When writing emails or letters in English, many wonder whether to use Yours Sincerely or Sincerely Yours? Choosing the right closing line, polite tone, and proper sign-off ensures your message leaves a positive impression on the reader in formal or informal correspondence.
In a formal letter, always use Yours Sincerely when you know the person’s name. This phrase shows respect, professionalism, and proper etiquette, maintaining the right tone and style. Sincerely Yours is less common and can seem unusual in English-speaking countries. Knowing the correct usage and proper form helps avoid confusion, improves clarity, and strengthens your writing skill, communication skill, and overall reader understanding.
Using Yours Sincerely properly also involves observation, decision-making, and understanding subtlety and nuance in professional writing. Following standard practice, instruction, and examples from real-world email communication ensures your correspondence is accurate, clear, and leaves a lasting impression. Proper use of this phrase enhances awareness, reader perception, and communication strategy, making your letters, messages, and emails both polite and effective across various contexts and audiences.
The Correct Way to Use “Sincerely” in Letters and Emails
To understand which version is correct, you first need to understand what “sincerely” is doing in a closing. Grammatically, sincerely is an adverb. It describes how you are offering your message. In letter closings, the implied meaning is “I sincerely mean what I have written above.” Over time, English shortened that longer sentiment into a compact sign-off. This is why “sincerely” stands alone or pairs with a possessive pronoun like yours. The closing is not a sentence. It is a conventional formula. That matters because formulas follow custom more than logic. Custom decides correctness here.
Is “Yours Sincerely” Correct or Incorrect?
“Yours sincerely” is grammatically correct, but correctness does not always equal appropriateness. In modern American English, this closing sounds formal, traditional, and slightly old-fashioned. It is most commonly associated with British English. In the United Kingdom, “Yours sincerely” remains standard for formal letters, especially when the recipient’s name is known. In American English, however, it feels stiff and uncommon. Many US readers perceive it as foreign or overly ceremonial. That doesn’t make it wrong, but it does make it risky in everyday American business writing.
Where “Yours sincerely” is still used
- Formal British correspondence
- Legal letters following UK conventions
- Academic or diplomatic writing influenced by British standards
- International communication where British norms dominate
If your audience is American, this closing may feel out of place.
Is “Sincerely Yours” Correct or Incorrect?
“Sincerely yours” is the standard and preferred closing in American English. It follows the same grammatical structure as other possessive closings like respectfully yours or truly yours. The word yours acts as a possessive pronoun referring to the writer. The adverb sincerely modifies the implied intent. Over time, American English settled on this order because it sounds more natural and conversational to US readers. It is widely accepted in professional emails, formal letters, cover letters, and official correspondence.
Why Americans prefer “sincerely yours”
- It matches other common US closings
- It sounds less rigid
- It aligns with modern business tone
- It avoids British formality signals
If you are writing to an American employer, recruiter, client, or colleague, “Sincerely yours” is the safe and correct choice.
“Your Sincerely” vs “Yours Sincerely”: The Common Mistake Explained
One version is always wrong. “Your sincerely” is grammatically incorrect. This mistake happens because writers confuse possessive adjectives with possessive pronouns. Your must modify a noun. In letter closings, there is no noun following it. Yours, on the other hand, stands alone as a possessive pronoun. That makes it grammatically complete. A simple test helps avoid this error. If you cannot add a noun after your, it is wrong. Since no one writes your letter sincerely, the correct form must be yours.
| Form | Correct? | Why |
| Your sincerely | No | “Your” needs a noun |
| Yours sincerely | Yes | Possessive pronoun |
| Sincerely yours | Yes | Standard US usage |
Once you see this rule, the mistake becomes easy to spot and avoid.
Historical Origins of “Sincerely” as a Letter Closing
Letter closings did not always look this simple. Early correspondence in English used long, elaborate phrases. Writers often closed letters with lines like “I remain your most obedient and humble servant.” These closings reflected strict social hierarchies. Over time, society shifted toward equality and efficiency. Closings shortened. “Sincerely” emerged as a way to signal honesty without submission. By the nineteenth century, it had become common in personal and professional letters on both sides of the Atlantic.
Early letter-writing traditions
- Closings emphasized loyalty and obedience
- Language reflected social rank
- Letters were formal by default
As literacy expanded and business communication increased, writers needed faster, neutral closings. Sincerely fit that need perfectly.
How American and British usage split
American English gradually simplified letter etiquette. British English retained more traditional forms. This split explains why “yours sincerely” stayed popular in the UK while “sincerely yours” became dominant in the US. Cultural expectations shaped the formula.
Modern Usage in American vs British English
Today, the difference is clear. In the United States, “Sincerely yours” is standard. In Britain, “Yours sincerely” remains common. Global communication complicates things. Many international companies now favor American-style email conventions because they sound more neutral worldwide. That said, knowing your audience still matters. If you are writing to a British institution, matching their convention shows cultural awareness. If you are writing to an American reader, using British closings may create unnecessary distance.
| Region | Preferred Closing |
| United States | Sincerely yours |
| United Kingdom | Yours sincerely |
| International business | Sincerely yours |
Formality and Tone: Choosing the Right Closing
Closings carry tone. “Sincerely” signals professionalism, respect, and seriousness. It works well in situations where boundaries matter. Job applications, legal correspondence, and official requests benefit from its neutrality. However, in casual communication, it can feel cold. Tone mismatch is a common issue in modern emails. Writers use formal closings in informal settings and unintentionally sound distant.
When “sincerely” feels right
- Cover letters
- Formal complaints
- Official announcements
- External business emails
When it feels too formal
- Internal team chats
- Quick follow-ups
- Friendly check-ins
Choosing the right closing is less about grammar and more about relationship context.
“Sincerely” vs “Truly” vs “Faithfully”
These closings share similarities but carry different shades of meaning. “Sincerely” emphasizes honesty. “Truly” adds warmth and personal connection. “Faithfully” implies loyalty and duty. In American English, “faithfully” is rare outside legal or ceremonial writing. It often sounds outdated. “Truly yours” is common in friendly but still professional emails. Understanding these nuances helps you fine-tune tone without changing content.
| Closing | Tone | Common Use |
| Sincerely yours | Formal, neutral | Business, applications |
| Truly yours | Warm, polite | Semi-formal emails |
| Faithfully yours | Very formal | Rare in US usage |
When You Should Not Use “Sincerely”
Despite its correctness, “sincerely” is not always the best choice. In fast-paced digital communication, overly formal closings can feel stiff. Internal workplace emails often benefit from simpler sign-offs. Using “sincerely” with close colleagues may create unnecessary distance. Context matters more than correctness.
Avoid “sincerely” when
- Writing to teammates you message daily
- Responding quickly in a thread
- Communicating informally
In these cases, a lighter closing feels more natural.
Better Alternatives to “Sincerely” for Emails and Letters
Choosing alternatives allows you to match tone without sacrificing professionalism. American English offers many options that sound natural and respectful.
Professional alternatives
- Best regards
- Kind regards
- Respectfully
Semi-formal alternatives
- Best
- All the best
- Thank you
Friendly but appropriate sign-offs
- Thanks
- Take care
- Looking forward
Each option sends a slightly different signal. Selecting wisely improves how your message is received.
US Business Email Etiquette in Practice
In American business culture, email etiquette values clarity and efficiency. Recruiters and hiring managers notice small details. An inappropriate closing can distract from an otherwise strong message. Surveys of hiring professionals consistently show that clear, polite communication matters more than elaborate language. Using “Sincerely yours” in a cover letter aligns with expectations. Using “Best” in a follow-up email feels natural. Consistency matters more than perfection.
Common closing mistakes that hurt credibility
- Mixing formal language with casual closings
- Using incorrect grammar in sign-offs
- Overusing outdated phrases
These mistakes are easy to avoid once you understand conventions.
Common Grammar Questions Related to Letter Closings
Writers asking about yours sincerely or sincerely yours often wonder about related rules.
Email or E-mail? Which Is Correct in Modern Usage
In American English, email without a hyphen is now standard. Style guides and everyday usage have moved away from e-mail. The shorter form reflects how integrated email has become in daily life.
Capitalization Rules for Letter Closings
Letter closings are capitalized because they function as set phrases. Sincerely, Best regards, and similar closings begin with a capital letter. Only the first word is capitalized unless a proper noun appears.
Commas and Punctuation After Closings
In American English, a comma follows the closing. Example: Sincerely yours, British English often uses no punctuation or a comma depending on style. For American readers, the comma remains standard.
Final Verdict: Yours Sincerely or Sincerely Yours?
For American English, the answer is clear. Use “Sincerely yours.” It is grammatically correct, culturally appropriate, and widely accepted. “Yours sincerely” is not wrong, but it belongs primarily to British English. “Your sincerely” is always incorrect. Remember one simple rule. If you are writing to an American audience, choose sincerely yours. Match your closing to your tone, your relationship, and your context. Small details like this shape how your words are perceived. When you get them right, your message feels polished, confident, and professional without trying too hard.
FAQs
1. Which is correct: “Yours Sincerely” or “Sincerely Yours”?
Yours Sincerely is the standard and correct form in formal letters when you know the recipient’s name. Sincerely Yours is less common and may seem unusual.
2. When should I use “Yours Sincerely”?
Use it at the end of formal letters, professional emails, or official correspondence where you know the person’s name. It shows respect, politeness, and professionalism.
3. Can I use “Yours Sincerely” in informal emails?
Yes, it’s acceptable in semi-formal emails, but in casual conversations, shorter closings like Best regards or Regards are more natural.
4. Does using the correct closing affect my impression?
Absolutely. The right closing conveys professionalism, clarity, and proper etiquette, leaving a positive impression on the reader.
5. What’s the difference between “Yours Sincerely” and “Best regards”?
Yours Sincerely is formal and respectful, typically for official correspondence. Best regards is polite but slightly more casual, suitable for business emails or colleagues.
Conclusion
Choosing the correct closing in emails and letters is more than a formality. Yours Sincerely communicates respect, professionalism, and proper etiquette, making your correspondence clear, polite, and effective. Using it properly enhances reader perception, builds confidence in your writing skills, and ensures your message leaves a lasting positive impression. Following standard email etiquette, understanding the context, and observing subtle nuance make your communication professional, accurate, and universally recognized in English-speaking environments.
