:

  • Yours sincerely...
  • Sincerely...
  • Best wishes...

When choosing the final formula of politeness, try to do without familiarities. Remember that how well do you know the person to whom you are writing. If the acquaintance is formal, stick to the official style.

The answer was prepared jointly with the editors of the electronic journal " Secretary's Handbook».

Answered by Maria BELDOVA,
With. n. With. VNIIDAD, expert in the field of documentation management

What are we waiting for when sending a letter to a partner or client? So that our information, even negative, makes a favorable impression on the addressee and causes a response or decision. This can be achieved if you follow the rules of correspondence etiquette, properly format the letter and prepare a high quality text. Your text should be of moderate length; contain the necessary arguments and clear language and have a structure that best conveys the information.

Reception 1. Separate the main from the secondary

The text of a business letter should have a volume sufficient to ...

The full version of the answer is available after free

"Respectfully" at the end of the letter: with or without a comma

The final form of politeness is given at the end of the text. It is placed on the same vertical with the date, on the right side. The phrase is separated from the main text by two or three intervals. Slightly below are props "Signature", including the name of the position of the compiler, his personal signature and transcript. This arrangement complies with the standards of GOST 6.30-97, which defines the requirements for paperwork. If the message is issued on official letterhead or is of a private nature, the title of the position and the transcript of the signature are not put.

The question of how to write at the end of the letter "with respect": with or without a comma, does not have a clear answer. Both options are acceptable. The absence of a sign can be perceived as negligence and even illiteracy. On the other hand, according to the rules of punctuation, this comma should not be used. From the point of view of Russian grammar, the sign is redundant. The words "with respect" are not an introductory turnover, and the signature is an appeal. This phrase implies that "This letter was written with respect to you by N.N.". As in it, in the abbreviated version, the comma is not put according to the rules.

Why is it so common in practice? IN rules of correspondence in English, German and other European languages, this sign is required. The phrase "with respect" at the end of the letter in English is separated not only graphically, but also punctuation. Over time, although it is grammatically erroneous, the rule became part of the norms of the Russian language.

Letter Conclusion: Sample "Regards"

How to write "respectfully" in a business letter in English?

Rules business communication in English in many ways similar to those adopted in Russia. At the end, the addressee is thanked for their time and expresses their intention to continue the correspondence. Common phrases are also used: "with respect", "with gratitude", "with best wishes". After a new line indicate the name and surname of the compiler, as well as his position. Let's look at an example: how to sign a letter in English "with respect ..."

Table 1. Final politeness formulas in English

Yours faithfully

Used if in circulation is the name of the recipient. The most common option.

Obsolete variant, found in British English. It is written in the absence of the name of the addressee in the appeal: Dear Sir or Dear madam

American equivalent for British yours faithfully.

A less formal option, acceptable for correspondence with a familiar person. Variations: Kind regards, Warm regards, Regards, Kindest regards

yours sincerely,

Aleksandr Klimov

Marketing Director

yours faithfully,

Aleksandr Klimov

Marketing Director

yours truly,

Aleksandr Klimov

Marketing Director

kind regards,

Aleksandr Klimov

Marketing Director

The ability to tactfully and correctly use standard cliché phrases is an indicator of the level of professionalism and knowledge of the language. In English writing, the phrase "respectfully" can be expressed in different ways. When composing a text for a foreign partner, consider all the factors and choose the most suitable translation.

How to sign a letter correctly: "with respect" and other politeness formulas

When compiling a message, the sender should be guided not only by generally accepted standards, but also by the rules of good manners. If you are writing to a stranger, and the appeal is strictly formal, use established expressions. The style of business speech strictly limits the choice of phrases.

If the matter concerns email or communication with well-known people, one can deviate from rigid canons, while remaining polite and correct. Let's look at a few examples of final phrases that are acceptable in less formal communication.

Table 2. Use of alternative final expressions

A business letter is a formal document, each part of which performs certain tasks. It is believed that the last sentence is always remembered better. Therefore, it is important to pay attention to the final phrases.

Knowing when and how to correctly write "respectfully" at the end of a letter is one of the elements that emphasizes your professionalism. A competent secretary will always choose the right words or limit himself to a neutral expression of politeness. At the same time, he will not lower the prestige of the company and will convey the information to the recipient correctly and respectfully.

Tired of “Respectfully yours” and want something new? The MediaDigger team, a platform that automates the storage of a database of contacts and makes it possible to send bulk personalized letters through it, has made a selection of alternative signatures with which you can end your email. After all, in spite of everything, email is still the main way of business communication:

1. Sincerely- For lovers of the classics. The safest option.

2. Sincerely yours- There is something in this, but not everyone can afford such a signature. You have to be and look a certain way.

3. Best regards– Slightly less formal and applicable in a business letter.

4. Just enter a name- Quite suitable, especially in cases where there is an active exchange of letters.

5. Your initials- Also acceptable, but the question arises why it was impossible to simply write your name in full, and an unpleasant aftertaste remains.

6. Have a nice day- For the final letter, when you don’t expect to hear anything else from the interlocutor during the day, it’s quite suitable.

7. Have a nice week- The same as “have a good day”, only if you don’t communicate anymore during the week.

8. Best regards– English version of “respectfully”. The most secure for business communication. Some Russian speakers only use this signature. In principle, this is acceptable, but if you communicate a lot with foreigners and everyone knows this. Otherwise it looks a little strange.

9. Kind regards- The same as best regards, but a little less formal.

10. With friendly regards“Never seen this, but heard about it. One would like to say that they called from the 70s and asked to return the signature to them.

11. See you soon- In case you agreed to meet in the near future and emphasize that you remember about it.

12. Good luck in your hard work!- Such a signature can be used when you tried to help someone (or failed to do it), and you are trying to somehow cheer up the interlocutor.

13. Sent from Iphone- You can somehow explain why there may be typos in the letter, but it may seem that you are showing off your phone model.

14. Sent from smartphone– Safer than “sent from Iphone”: the interlocutor understands that you wrote from the phone and the auto-corrector could make typos, while you don’t brag about your phone.

15. Thank you for your attention- This phrase is better left for those who are trying to sell you something.

16. Thank you- If you are really grateful, then you can. But you should not sign every letter like this when you give someone an instruction. It will give an orderly tone.

17. With perfect respect For those who like to stand out. A little bit romantic.

18. Please think about nature before you print this letter.“First of all, don’t blame anyone. Secondly, this inscription can sometimes be longer than the text of the letter itself. Thirdly, does anyone else print letters now?

19. Ready for service– Hmmm. Simply no.

20. With love- Nice and acceptable if you've known each other for a long time.

21. Good luck- It's more suitable if you do not expect to communicate with someone in the near future.

22. Kiss hard- Suitable for relatives and loved ones.

23. With paternal tenderness- You can, but only if you are really a father and only learned what the Internet is.

24. Yours forever- It is better to leave for the registry office.

25. Have a nice weekend- This is usually written by those who diligently try to spoil them for you, sending a letter at the end of the working day on Friday indicating the things that need to be done. In general, it is possible, but when you do not burden someone, otherwise it smacks of sarcasm.

26. Hearty greetings- It is permissible in the event that you previously addressed each other as “comrade”, everyone else is not.

27. Your obedient servant- Strongly smacks of toadying and it's hard to imagine a situation where it would really be appropriate.

28. Sincerely devoted to you- The same problems as "Your Obedient Servant".

29. Looking forward to further fruitful cooperation- A little long, but acceptable, for example, for the first letter when writing to a stranger.

30. Kiss- If you write to your other half, then it is permissible.

Know more options? Write to us at

Deliberate politeness can look extremely impolite. How to avoid it? We share the advice of experts in the field of etiquette.

Stop writing "Best wishes!" at the end of the letter. Yes, this signature looks harmless. You really only want the best for the respondent. But times are changing, and such formulas of politeness have become redundant.

According to University of Pennsylvania researchers who have been studying the issue since 2003, the social norm has changed relatively recently. Now only 5% of e-mails end with such wishes. Often credited with "Thank you!" or "Respectfully!" .

E-mail became widespread in the 90s, and most users immediately abandoned the formalities - and politeness formulas at the end of messages. According to business etiquette coach Barbara Patcher, "It was more like a note." From the Los Angeles webpage Times Neil Schmegler, a sociologist at the University of California, predicts that with the development of electronic technologies, paper correspondence will finally become a thing of the past.

But over time, emails took over the functions of paper letters, and people returned to the familiar norms of business correspondence. Pachter says, "There's a whole hierarchy of closing signatures." So what to choose? "Sincerely"? Bad stamp. "Heart greetings"? Too emotional. "Thank you"? A good option, but it is often chosen where gratitude is not required at all. "Sincerely, yours" - did you really wholeheartedly, sincerely attach each of these files?

The problem with "all the best" is that it says nothing to the respondent at all. According to business ethics consultant Judith Kallos, "This is a nonsensical formula of speech used when there is nothing to say." Other experts are not so categorical: they call it "harmless", "correct", "decent" or "nothing". Liz Danziko, director at a PR agency NPR says: "Recently, 'All the best' has usually meant polite indifference - but now it can mean a veiled insult or threat."

"Best Wishes" are dotted with letters written several centuries ago. In the Anglo-Saxon tradition, the stamp appeared in 1922. According to the Oxford English Dictionary, this was facilitated by Francis Scott Fitzgerald, who wrote to literary critic Edmond Wilson, "Zelda sends you her best wishes." The formula became widespread and ended its life only at the end of 1968, when Larry King received an official message ending with "Good luck, Billy." Such letters strained already then, and even sharp-tongued Larry King said that it was too familiar.

Politeness formulas have been rooted in languages ​​for centuries. In 1922, Emily Post, one of the pillars of the science of etiquette, wrote:

“The British began to get rid of embellishments in letters as early as the 18th century. They limited themselves to “Yours Sincerely.”

In the age of the Internet, the tradition continues. People avoid both familiarity and expressions of affection and use as many neutral wording at the end of the letter. According to the survey, 75% of people prefer "Thank you!" or "Good luck!". However, many recognize that this is not the best choice - but they are forced to comply with the new social norm.

If not "with best regards", then how?

No way. Don't use polite formulas in signatures at all. With the spread of services like Slack, email has become like instant messengers. Barbara Patchet says: "Emails have become less formal." Now, in letters to friends or good acquaintances, final formulas are not used - it is believed that this is the same archaism as voice messages. Politeness formulas only slow down the correspondence. Liz Danziko comments: "People don't talk like that." She herself puts an end to the end of e-mails - business and personal. Without a signature.

Deliberate politeness can look extremely impolite. How to avoid it? We share the advice of experts in the field of etiquette.

Stop writing "Best wishes!" at the end of the letter. Yes, this signature looks harmless. You really only want the best for the respondent. But times are changing, and such formulas of politeness have become redundant.

According to University of Pennsylvania researchers who have been studying the issue since 2003, the social norm has changed relatively recently. Now only 5% of e-mails end with such wishes. Often credited with "Thank you!" or "Respectfully!" .

E-mail became widespread in the 90s, and most users immediately abandoned the formalities - and politeness formulas at the end of messages. According to business etiquette coach Barbara Patcher, "It was more like a note." From the Los Angeles webpage Times Neil Schmegler, a sociologist at the University of California, predicts that with the development of electronic technologies, paper correspondence will finally become a thing of the past.

But over time, emails took over the functions of paper letters, and people returned to the familiar norms of business correspondence. Pachter says, "There's a whole hierarchy of closing signatures." So what to choose? "Sincerely"? Bad stamp. "Heart greetings"? Too emotional. "Thank you"? A good option, but it is often chosen where gratitude is not required at all. "Sincerely, yours" - did you really wholeheartedly, sincerely attach each of these files?

The problem with "all the best" is that it says nothing to the respondent at all. According to business ethics consultant Judith Kallos, "This is a nonsensical formula of speech used when there is nothing to say." Other experts are not so categorical: they call it "harmless", "correct", "decent" or "nothing". Liz Danziko, director at a PR agency NPR says: "Recently, 'All the best' has usually meant polite indifference - but now it can mean a veiled insult or threat."

"Best Wishes" are dotted with letters written several centuries ago. In the Anglo-Saxon tradition, the stamp appeared in 1922. According to the Oxford English Dictionary, this was facilitated by Francis Scott Fitzgerald, who wrote to literary critic Edmond Wilson, "Zelda sends you her best wishes." The formula became widespread and ended its life only at the end of 1968, when Larry King received an official message ending with "Good luck, Billy." Such letters strained already then, and even sharp-tongued Larry King said that it was too familiar.

Politeness formulas have been rooted in languages ​​for centuries. In 1922, Emily Post, one of the pillars of the science of etiquette, wrote:

“The British began to get rid of embellishments in letters as early as the 18th century. They limited themselves to “Yours Sincerely.”

In the age of the Internet, the tradition continues. People avoid both familiarity and expressions of affection and use as many neutral wording at the end of the letter. According to the survey, 75% of people prefer "Thank you!" or "Good luck!". However, many recognize that this is not the best choice - but they are forced to comply with the new social norm.

If not "with best regards", then how?

No way. Don't use polite formulas in signatures at all. With the spread of services like Slack, email has become like instant messengers. Barbara Patchet says: "Emails have become less formal." Now, in letters to friends or good acquaintances, final formulas are not used - it is believed that this is the same archaism as voice messages. Politeness formulas only slow down the correspondence. Liz Danziko comments: "People don't talk like that." She herself puts an end to the end of e-mails - business and personal. Without a signature.

Surely, many friends who have traveled to different cities or countries do not exchange short messages on social networks every day, but occasionally write letters to each other about their lives. Someone writes regular mail, someone - electronic. Writing the letter itself is easy, but how do you finish the letter? For many a problem. Today we'll talk about how to finish a letter correctly.

A letter to a friend

To properly finish a letter to a friend, first re-read the entire text, at the same time and check for errors. Perhaps you missed something that you can add at the time of checking the letter.

For yourself, you need to clearly know: do you want to receive an answer instantly or do you expect an answer when the opportunity arises? Before you write something at the end of the letter, decide on a logical link so that there is no such feeling that the letter is not finished, unless, of course, you want to intrigue the recipient.

But how to end a letter to a friend completely, leaving only a small phrase? It’s not worth saying goodbye too tediously, because you probably don’t say goodbye like that in life. When you have edited your letter, the end turned out to be meaningful and the thought is over, then at the very end at the bottom of the letter you can add phrases such as:

  • Your (I) girlfriend / friend (Name);
  • >Waiting for an answer;
  • I want to see you soon;
  • See you;
  • Wait for a visit;
  • Come soon;
  • Kiss (NAME);
  • Best wishes;
  • With best wishes, your friend / girlfriend (Name).

Business letter

At the end of a business letter, you need to check it even more carefully for errors and literacy of the text, so that everything is clearly stated, so that there is nothing superfluous, naturally without such words as “che”, “yes, no problem” and the like. Your tone should be quite trusting and fairly easy to understand.

Approaching the end of your story, you should finally interest the addressee in something, because the end of the letter is more memorable. But that doesn't mean you shouldn't show all your cards in the beginning. Gradually, you need to let the interest grow and at the end, open it completely so that your letter remains in your memory.

Before thinking about how to finish a business letter, you should write down the list of documents attached to the letter, if any. The list must be numbered, and the documents must be nested in the order in which you previously indicated. The last phrase that is used in a business letter may sound like this:

  • Sincerely (Name);
  • Hope for cooperation;
  • With respect (Name);
  • Thank you for responding to my offer.

Farewells in English in letters

When you communicate with friends or correspond with a loved one, you do not have to follow certain boundaries of communication. Somewhere you can play a joke or write a word that you would not be able to use in a business letter. This allows you to communicate more openly.

Nowadays, different slang is widespread among young people, which is incomprehensible to the older generation. One of these slangs is the replacement of Russian words with foreign ones. How to finish a letter in English is no different from the previous tips. Any letter should be checked so as not to lose face and send it with a bunch of blots and unfinished thoughts. Just at the end, you can add such a twist as a farewell in English. For example, we will provide you with a few suitable phrases:

  • With Love (Name) - With love (Name);
  • Talk to you later - Let's talk later;
  • Good Cheers!* - Good mood!*;
  • Best wishes (Name) - With best wishes (NAME);
  • See you soon - See you soon;
  • Yours, (Name) - Yours / Yours (Name);
  • All the best - With best wishes;
  • Thanks in advance - Thank you in advance for your reply;
  • Good luck - I wish you good luck;
  • Say hi to everyone - Say hello to everyone;
  • Truly yours (Name) - Sincerely (Name);
  • Sincerely yours (Name) - Sincerely yours / yours (Name).


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