8 Best Email Endings in English (+Letters) 2026

Emails are one of the most common forms of communication in professional and personal life. While people often focus on the subject line or body content, the email ending is equally important. The way you close an email leaves a lasting impression, reflects your tone, and can even affect the response you get. 

In this guide, we’ll explore the 8 best email endings in English, explain when to use them, and provide real-life examples to make your emails polished and professional.

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Why Email Endings Matter in Professional Communication

Many people underestimate the power of a well-crafted email ending. It is your final impression, and it can:

• Reflect your professionalism
  
• Convey politeness and respect
  
• Maintain or strengthen your relationship with the recipient
  
• Influence response rates
  

For instance, a formal email ending like “Sincerely” works for job applications, while “Best regards” suits a professional colleague. Choosing the wrong ending could make your email feel rushed, careless, or overly casual.

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Types of Email Endings

Email endings can generally be divided into four main types, based on tone and formality:

• Formal Endings: Best for business or professional communication
  
• Semi-Formal Endings: Suitable for colleagues or acquaintances you know fairly well
  
• Informal Endings: For friends or casual business contacts
  
• Friendly/Personal Endings: For close colleagues, mentors, or personal messages
  

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8 Best Email Endings in English (+Example Letters)

Here’s a detailed list of 8 email endings you can use in 2026, categorized by tone, along with example usage.

Best Formal Email Endings

1. Sincerely
   
   • Usage: Traditional, professional, and suitable for formal letters, applications, or official requests.
     

Example:

Dear Mr. Thompson,  

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to your response.  

Sincerely,  

Jane Doe

2. Yours faithfully
   
   • Usage: Used in formal letters when the recipient’s name is unknown. Common in British English.
     

Example:

Dear Hiring Manager,  

I am writing to express my interest in the Marketing Associate position.  

Yours faithfully,  

John Smith

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Best Semi-Formal Email Endings

3. Best regards
   
   • Usage: Polite, professional, but less rigid than “Sincerely.” Works for colleagues or business contacts.
     

Example:

Hi Sarah,  

Thanks for your help with the project timeline. I appreciate your support.  

Best regards,  

Michael Lee

4. Kind regards
   
   • Usage: Slightly warmer than “Best regards,” often used in friendly business communication.
     

Example:

Dear Dr. Patel,  

I hope this email finds you well. Please find the attached report for your review.  

Kind regards,  

Emily Zhang

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Best Informal Email Endings

5. Cheers
   
   • Usage: Casual, friendly, often used in emails to colleagues, clients, or peers in creative industries.
     

Example:

Hey Tom,  

Great job on the presentation today! Let’s catch up over coffee soon.  

Cheers,  

Alex

6. Thanks / Many thanks
   
   • Usage: Polite and concise, ideal for emails where gratitude is expressed.
     

Example:

Hi Lisa,  

Thanks for sending the report ahead of time. Really appreciate it.  

Many thanks,  

Daniel

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Best Friendly/Personal Email Endings

7. Warm regards
   
   • Usage: Friendly but professional, conveys warmth and care. Great for mentors or colleagues you know well.
     

Example:

Hi Rebecca,  

I hope your week is going well! Looking forward to our meeting next week.  

Warm regards,  

Sofia

8. Take care
   
   • Usage: Very personal and friendly, used for close contacts or long-term colleagues.
     

Example:

Hey Mark,  

It was great seeing you at the conference. Let’s stay in touch!  

Take care,  

Jenna

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How to Choose the Right Email Ending

Choosing the right ending depends on:

• Audience: Formal for bosses, semi-formal for colleagues, informal for peers
  
• Context: Job application, request, follow-up, or casual conversation
  
• Tone: Friendly, neutral, or professional
  

Quick Tip: If unsure, “Best regards” is usually a safe choice—it’s polite, professional, and versatile.

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Common Grammar Rules & Etiquette for Email Endings

• Punctuation:
  

Use a comma after most closings:

Best regards,

• Avoid periods after endings like “Sincerely” or “Cheers.”
  

Capitalization: Always capitalize the first letter of the ending.

Correct: Kind regards,  

Incorrect: kind regards,

• Cultural Considerations:
  
  • British English favors “Yours faithfully” and “Yours sincerely.”
    
  • American English prefers “Sincerely” or “Best regards.”
    

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Synonyms and Alternatives for Email Endings

Here’s a quick reference table of email endings with their tone and usage:

Ending	Tone	Best Used For
Sincerely	Formal	Applications, official letters
Yours faithfully	Formal	Unknown recipient, formal UK emails
Best regards	Semi-Formal	Colleagues, professional contacts
Kind regards	Semi-Formal	Friendly business communication
Cheers	Informal	Peers, creative industries
Thanks	Informal	Gratitude, casual professional emails
Warm regards	Friendly	Mentors, colleagues, supportive emails
Take care	Friendly	Close colleagues, personal contacts

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Real-Life Examples of Effective Email Endings

Here are sample letters showing how endings affect tone:

Job Application:

Dear HR Manager,  

I am writing to apply for the Software Developer role at XYZ Corp. Please find my resume attached.  

Sincerely,  

Alex Turner

Colleague Follow-Up:

Hi Rachel,  

Just checking in on the project timeline. Let me know if you need any assistance.  

Best regards,  

Tom Harris

Friendly Email:

Hey Sam,  

Can’t wait to see you at the meetup next week. It’s been too long!  

Take care,  

Mia

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Tips for Improving Your Email Writing

• Match your tone to the recipient. A formal ending with a casual email can feel off.
  
• Be consistent: If you start formally, end formally.
  
• Avoid overly long closings: Keep it concise.
  
• Use names where possible: Personalized emails get better responses.
  
• Check grammar and spelling: Mistakes near the ending stand out.
  

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Conclusion

Choosing the right email ending is essential for professional communication. From formal closings like “Sincerely” to friendly ones like “Take care,” the ending shapes the reader’s perception. Remember: context, tone, and audience are key. By using these 8 best email endings, your emails will leave a polished and lasting impression.

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FAQs

Q1: What is the most professional email ending?
A: “Sincerely” is widely regarded as the most professional and safe choice for formal emails.

Q2: Can I use “Cheers” in a professional email?
A: Yes, but only in informal professional contexts or creative industries. Avoid in very formal settings.

Q3: Should I include my name after the ending?
A: Yes, always sign off with your name to clearly identify yourself.

Q4: Is “Best regards” better than “Kind regards”?
A: Both are polite and professional. “Kind regards” is slightly warmer, while “Best regards” is neutral.

Q5: How do I know which ending suits my email?
A: Consider the recipient, context, and tone. If unsure, “Best regards” is usually safe.