TL;DR – “Best regards” is a polite and commonly used sign-off in professional correspondence to convey good wishes or respect at the end of a letter or email.
“Best regards” is a commonly used sign-off in English, especially in business emails and professional correspondence. This valediction is a polite and friendly closing phrase typically positioned at the end of a letter or email, just before the sender’s email signature or name. It conveys warm regards, good wishes, or expresses respect to the recipient, signaling the end of the message. The term is often used in formal emails, business letters, and other forms of professional correspondence as a neutral, courteous, and universally accepted way to conclude a message.
In the realm of business communication, the importance of a proper email closing or letter closing cannot be overstated. Just as the salutation serves as the first word or introduction, the sign-off or valediction is the last impression left with the reader. It not only provides closure but can also affect the tone and nature of the working relationship.
There are many variations of this closing, reflecting different nuances, and suitable for various contexts:
Regards
Warmest regards
Kind regards
With regards
Warm regards
Best wishes
Alternatives you can also use, especially if you have a more personal relationship with the recipient or if you want to convey specific sentiments, include:
Yours truly
Kindest regards
Sincerely yours
Well wishes
Warm wishes
Sincerely (a classic choice, especially in American business letters)
Cordially
Choosing the right sign-off for job applications or cover letters can give a hint of your professionalism and attention to detail. Templates available on social media platforms, Gmail, and other email providers might provide a range of valedictions to choose from.
Moreover, whether it’s a formal letter or an email in a professional setting, it’s advisable to use a comma after the chosen sign-off, followed by your name or email signature. If you’re looking for synonyms or alternatives to a particular phrase or more information on crafting the perfect follow-up or correspondence, resources on professional email etiquette can be invaluable.
In conclusion, while valediction is just one part of your correspondence, choosing the right one can strengthen your message and the impression you leave with the recipient. Whether maintaining a long-standing professional relationship or reaching out for the first time, the right sign-off, like “best regards,” can strike the perfect note.
FAQ
Is Best regards a good closing?
Yes, “Best regards” is a widely accepted and appropriate closing for many types of correspondence, both professional and personal. It’s neutral, courteous, and conveys a sense of goodwill without being overly formal or too casual.
That being said, the appropriateness of “Best regards” (or any closing) can depend on the context and nature of the communication, as well as the relationship between the sender and recipient.
Here are a few considerations:
Professional Correspondence: For business emails or letters where the tone is professional but not overly formal, “Best regards” is often suitable. It’s a safe choice when you’re unsure about the level of formality required.
Personal Correspondence: “Best regards” can also be used in personal letters or emails, especially if the tone is friendly but not overly intimate.
Formality Level: If the communication is highly formal (e.g., a legal document or an official letter to a dignitary), a more formal closing like “Yours sincerely” or “Respectfully” might be more appropriate. Conversely, in very casual or intimate settings, something like “Cheers,” “Take care,” or “See you soon” might feel more natural.
Cultural and Regional Differences: Depending on the cultural and regional practices of the recipient, certain closings might be preferred over others. It’s always a good idea to be aware of these nuances, especially in international communication.
Familiarity with the Recipient: If you have an established relationship with the recipient, you might opt for a more personal or casual closing. Conversely, if it’s a first-time communication or if you don’t know the person well, “Best regards” is a safe and neutral choice.
In summary, “Best regards” is a versatile closing that’s suitable for a wide range of situations. It’s always a good idea to consider the context and your relationship with the recipient when choosing an appropriate closing.
What does “highest regards” mean? Is it ok to use?
“Highest regards” is a phrase used to express deep respect or esteem for someone when closing a letter or email. It is a polite and formal way to conclude a message before signing your name.
Here’s a breakdown:
Highest: This superlative adjective means of the greatest degree or utmost.
Regards: This noun means best wishes or greetings and is often used in correspondence to convey respect.
When used together as “highest regards,” you’re expressing the utmost respect and well-wishing toward the recipient. This closing phrase is particularly suitable in formal or professional communications where a respectful tone is essential.
Example of use in closing a letter or email:
Thank you for considering my application. I am looking forward to the possibility of working together.
Highest regards,
[Your Name]
It’s worth noting that while “highest regards” is perfectly polite and acceptable, the more commonly used valedictions in professional correspondence tend to be “Kind regards,” “Best regards,” or simply “Regards.” “Highest regards” might be reserved for situations where you wish to convey deep respect or admiration, or in particularly formal communications.
What does “sincerest regards” mean? Is it ok to use?
“Sincerest regards” is a closing salutation used in letters and emails to convey genuine respect and well-wishing toward the recipient.
Sincerest: A superlative adjective derived from “sincere,” meaning genuine, honest, and free from pretense or deceit.
Regards: A noun used in greetings or expressions of respect and well-wishing.
When you say “sincerest regards,” you’re expressing genuine and heartfelt respect or good wishes to the recipient. This expression can be perceived as warm and honest while maintaining a level of formality and professionalism.
Example of usage:
Thank you for your assistance with the project.
Sincerest regards,
[Your Name]
It’s completely acceptable to use “sincerest regards” in both professional and personal correspondence when you want to convey genuine respect or appreciation. However, it’s worth noting that “Best regards,” “Kind regards,” and “Warm regards” are more commonly used in professional emails. “Sincerest regards” can be seen as a bit more personal and heartfelt, so it’s crucial to use it in appropriate contexts where such a tone is suitable. Always ensure that your choice of salutation matches the tone and nature of your relationship with the recipient.
Should I use Sincerely or Best Regards?
Whether you should use “Sincerely” or “Best Regards” largely depends on the context and tone of your message. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide:
Sincerely:
Formality: More formal.
Typical Use: Common in traditional business letters, especially when you’re concluding a letter to someone you don’t know personally.
Example: Job applications, formal complaints, or any official correspondence.
Best Regards:
Formality: Slightly less formal than “Sincerely” but still professional.
Typical Use: Business emails, correspondence with colleagues, or letters to acquaintances.
Example: Closing an email to a coworker or business partner.
Other Tips:
Always consider your relationship with the recipient and the content of your letter or email. If you’re writing to someone you have a close relationship with, “Warm Regards” or just “Regards” might be more suitable.
It’s also a good practice to stay consistent. If you start off with a very formal tone, it would be appropriate to end with “Sincerely”. If your tone is more relaxed and friendly, “Best Regards” or something similar might be a better fit.
Ensure that whatever closing you choose matches the overall tone and purpose of your correspondence.
Ultimately, both “Sincerely” and “Best Regards” are safe choices for most professional communications. The key is to gauge the formality and tone you want to convey and then select the closing that aligns best with that intention.
Isaac Adams-Hands is the SEO Director at SEO North, a company that provides Search Engine Optimization services. As an SEO Professional, Isaac has considerable expertise in On-page SEO, Off-page SEO, and Technical SEO, which gives him a leg up against the competition.
