How To End a Letter

The way you end a letter is extremely important. Aside from a strong closing paragraph which summarizes the contents of the letter, and makes it clear what you expect from the recipient, you need to close the letter appropriately.

The word or words just before you sign your name is known as the closing. In this article, we provide you with the best ways to close a letter depending on the circumstances.

The first thing you should remember in closing a letter is the process of signaling the end of the letter by writing a separate paragraph for concluding remarks. You can repeat the idea of the letter in the final paragraph. For instance, reaffirming your interest in a particular job position, providing a congratulatory remark to a recent graduate or reemphasizing an apology. Summaries that are similar to the introductory remarks should be avoided.

Remember to request a preferred action in the concluding paragraph, if required. You can ask for a refund in a complaint letter or wish for an interview in a cover letter. It is very important to make the next desired action clear. If you want them to phone you, you can provide your phone number. In the case of casual letters, you can usually express the desire to meet soon.

While writing a closing remark, it is best to skip two spaces below the last paragraph and indent. When you don't know the name of the recipient, you can write "Yours Faithfully". When you are aware of the recipient's name, using "Yours Sincerely" is acceptable. When addressing a good friend, it would be better using "Best Wishes" or "Best Regards". Remember to follow the words with a comma. If the recipient does not know your gender, you can include Mr. or Miss. More casual closings include "All the best", or "Lovingly yours".

Skipping four spaces and typing your name is suggested for formal letters so that the skipped space will help you in signing the completed document. In the case of a letter for business purposes, consider including your title after typing your name. You are also advised to use your department and company name. If there is something important that you want to add to the end of a letter, you can add a P.S. below the closing although this is not usually done for business letters.