Generic Phrases
The Closing Phrases for English Letters?
I know the following closing phrases (including some possible ones) for English letters so far. Please explain the difference of nuance between each phrase and/or to what kind of people these phrases can be used. I would also appreciate it if you could answer to the following questions regarding to phrases in Category B. 1) Are they all used to any friend of the same sex and opposite sex? 2) Are they used only to most intimate ones? 3) Is it rude to use some of them for your elders or superiors ? If you have some other phrases to recommend, please show them to me too. (Category A） Yours truly, Truly yours, Yours very truly, Very truly yours, Yours faithfully, Faithfully yours, (They are used mainly in UK?） Sincerely, Yours sincerely, Sincerely yours, (Category B） Best wishes, Bye bye, Ciao, Bye(Ciao) for now., Aloha Take care! Love, （Big)Kiss, (Big)Hug
Public Comments
- 1.) {Category A} all of those can be sent to the same, and opposite sex. 2.) in Category B, the "Love" and "Big Kiss" and such would probably be better if you used them to close friends and family. 3.) It may not be rude to use them to your superiors... a little un-professional, yes, but not insulting or anything... I wouldn't advise writing "(Big) Kiss" to your boss, though :] hope this helps!!
- Depends who you are writing to and how you greet them Dear Sir = Yours faithfully Dear Mrs Smith = Yours sincerely All the rest are a matter of taste and depend on how well you know the people and how you think they will react.
- For Category A: It really depends on the type of letter you are writing. If you are writing a business letter then based on what I've learned in class, then it's fine to use any of those complimentary closing lines. If you're writing a personal letter to people you are close to then I guess that you can use those closing lines or even choose to use something a little more friendlier or intimate. For Category B: I think it just really depends on your relationship with the person on the receiving end of the conversation or letter. I don't think you would want to tell your boss "Love, (Big) Kiss, (Big) Hug)!"... if you catch my drift.
