Respectfully

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Respectfully" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to convey politeness or deference, often at the end of a letter or message. Example: "I appreciate your consideration in this matter. Respectfully, John Doe."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Respectfully, we all have our differences but we have to get this show on the road".

The Guardian

And while usually I welcome anytime I can stop traffic and even love a good catcall – and will respectfully deliver one back to a man– this time, it wasn't particularly flattering "Boys shouldn't wear short-shorts!

The Guardian - Opinion

A McDonald's spokeswoman said: "The protesters gave the petition to McDonald's representatives who respectfully accepted it".

The Guardian - Business

The president added: "While the past must be respectfully recognised, it must not imperil the potential of the present or the possibilities of the future – ar feidireachtai gan teorainn – our endless possibilities working together".

The Guardian

In many countries he was treated rather more respectfully than at home, where his candour was redefined as petulance by his critics He remained determined that he would be vindicated, until close to the end.

The Guardian

The Hindu community is very good at letting other people into their space and [letting them] borrow their cultural goods, as long as it is done respectfully, but I have never worn one for work or even to a function hosted by Hindus.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Dear Katie Hopkins, I am writing to you – not respectfully, but politely – to ask you to stop.

The Guardian - Opinion

On that basis we respectfully request that consideration be given to the human rights implications of cases like Mr Ibrahim's," it said.

The Guardian

Related: Salman Rushdie slams critics of PEN's Charlie Hebdo tribute However, Rushdie's tweeted glee that there were "just six pussies" (a word he later apologised for) proved premature, as on Wednesday a letter was sent to PEN America in which authors said they "respectfully wish to disassociate ourselves" from the award.

The Guardian - Books

College grads and artists are drawn by cheap housing and a burgeoning cultural scene, and developers are respectfully repurposing the city's rich architectural heritage.

The Guardian - Travel

"We're happy to talk respectfully to the independents and the minor parties in the Senate, and obviously a certain amount of horse trading is something that you just accept is part of the business, but what we won't accept is an attempt to completely frustrate the business of government," Abbott said on 2GB.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "Respectfully" at the close of formal correspondence to convey politeness and deference. For example, end a formal email with "Respectfully, [Your Name]".

Common error

Avoid using "Respectfully" in casual conversations or informal emails. It can sound overly formal or even sarcastic if the context doesn't warrant such a level of deference.

Linguistic Context

The adverb "Respectfully" functions primarily to modify a verb or statement, indicating that the action is performed with politeness, deference, or high regard. Ludwig examples show its use to soften disagreements or express courtesy in formal contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Formal & Business

35%

Science

13%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Respectfully" is a versatile adverb used to convey politeness and deference in various contexts, predominantly in News & Media and Formal & Business settings. According to Ludwig, its grammatical status is correct, and it functions to soften potentially contentious statements or close formal communications with a tone of high regard. While it's a valuable tool for maintaining positive relationships, it should be used judiciously, avoiding overuse in informal contexts. Related phrases like "with respect" and "courteously" offer alternatives, though they may subtly shift the nuance. By understanding its function and appropriate contexts, writers can effectively leverage "Respectfully" to enhance their communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Politely

Provides a closely related term, focusing on the aspect of politeness in the interaction.

With politeness

Similar to "in a respectful manner", but highlights the politeness aspect.

Courteously

Offers a direct synonym, simplifying the expression while preserving the core meaning.

With respect

Replaces the adverb with a prepositional phrase, altering the grammatical structure while maintaining a similar meaning.

With due respect

Adds emphasis to the respect being shown, often used before expressing disagreement.

In a respectful manner

Expands the adverb into a longer phrase, emphasizing the manner in which something is done.

Considerately

Focuses on showing consideration for others in one's actions or words.

In deference

Shifts the focus to the act of yielding or submitting to someone's opinion or wishes.

Graciously

Suggests a refined and elegant manner of showing respect.

Humbly

Implies a sense of modesty and lowliness in the way something is expressed.

FAQs

How to use "Respectfully" in a sentence?

"Respectfully" is typically used to show politeness or deference, often at the end of a formal letter or email. For example: "I appreciate your time and consideration. Respectfully, [Your Name]".

What can I say instead of "Respectfully"?

You can use alternatives like "Sincerely", "Yours respectfully", or "Kind regards" depending on the context and level of formality.

Which is correct, "Respectfully" or "Sincerely"?

Both "Respectfully" and "Sincerely" are correct closings for letters or emails, but they convey slightly different tones. "Respectfully" implies deference or high regard, while "Sincerely" is a more general expression of honesty and goodwill.

What's the difference between "Respectfully" and "With respect"?

"Respectfully" is an adverb used to modify a verb, indicating the manner in which something is done. "With respect" is a prepositional phrase that can introduce a statement, showing consideration for someone's opinion. For instance, "I respectfully disagree" versus "With respect, I believe there's another way".