Have you ever wondered what the closing of a letter is called? You know, that short phrase or word you add at the end of a formal or informal message to wrap things up. You might have come across several terms for it, such as valediction, complimentary close, or signature block. But which one is commonly used and accepted in the business world?
The closing of a letter is more important than you think. It sets the tone for your message and summarizes your intention in a few words. Whether you’re writing a cover letter, a business proposal, or a thank-you note, the closing is the last impression you leave on your reader. If you choose the wrong term or phrase, you might send the wrong message or appear unprofessional. So, it’s better to know the commonly accepted term and use it wisely.
In this article, we will explore the different terms used to refer to the closing of a letter and their meanings. We will also provide some examples of how to use them in various situations, along with some tips to make your closing more effective. By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of what the closing of a letter is called and how to use it to your advantage. So, let’s dive in and discover the art of closing a letter!
Different Types of Closing Phrases in Letter Writing
When it comes to letter writing, the closing phrase is the final impression the recipient will have of you and your message. It’s important to choose the right closing phrase to match the tone and purpose of your letter. Here are some different types of closing phrases in letter writing:
- Formal:
- “Sincerely,”
- “Respectfully,”
- “Yours faithfully,”
- “Yours truly,”
- “Regards,”
- “Best regards,”
- “With appreciation,”
- “Warm regards,”
- “Cordially,”
- “Sincerely yours,”
- Informal:
- “Take care,”
- “Cheers,”
- “Warmly,”
- “With gratitude,”
- “Love,”
- “Best wishes,”
- “All the best,”
- “Until next time,”
- “See you soon,”
- “Thanks again,”
- Closing with a Request:
- “I look forward to hearing from you soon,”
- “Please let me know if you need any further information,”
- “I hope we can connect soon to discuss this in more detail,”
- “Please don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions,”
- “Thank you for your time and consideration,”
In addition to these types of closing phrases, it’s important to consider the tone and purpose of your letter. For example, if you are writing a thank-you letter, it would be appropriate to use a closing phrase expressing gratitude such as “With gratitude” or “Thank you again.”
| Letter Type | Purpose | Closing Phrase Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Cover Letter | Applying for a job | “Thank you for considering my application,” “I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my qualifications further,” “With appreciation for your time and consideration” |
| Thank-You Letter | Expressing gratitude | “With gratitude,” “Thank you again,” “I appreciate your kindness,” “You have my sincere appreciation,” “I am deeply grateful for your help” |
| Business Letter | Conveying information or making a request | “Please let me know if you have any questions,” “I look forward to hearing from you soon,” “Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter,” “Please let me know if you need any further information.” |
Overall, the closing phrase of a letter plays a significant role in the overall impression you leave with the recipient. Choose the appropriate type of closing phrase based on the tone and purpose of your letter. With the right closing phrase, you can effectively convey your message and leave a positive lasting impression.
Importance of Effective Letter Closings in Communication
As much as the opening of a letter is important, the closing is just as crucial. The conclusion of a letter lets the recipient know that the message has ended, but also serves as a lasting impression on the reader. It is often the last thing that they will read, making it important to leave the reader with a positive feeling. Here are some reasons why effective letter closings are essential in communication:
- Leaves a Lasting Impression – A strong closing can make a lasting impression on the reader and can even influence their opinion of you or your business. A poorly crafted conclusion can leave a bad taste in the reader’s mouth, just as a well-written one can make them want to work with you again.
- Ties Up Loose Ends – A letter closing can also serve as a way to summarize the information in the body of the letter. It can be used to tie up any loose ends and bring the message to a natural close.
- Shows Professionalism – A professional letter closing can help to create a positive image of you or your business. It shows that you have taken the time to craft a thoughtful message and that you care about the recipient’s response.
The Elements of an Effective Letter Closing
In order to create a strong letter closing, there are a few key elements that should be included:
- A Thank You – It is always a good idea to thank the reader for their time and attention.
- A Call to Action – A call to action can be used to encourage the reader to take the next step, whether that be responding to the letter or following up in some way.
- A Personal Touch – Including a personal touch, such as a warm sign off or a handwritten signature, can help to create a stronger connection between you and the reader.
Examples of Effective Letter Closings
Here are a few examples of effective letter closings:
| Letter Type | Closing Example |
|---|---|
| Thank You Letter | Thank you again for your help and for taking the time to read this letter. |
| Cover Letter | Thank you for your consideration, and I look forward to hearing from you soon. |
| Business Letter | Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter. |
Overall, effective letter closings are an important part of communication. By including a strong conclusion in your letters, you can leave a positive and lasting impression on your reader.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Letter Closures
When it comes to letter writing, there are various elements that need to be managed properly to ensure your message is conveyed effectively. One important element is the letter closure. The closing of a letter is the last few sentences that wrap up your message and provide a polite and professional ending. While it may seem like a small detail, choosing the right letter closure is essential. However, it is equally important to avoid common mistakes that can leave a bad impression.
- Using informal language: The way you close your letter should be in line with the tone you have set throughout the letter. If you have maintained a professional tone, but the closing is very informal, it can be confusing and leave a negative impression. For instance, saying “Cheers” or “Later” may sound too casual in many situations.
- Using the wrong salutation: Your letter closure should match the salutation used in the beginning of your letter. For instance, if your salutation is “Dear Mr. Smith,” your letter should end with “Sincerely” or “Respectfully.” Using a different closure like “Best regards” or “Yours truly” can be confusing and unprofessional.
- Being too wordy: The closing of your letter should be brief and to the point. Avoid being too wordy or using too many adjectives. This can make your letter sound insincere and boring. For instance, instead of saying “I sincerely hope to hear back from you soon,” you could simply say “Looking forward to hearing from you.”
By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure that your letter closure is effective and professional. Remember that it is often the last thing your reader will see, so you want to leave a positive impression.
If you are unsure about the most suitable closure to use in your letter, consider the purpose of your letter, your relationship with the recipient, and the tone of your message. It is also important to proofread your letter and ensure that the closure matches the overall tone, style, and context of the letter.
| Mistake to Avoid | Example | Better Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Using informal language | “Later” | “Sincerely” |
| Using the wrong salutation | “Yours truly” | “Best regards” |
| Being too wordy | “I sincerely hope to hear back from you soon.” | “Looking forward to hearing from you.” |
Remember, the letter closure is an important part of your letter and can leave a lasting impression. By avoiding these common mistakes and being mindful of your tone and language, you can ensure that your letter is professional, effective, and memorable.
Using Formal vs. Informal Salutations at the End of a Letter
How you end a letter depends on the level of formality you want to convey. For more formal situations, use a formal salutation, and for more informal situations, a casual one is appropriate.
- Formal salutations: These salutations are appropriate for business letters, professional correspondence, or any situation where the writer wants to convey formality and respect. Examples include:
- Sincerely
- Cordially
- Respectfully yours
- Yours truly
- Best regards
- Informal salutations: These salutations are more appropriate for personal correspondence, or any situation where a more casual tone is acceptable. Examples include:
- Warmly
- Take care
- Best
- Regards
- Love
Using the appropriate salutation shows that you know and fully understand the cultural norms of the situation.
It’s also important to consider the relationship between the writer and the recipient. For example, if you’re writing to a close friend or family member, a formal salutation may come off as stiff or distant. On the other hand, if you’re writing to a business associate or someone you don’t know very well, a casual salutation may come off as unprofessional.
| Formal Salutations | Informal Salutations |
|---|---|
| Sincerely | Regards |
| Respectfully yours | Warmly |
| Yours truly | Best |
| Best regards | Take care |
The table above provides a comparison of formal and informal salutations to help you choose the right one for your letter.
Examples of Professional Letter Closings
When it comes to writing a professional letter, the closing is just as important as the opening. It’s the last impression you’ll leave on the reader, and it’s important to get it right. Here are some examples of professional letter closings to help you craft the perfect ending to your next letter.
- Sincerely
- Best regards
- Kind regards
- Yours truly
- Thank you
Each of these closings can be used in a variety of situations, but there are certain times when one might be more appropriate than the others. For example, “Sincerely” is a classic and professional way to end a letter, while “Thank you” is a good choice if you’re expressing gratitude.
If you’re writing to someone you’ve never met before, “Best regards” or “Kind regards” are both great choices. They’re polite, but not overly formal, and they imply a sense of warmth and friendliness.
If you’re sending a cover letter or a job application, “Yours truly” is a strong choice. It shows that you’re serious about the job and willing to put your best foot forward.
Here’s a table comparing the different types of letter closings:
| Closing | When to use |
|---|---|
| Sincerely | Classic and professional |
| Best regards | Polite and friendly |
| Kind regards | Polite and friendly |
| Yours truly | Strong choice for job applications |
| Thank you | Expressing gratitude or appreciation |
Remember, the closing of your letter is just as important as the rest of it. Choose your closing carefully to leave a lasting impression on the reader.
Creative Ways to End a Letter
When it comes to ending a letter, there are a variety of options to choose from. While the traditional “sincerely” or “regards” can be effective, using a unique closing can leave a lasting impression on the reader. Here are some creative ways to end a letter:
- Warmly – Use this closing to convey a sense of warmth and friendliness.
- All my best – A casual and friendly way to sign off, especially for personal letters.
- Yours truly – A classic and professional way to end a letter.
Of course, there are many more creative options to choose from. Here are a few others:
- With gratitude – A great way to show appreciation and end on a positive note.
- Cheers – A fun and informal way to sign off.
- Until we meet again – Use this closing when you want to convey a sense of anticipation for your next meeting or conversation.
It’s also worth noting that the closing of a letter isn’t always just words. You can also include a thoughtful gesture or gift, depending on the context of the letter. For example, if you’re writing a thank-you note after a job interview, including a small gift or thoughtful item can help leave a positive impression.
| Tip: | Consider the tone of the letter and your relationship with the recipient when choosing a closing. If you’re writing a formal business letter, for example, you may want to stick with a more traditional sign-off. |
|---|
Remember, the closing of a letter is your last chance to leave an impact on the reader. By choosing a creative and thoughtful ending, you can leave a lasting impression and make your letter stand out.
How to Match Letter Closures to the Tone and Purpose of the Message
When it comes to ending a letter, the closing you choose should reflect the tone and purpose of the message you are conveying. Here are some tips to help you match your letter closure to your message:
- If your message is formal or professional, use a closing such as “Sincerely” or “Best regards.”
- If your message is more personal or friendly, consider using a closing such as “Take care” or “Warmly.”
- For a casual or informal message, a simple “Thanks” or “Cheers” can suffice.
Of course, there are exceptions to these guidelines. For example, if you are sending a message to someone you know well but about a professional matter, you might still want to use a more formal closing. Likewise, if you are sending a friendly message but one that requires a serious response, a more formal closing might be more appropriate.
Ultimately, the key is to consider your audience and the purpose of your message. Here are some additional considerations:
- Consider the relationship between you and the recipient. Is it formal or informal?
- Think about the subject matter of your message. Is it serious or lighthearted?
- Consider the tone of your message. Is it professional, friendly, persuasive, or something else?
A well-matched letter closure can leave a lasting impression on the recipient and help to reinforce the tone and purpose of your message. Take the time to choose your closing carefully, and your message is sure to be well-received.
| Formal Closings: | Personal Closings: | Casual Closings: |
|---|---|---|
| Sincerely | Take care | Thanks |
| Best regards | Warmly | Cheers |
| Yours truly | Love | See you soon |
Remember, the closing you choose is just as important as the rest of your message and can leave a lasting impression on the recipient. Keep in mind the relationship between you and the recipient, the subject matter of your message, and the tone you are trying to convey when choosing a closing for your letter.
What is the closing of a letter called?
Here are the frequently asked questions about the closing of a letter:
1. What is the purpose of a closing in a letter?
A closing in a letter signifies the end of the message and serves as a polite gesture for the recipient.
2. What are common closings used in letters?
Common closings used in letters include “Sincerely,” “Regards,” “Best,” and “Yours truly.”
3. Should the closing be capitalized?
Yes, the closing should always be capitalized, regardless of the style used.
4. Can a letter have multiple closings?
No, a letter should only have one closing at the end of the message.
5. Is it necessary to include a closing in a letter?
While it is not necessary, it is considered proper etiquette to include a closing in a letter.
6. Should a comma be used after the closing?
Yes, a comma should be used after the closing before the signature.
7. Can a closing be personalized?
Yes, a closing can be personalized to fit the tone and relationship between the sender and recipient.
Closing Thoughts
Now that you know what the closing of a letter is called and its purpose, be sure to end your letter with a polite and appropriate closing. Whether it’s a formal or informal letter, a closing is an important aspect of any message. Thank you for reading, and we hope you visit us again soon for more helpful tips and information.