Choosing the correct closing for your letters and emails can significantly impact how your message is received.

Two common closings are “Your Sincerely” and “Yours Sincerely,” but which one is correct?

“Yours sincerely” is correct and widely used in formal letters, while “Your sincerely” is grammatically incorrect.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the nuances of using “Sincerely” in correspondence, its historical significance, modern usage, and more.

Examples of Correct Letter Closings

Closing Phrase	Example Usage
Yours Sincerely	Business letter: “Yours sincerely, John Doe”
Sincerely	Formal email: “Sincerely, Sarah Lee”
Sincerely Yours	Personal letter: “Sincerely yours, Mary Ann”
Yours Faithfully	Letter to unknown recipient: “Yours faithfully, Mr. Smith”

Understanding the Correct Use of “Sincerely” in Correspondence

“Sincerely” is a popular closing phrase used to express genuine feelings and respect in letters and emails.

It’s a formal way to end your message and signals the end of the correspondence.

Examples of Using “Sincerely”

• Formal Emails: When writing to a business associate or a client, ending with “Sincerely” conveys professionalism.
• Personal Letters: “Sincerely” can also be used in personal letters to maintain a polite and respectful tone.
• Cover Letters: When applying for a job, closing with “Sincerely” is appropriate and shows respect for the hiring manager.

The Historical Significance of “Sincerely”

The phrase “Sincerely” has deep roots in the history of letter writing. Its usage has evolved over time, but it has always been a staple in formal correspondence.

Origins of “Sincerely”

• 17th Century: The term started to gain popularity in English letters.
• 18th Century: “Sincerely” became a standard closing in business and personal correspondence.

Evolution of Closing Phrases

Throughout history, the closing phrases in letters have evolved, reflecting changes in social norms and communication styles. “Sincerely” has stood the test of time due to its ability to convey genuine sentiments succinctly.

Modern Usage of “Sincerely” in American and British English

There are subtle differences in how “Sincerely” is used in American and British English. Understanding these variations can help you use the phrase correctly depending on your audience.

American English

In American English, “Sincerely” is commonly used in both formal and semi-formal correspondence. It is often followed by the sender’s full name and contact information.

British English

In British English, the phrase “Yours Sincerely” is preferred in formal letters, especially when addressing someone by name. When the recipient’s name is unknown, “Yours faithfully” is often used instead.

Examples

• American English: “Sincerely, John Doe”
• British English: “Yours sincerely, Jane Smith”

When to Use “Sincerely” in a Letter or Email

Choosing the right closing depends on the formality of the correspondence and your relationship with the recipient. Here are some guidelines to help you decide when to use “Sincerely.”

Formal Correspondence

• Business Letters: Use “Sincerely” to maintain a professional tone.
• Official Emails: Ending with “Sincerely” adds a level of respect and formality.

Informal Correspondence

• Personal Letters: While less common, “Sincerely” can still be used in personal letters to convey genuine sentiments.
• Emails to Acquaintances: If you want to keep the tone slightly formal, “Sincerely” is a good choice.

Tips for Choosing the Right Closing

• Know Your Audience: Consider the recipient’s expectations and the context of your message.
• Match the Tone: Ensure the closing matches the overall tone of your correspondence.

The Debate Over “Sincerely Yours vs Yours Sincerely”

The phrases “Sincerely Yours” and “Yours Sincerely” are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct historical and contextual differences.

Historical Background

“Sincerely Yours” and “Yours Sincerely” both originated from formal letter-writing conventions in the 18th century. They were used to convey respect and sincerity.

Contextual Differences

• Sincerely Yours: Often used in more personal correspondence.
• Yours Sincerely: Commonly used in professional and formal letters.

Examples

• Personal Letter: “Sincerely yours, Mary”
• Business Letter: “Yours sincerely, Mr. Smith”

Distinguishing Between “Your Sincerely” and “Yours Sincerely”

One of the common errors in letter writing is the misuse of “Your Sincerely” instead of “Yours Sincerely.” Understanding the grammatical correctness can help avoid this mistake.

Explanation of Grammatical Correctness

“Yours Sincerely” is the correct form because “yours” is a possessive pronoun that needs to be followed by the adverb “sincerely.” “Your Sincerely” is incorrect as it does not follow standard grammatical rules.

Common Misconceptions

Many people mistakenly use “Your Sincerely” due to unfamiliarity with formal letter-writing conventions. This error can detract from the professionalism of your correspondence.

Examples

• Incorrect: “Your Sincerely”
• Correct: “Yours Sincerely”

The Common Error Explained

The error of using “Your Sincerely” instead of “Yours Sincerely” is common but easily avoidable with a little attention to detail.

Why “Your Sincerely” is Incorrect

The phrase “Your Sincerely” is incorrect because it does not properly convey the intended meaning. “Yours” as a possessive pronoun should be used to indicate that the sentiment (sincerity) belongs to the sender.

Common Scenarios

• Job Applications: Incorrect usage can leave a negative impression.
• Professional Emails: Using the wrong closing can undermine your credibility.

How to Avoid This Error

• Proofread: Always review your letter for errors before sending.
• Use Templates: Follow standard templates for professional correspondence.

Formality and Tone: Choosing the Appropriate Closing

The formality and tone of your letter or email should dictate the closing phrase you use. Different closings can set different tones, affecting how your message is perceived.

Impact of Different Closings

• Formal Closings: Convey respect and professionalism.
• Informal Closings: Create a friendly and approachable tone.

Matching the Closing with the Level of Formality

• Highly Formal: Use “Yours faithfully” or “Respectfully yours.”
• Moderately Formal: “Yours sincerely” or “Best regards.”
• Informal: “Best,” “Cheers,” or “Warm regards.”

Examples of Appropriate Closings

• Business Proposal: “Yours sincerely, [Your Name]”
• Email to a Friend: “Cheers, [Your Name]”

“Sincerely” vs. “Truly” vs. “Faithfully”: When to Use Each

Choosing between “Sincerely,” “Truly,” and “Faithfully” can be tricky. Each closing has its own appropriate context.

Definitions and Differences

• Sincerely: Expresses genuine feelings and respect.
• Truly: Conveys earnestness and sincerity.
• Faithfully: Indicates loyalty and respect, often used when the recipient is unknown.

Appropriate Contexts for Each Closing

• Sincerely: Best for formal and semi-formal letters.
• Truly: Suitable for personal and heartfelt messages.
• Faithfully: Ideal for formal letters where the recipient’s name is unknown.

Tips for Selecting the Right Closing

• Consider the Relationship: Match the closing with your relationship to the recipient.
• Think About the Message: Choose a closing that aligns with the tone and purpose of your message.

What People Ask

1. What is the difference between “Yours Sincerely” and “Sincerely”?

“Yours Sincerely” is typically used in formal British English, while “Sincerely” is common in American English for both formal and semi-formal correspondence.

2. Can I use “Your Sincerely” in a letter?

No, “Your Sincerely” is incorrect. The proper form is “Yours Sincerely,” as “Yours” is a possessive pronoun.

3. When should I use “Yours Faithfully”?

“Yours Faithfully” is used when addressing someone whose name you don’t know, especially in formal British English.

4. Can I use “Sincerely” in personal letters?

Yes, “Sincerely” can be used in personal letters to maintain a respectful and formal tone.

5. Is there a difference between “Sincerely” and “Truly” in letter closings?

“Sincerely” is more formal, while “Truly” is often used for more heartfelt or personal messages.

Conclusion

Choosing the correct closing for your correspondence is crucial for conveying the right tone and respect.

Understanding the historical significance, modern usage, and contextual differences of phrases like “Yours sincerely” and “Sincerely yours” can enhance your communication skills.

Remember to proofread your letters, match the closing to the formality of the message, and avoid common errors like “Your sincerely.” By paying attention to these details, you can ensure your correspondence is both professional and personable.