Sincerely

USAGE SUMMARY

'Sincerely' is a word that is correctly used in written English.
It is often used in the sign-off of a letter for a formal or personal occasion, as a way to express sincerity. For example, "Thank you for your help - Sincerely, [Your Name]".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Carne described the delays as regrettable and said: "I apologise sincerely to all those affected.

The Guardian - Business

A highly amusing though grossly overrated book – it is no wonder that it was voted the 20th century's best American novel, because Americans sincerely believe that they actually invented style: the best that money can buy.

The Guardian - Books

She added: "I think it's a sincerely held view that the best way to resolve this matter is to be as accommodating as possible to the Israeli government, to seek influence with them and through that to try and move them to a more positive decision.

The Guardian

It was my first time in India, and as I tried to work out which local train would take me to the rural village where the charity was based, I sincerely doubted I would ever find the place, let alone do any effective occupational therapy once I got there.

The Guardian

Yours sincerely, Henry Porter From: Tony Blair To Henry Porter Subjectt: Liberty Dear Henry Porter, Frankly it's difficult to know where to start, given the mishmash of misunderstanding, gross exaggeration and things that are just plain wrong.

The Guardian - Opinion

She was bombarded with questions about her children, her willingness to relocate in order to work for him, and whether she was sincerely committed.

The Guardian

It reorders your world in such a way that, in the moment you lose it, you sincerely believe you're behaving correctly.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But of course you can only sincerely celebrate that if you ignore the way the former subsequently killed off large swaths of the latter.

The Guardian - Books

"Any allegations leveled against a person concerning their past are irrelevant as long as they hope for Allah's mercy and sincerely repent from any previous misguidance," it said.

The Guardian

I sincerely hope that they can get this right.

The Guardian - Opinion

And it's really nice to be in a place where I sincerely care about my metamour [polyspeak for your partner's partner]." While she's had non-monogamous relationships in the past, this is Yuli's first genuinely poly experience and she feels happy, grateful and, you know, in love.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "Sincerely" in a formal letter, always follow it with a comma and then your full name on the next line. This ensures a professional presentation.

Common error

Avoid using "Sincerely" in very informal emails or messages to close friends. Opt for warmer, more casual sign-offs like "Best" or "Cheers" to maintain an appropriate tone.

Linguistic Context

The word "Sincerely" functions primarily as an adverb, modifying the implicit verb of communication in a written message. It conveys the genuineness of the sender's feelings or intentions. As Ludwig highlights, it's correctly used to express sincerity in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

35%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Sincerely" is a widely used adverb that expresses honesty and genuineness, commonly employed as a formal closing in letters and emails. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage in written English. While alternatives like "Yours truly" and "Best regards" exist, the choice depends on the context and desired level of formality. Remember to follow "Sincerely" with a comma and your name. Be mindful of overusing it in very informal contexts where it might sound out of place.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Yours truly

A conventional closing phrase similar in tone and usage to "Sincerely".

Sincerely yours

A slightly more emphatic version of "Sincerely", indicating personal investment.

Genuinely

Emphasizes authenticity and honesty in feeling or expression.

Truly

Highlights the truthfulness and sincerity of a statement or emotion.

Honestly

Focuses on the aspect of frankness and absence of deceit.

Earnestly

Suggests deep sincerity and seriousness in one's intentions or actions.

Cordially

Implies warmth and friendliness, especially in formal contexts.

Best regards

Offers a friendly and polite way to conclude a message or letter.

Respectfully

Conveys politeness and deference, often used in formal closures.

Faithfully

Signifies loyalty and commitment, also used in formal correspondence.

FAQs

How do you use "Sincerely" in a sentence?

"Sincerely" is typically used as a closing in formal letters or emails, followed by a comma and your name. For example, "I hope to hear from you soon, Sincerely, John Doe".

What can I say instead of "Sincerely"?

You can use alternatives like "yours truly", "best regards", or "respectfully" depending on the context and level of formality.

Is it correct to say "Yours sincerely"?

"Yours sincerely" is a standard closing, particularly in British English, and is used when you know the name of the person you are writing to. In American English, "Sincerely" is more common.

What's the difference between "Sincerely" and "Faithfully" as letter closings?

"Sincerely" is a general closing suitable for most formal correspondence. "Faithfully" is traditionally used when you do not know the name of the person you are addressing; however, this usage is becoming less common.