

Very Truly Yours – Lett likes this for business emails but I find it stilted and it has the pen pal problem. It makes me feel like I’m ten years old and getting a note from a pen pal in Sweden. It doesn’t bother me but others might recoil. Peace – Retro, this sign-off wears its politics on its sleeve. In haste – Also good when you don’t have time to proofread. It expresses humility and regard for the recipient. Rushing – This works when you really are rushing. I think it’s gracious and warm, and shows you are eager to meet with the recipient. Hope this helps – I like this in an email where you are trying to help the recipient.

Thx – I predict this will gain in popularity as our emails become more like texts. Steer clear of this when writing a note related to seeking employment. Thanks for your consideration – A tad stilted with a note of servility, this can work in the business context, though it’s almost asking for a rejection. Many thanks – I use this a lot, when I genuinely appreciate the effort the recipient has undertaken. Thank you! – This doesn’t have the same grating quality as “Thanks!” The added “you” softens it. Thank you – More formal than “Thanks.” I use this sometimes. But in the right context, it can be fine. She was usually asking me to perform a task and it made her sign-off seem more like a stern order, with a forced note of appreciation, than a genuine expression of gratitude. Thanks! – This rubs me the wrong way because I used to have a boss who ended every email this way. Thanks so much – I also like this and use it, especially when someone-a colleague, a source, someone with whom I have a business relationship-has put time and effort into a task or email. Forbes Leadership editor Fred Allen uses it regularly and I think it’s an appropriate, warm thing to say. Take care – In the right instances, especially for personal emails, this works. Warmly – This is a nice riff on the “warm” theme that can safely be used among colleagues. Warmest – I use this often for personal emails, especially if I’m close to someone but not in regular touch. Warmest Regards – As good as Warm Regards, with a touch of added heat.

Warm Regards – I like this for a personal email to someone you don’t know very well, or a business email that is meant as a thank-you. Why not type three more letters? OK if you’re sending it from your phone.

Rgds – I used to use this but stopped, because it’s trying too hard to be abbreviated. Regards – Fine, anodyne, helpfully brief. Why do you need the extra “s?”īest Regards – More formal than the ubiquitous “Best.” I use this when I want a note of formality. I think it’s old-fashioned.īest Wishes –Seems too much like a greeting card but it’s not bad.īests – I know people who like this but I find it fussy. My best to you – Lett also likes this one. I recommend it highly and so do the experts. Farhad Manjoo, 35, Wall Street Journal technology columnist and until recently, the voice behind a Slate podcast, “Manners for the Digital Age,” puts it well: “An email is both a letter and an instant message,” he observes.Īll of that said, here is a list of common and not-so-common email sign-offs, with commentary and notes from the experts.īest – This is the most ubiquitous it’s totally safe. Emails are their own form of communication and they’re evolving fast. “I don’t believe emails are conversations,” she says. Land a great job, handle your boss and get ahead today.Įtiquette consultant Lett advocates a more formal approach.
