how to write best regards in email

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12-12-2024

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How to Write "Best Regards" (and Alternatives) in Your Emails

The closing of your email is more than just a polite farewell; it's a final impression that can impact how your recipient perceives you and your message. While "Best regards" is a perfectly acceptable and widely used closing, knowing when and how to use it—and when to choose a different option—can make your emails more effective.

When "Best Regards" Works Best:

• Professional correspondence: "Best regards" is a safe and professional choice for most business emails, client communications, and formal interactions. It conveys a sense of respect and politeness without being overly familiar.
• Neutral relationships: If you have a neutral or slightly formal relationship with the recipient, "Best regards" is a suitable option. It strikes a balance between formality and friendliness.
• Unknown recipients: When emailing someone for the first time, or someone whose communication style you're unfamiliar with, "Best regards" is a good default choice.

How to Use "Best Regards" Properly:

• Capitalization: Always capitalize "Best Regards." It's a formal phrase.
• Punctuation: A comma typically precedes "Best regards," unless you're using a more informal closing. For example: "Thank you for your time, Best regards," or "Sincerely, Best regards." However, a comma is optional and is becoming increasingly less common in professional settings.
• Placement: Place "Best regards" on a new line, below your signature.

Alternatives to "Best Regards":

The best closing depends on your relationship with the recipient and the context of the email. Here are some alternatives:

More Formal:

• Sincerely: A classic and highly formal choice, suitable for very formal situations.
• Respectfully: Suggests a high level of respect and deference. Use this when addressing someone of significantly higher authority.
• Cordially: Similar to "sincerely" but slightly less formal.

Slightly Less Formal:

• Regards: A shorter, more concise version of "Best regards."
• Kind regards: A warmer, more friendly alternative.
• Warmly: Expresses genuine warmth and friendliness. Suitable for close colleagues or clients with whom you have an established relationship.

Informal (Use with caution in professional settings):

• Thanks: Suitable for brief, informal emails.
• Cheers: Informal and friendly, appropriate for colleagues you know well. Avoid in formal business contexts.
• All the best: A friendly and optimistic closing.

What to Avoid:

• Overly casual closings: Avoid slang or overly familiar phrases in professional emails.
• Inconsistent closings: Maintain consistency in your email closings for a professional image.

Choosing the Right Closing: A Summary

Ultimately, the best closing for your email depends on the context and your relationship with the recipient. Consider your audience and the overall tone of your message to select the most appropriate closing. While "Best regards" is a versatile and generally safe option, exploring alternatives can help you tailor your communication for maximum impact. The key is to be consistent and to ensure your closing reflects the professionalism and tone of your email.