Have you ever been confused about what to write at the end of a letter or email? It’s a common conundrum that many people face when completing their correspondence. After crafting the perfect message, it can be frustrating to get stuck on what seems like a small detail – what is the end of a letter called?
Surprisingly, there isn’t just one answer to this question. Depending on the type of communication you’re sending and the tone you want to convey, there are several ways to close out your message. Some people opt for a simple “Sincerely” or “Thank you,” while others may prefer more creative sign-offs like “Best regards” or “Stay awesome.”
If you’re struggling to come up with an appropriate way to end your letter, don’t worry! We’ll explore some of the most common and effective ways to close out your communication so you can make a lasting impression on your recipient. Whether you’re writing to a potential employer, a friend, or a business partner, we’ve got you covered on how to wrap things up in a professional and memorable way.
Different parts of a letter
When it comes to writing letters, there are certain components that are essential to include. Each part serves a specific purpose in conveying your message effectively.
Here are the different parts of a letter:
- Heading: This includes your address and the date the letter was written. It’s usually placed at the top of the page and aligned to the right. The purpose of the heading is to provide the recipient with your contact information in case they need to respond to your letter.
- Inside Address: This is the receiver’s address. It’s placed below the heading and aligned to the left. The inside address ensures that the letter is delivered to the correct person or organization.
- Greeting or Salutation: This is the opening line of your letter, and it varies depending on who you’re addressing. If you know the name of the person you’re writing to, use their title and last name. If you don’t know their name, use a general salutation like “To Whom It May Concern.”
- Body: This is the main part of your letter, where you’ll convey your message or ask for something. Keep your message clear and concise, and use paragraphs to organize your thoughts.
- Closing: This is the line that signals the end of your letter. Examples include “Sincerely,” “Yours truly,” or “Best regards.”
- Signature: This is where you sign your name and include any relevant titles or designations. It’s usually placed below the closing line.
- Enclosure: This is an optional part of your letter that you can include if you’re sending additional documents or items along with your letter.
It’s important to follow the standard format of a letter to ensure that your message is taken seriously and received appropriately. Using these components will help you structure your letter effectively and convey your message in a professional manner.
Common Phrases to End a Letter
When it comes to ending a letter, sometimes words fail us. We want to convey the appropriate level of gratitude, respect, or appreciation, but we’re not always sure what words to use. Fortunately, there are some common phrases that can help us express our sentiments in a clear and concise manner.
- Best regards – This phrase is a classic and works well in most situations. It’s professional yet friendly.
- Sincerely – This is a more formal option and is often used in business or professional correspondence.
- Thank you – This is a simple yet powerful way to show your appreciation.
In addition to these common phrases, there are also some variations that can add a personal touch to your letter. For example, if you’re writing to a close friend or family member, you might use:
- Love – This is appropriate when you have a close relationship with the recipient.
- Yours truly – This is a more personal version of “sincerely” and can convey a sense of warmth and affection.
- Take care – This is a friendly way to show that you care about the recipient’s well-being.
When choosing a phrase to end your letter, it’s important to consider the tone and context of the message. A formal letter may require a different approach than a casual email to a friend. Think about the purpose of your letter and choose a phrase that reflects your intentions.
Finally, remember that the way you end your letter can leave a lasting impression on the recipient. A thoughtful and appropriate closing can show that you care about the relationship and value the recipient’s time and effort. So take a few moments to choose the right phrase and end your letter on a high note.
Whether you’re expressing gratitude, sending well wishes, or simply signing off, using the right phrase at the end of a letter can make a big difference. By choosing a thoughtful and appropriate closing, you can convey your message in a clear and concise way while leaving a positive impression on the recipient.
Next time you’re writing a letter, try experimenting with some different phrases and see how they feel. With a little practice, you’ll find the perfect closing for any occasion.
History of Letter Writing
Letter writing dates back to ancient civilizations such as Egypt, Greece, and Rome where messages were written on papyrus scrolls and sheets of paper made from animal skins. It wasn’t until the 15th century with the invention of the printing press that the mass production of paper began, making letter writing accessible to a wider range of people. This led to a significant increase in the popularity of personal letter writing throughout the Renaissance period.
By the 19th century, letter writing had become an essential form of communication, especially for those who were far away from each other or had limited access to other means of communication. Letter writing was the primary way of staying in touch with family and friends, and also for business transactions.
The Elements of a Letter
- The heading: Here, the writer’s address and date are written and placed at the top right corner of the letter.
- The greeting: A formal letter usually begins with “Dear” followed by the recipient’s name or title, while informal letters can start with variations such as “Hi” or “Hello.”
- The body: This is where the message or reason for the letter is communicated. It can be written in paragraphs.
- The closing: This is where the letter writer concludes with a closing remark and signs off. Popular closing phrases include “Yours truly,” “Sincerely,” or “Best regards.”
- The signature: The writer’s name and signature are placed at the bottom right corner of the letter.
The End of a Letter
The end of a letter is the final opportunity to leave a lasting impression on the recipient. It is a chance to summarize the letter’s content, express gratitude, reiterate a call to action, or include additional information.
The following phrases are commonly used to end a letter:
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Best regards | Respectfully and cordially |
| Yours truly | A sincere ending |
| Sincerely | A formal and respectful ending |
| Thank you | Expressing gratitude for the recipient’s time or help |
| Looking forward to hearing from you soon | Encouraging the recipient to respond |
The end of a letter, just like the beginning and the body, should be written with care and thoughtfulness to ensure that the letter leaves a positive and lasting impression.
Formal vs informal letter endings
One of the most important aspects of letter writing is the ending. It can leave a lasting impression on the reader and impact the overall tone and message of the letter. The type of ending used can vary depending on the formality of the letter.
- Formal letter endings: In formal letters, it’s important to maintain a professional tone throughout the entirety of the communication. The ending should reflect this tone and be respectful and courteous. Commonly used formal letter endings include:
- Sincerely,
- Regards,
- Yours truly,
- Respectfully,
- Very truly yours.
- Informal letter endings: Informal letters allow for more personal communication and therefore, the ending can be more relaxed and casual. However, it’s important to still maintain a level of politeness and respect. Commonly used informal letter endings include:
- Best,
- Warm regards,
- Cheers,
- Love,
- Take care.
While these letter endings are commonly used, there are many variations that can be used to fit the specific tone and message of the letter. It’s important to always consider the audience and purpose of the letter when choosing an appropriate ending. A professional letter to a potential employer may require a more formal ending, while a letter to a close friend may allow for a more casual ending.
The Importance of Letter Endings
When it comes to writing letters, the ending may seem like a small detail. However, the way in which you close a letter can leave a lasting impression on the recipient. A strong ending can make your letter more memorable and impactful, while a weak or inappropriate one can detract from its overall effectiveness. Here are five reasons why letter endings really matter:
- It emphasizes your message: Your letter’s ending can reinforce the main point you’re trying to make and ensure that it sticks with the recipient. An effective ending may remind the reader of the key takeaways or actionable items you’ve presented in the body of the letter.
- It sets the tone: The way you end your letter can shape the recipient’s perception of you and your message. A friendly, warm closing may help build a rapport, while a more formal closing may be appropriate for a professional or business-oriented letter.
- It shows your gratitude: Closing your letter with a sincere and appreciative message can demonstrate your gratitude and leave a positive lasting impression on the recipient. It may also help strengthen your relationship with that person.
- It can encourage a response: A well-written closing can also motivate the reader to respond to your letter. This is especially important if you are requesting a reply or follow-up action.
- It leaves a lasting impression: Finally, remember that your letter’s ending is often the last thing the reader will see. A strong closing can leave a lasting impression and make your letter more memorable. On the other hand, a weak or inappropriate ending can detract from your message and potentially harm your relationship with the recipient.
As you can see, letter endings are a critical component of effective communication. By putting thought and care into how you close your letters, you can emphasize your message, set the right tone, show gratitude, encourage a response, and leave a lasting impression. Take the time to craft a strong and appropriate closing, and you’ll be well on your way to writing more impactful letters.
Cultural Differences in Letter Endings
When it comes to ending a letter, different cultures have their own unique traditions and customs. Here are some notable cultural differences in letter endings:
- Japan: In Japan, it is customary to end a letter with the expression “yoroshiku onegaishimasu,” which loosely translates to “please take care of me” or “kindly regard me.” This is used even in business correspondence.
- China: Chinese letters often end with the phrase “zhù kāng,” which means “wish you good health.”
- Spain: Spanish letters often end with the expression “saludos cordiales,” which translates to “cordial greetings.”
In addition to these cultural differences, there are also formal and informal ways to end a letter. Formal letter endings typically include phrases such as “sincerely,” “regards,” or “yours truly,” while informal endings might be “take care,” “cheers,” or “best wishes.”
It’s important to be mindful of cultural differences when sending letters or emails to individuals from different countries. A message that might seem perfectly polite in one culture could be seen as rude or inappropriate in another.
| Country | Formal Ending | Informal Ending |
|---|---|---|
| United States | Sincerely, | Take care, |
| United Kingdom | Yours faithfully, | Best regards, |
| France | Je vous prie d’agréer, Monsieur/Madame, l’expression de mes salutations distinguées. | Bien cordialement, |
By taking the time to learn about cultural differences in letter endings, you can ensure that your correspondence is respectful and appropriate no matter where it is being sent.
Impact of Technology on Letter Endings
In today’s digital world, technology has undoubtedly revolutionized the way we communicate. With the click of a button, we can send messages instantaneously to anyone across the globe. As a result, the traditional letter has become less prevalent in our day-to-day lives, replaced by emails, text messages, and social media posts. The impact of technology on letter endings has been significant, as the ways in which we sign off our messages have evolved to reflect the changing nature of our communication.
- Abbreviations: One of the most significant changes technology has brought to letter endings is the use of abbreviations. Instead of traditional sign-offs such as “Yours truly” or “Sincerely,” we now often see abbreviations such as “BR,” “THX,” or even emojis used to convey a similar sentiment. These abbreviated endings help to convey a sense of informality and speed that is characteristic of digital communication.
- Email Signatures: Another way in which technology has impacted letter endings is through the use of email signatures. In the past, signatures were often handwritten, or simply included the sender’s name. These days, however, many of us have signatures that automatically appear at the end of our emails, complete with our contact information, job titles, and even links to our social media profiles. While these signatures can be helpful for providing context, they can also feel impersonal and insincere, especially in more formal contexts.
- Video Sign-Offs: As video communication has become more prevalent, so too have video sign-offs. Instead of typing out a traditional letter ending, we can now record a brief video message that conveys our sentiments in a more personal and intimate way. While these video sign-offs can be more time-consuming and require more effort than typing out a quick email, they can also feel more authentic and heartfelt.
Overall, the impact of technology on letter endings has been both significant and complex. While we may have lost some of the formalities of traditional letter writing, we have gained new ways of expressing ourselves and connecting with others, even across vast distances. As technology continues to evolve, we can expect our letter endings to evolve along with it, constantly adapting to reflect the changing ways in which we communicate.
Reference: Ferriss, T. (2016). Tools of titans: The tactics, routines, and habits of billionaires, icons, and world-class performers. Ebury Publishing.
| Traditional Letter Endings | Modern Alternatives |
|---|---|
| Yours Sincerely | Best Regards |
| Yours Faithfully | Thanks in advance |
| Warm Regards | Talk soon |
| Love | XOXO |
Adapted from HubSpot. (n.d.). How to End a Letter: 12 Useful Farewell Phrases. HubSpot. Retrieved April 5, 2021, from https://blog.hubspot.com/marketing/how-to-end-a-letter)
What is the end of a letter called?
Q: What is the term for the end of a letter?
A: The term commonly used is “closing” or “complimentary close.”
Q: What is the purpose of a closing in a letter?
A: The closing signals the end of the letter and provides a polite and formal way to end the communication.
Q: Are there different types of closings?
A: Yes, there are different types of closings such as formal, informal, and business-specific closings.
Q: What are some examples of formal closings?
A: Examples of formal closings include “Sincerely,” “Respectfully,” and “Yours truly.”
Q: What are some examples of informal closings?
A: Examples of informal closings include “Cheers,” “Take care,” and “Best wishes.”
Q: Is it necessary to include a closing in a letter?
A: Yes, including a closing is considered a basic etiquette and shows respect to the recipient.
Q: Can I use emojis in the closing of a letter?
A: It’s not recommended to use emojis in a professional or formal letter, as it may not be appropriate.
Wrap Up
Now you know that the end of a letter is called a “closing” or “complimentary close.” Depending on the tone and context of the letter, you can use different types of closings. Remember to always end a letter with a closing to show respect to the recipient. Thank you for reading and don’t forget to come back for more informative articles.