Sincerely yours

USAGE SUMMARY

"Sincerely yours" is a correct and usable sentence in written English.
It is typically used at the end of a formal letter, email, or other written correspondence. For example: Dear John, Thank you for considering me for the position. I am confident that my experience and skills make me the perfect fit for the job. Sincerely yours, Mary.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Sincerely yours, Your Son, Sonny.

The New Yorker

Sincerely yours, Your boss, (aka, the American people).

Huffington Post

Sincerely yours, Robert Lowell P.S. Thanks for all the pleasant undeserved things you said in your letter.

The New Yorker

Sincerely yours.

The New Yorker

Sincerely yours, A. Ginsberg".

The New York Times - Books

Sincerely yours, Nelle Harper Lee".

The New Yorker

Sincerely yours, Cooper Green, Mayor P.S.

The New Yorker

Sincerely yours, __________ To Philip Roth December 26 , 1957Tivoli, N.Y.

The New Yorker

Sincerely yours, A Representative of the Window Cleaning Co.

The New Yorker

Sincerely yours, ______ To Philip Roth December 26 , 1957Tivoli, N.Y.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Use Yours sincerely or Yours faithfully.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal correspondence, always follow "Sincerely yours" with a comma and then your full name on the next line.

Common error

Avoid using "Sincerely yours" in casual emails or messages to friends. Opt for more relaxed closings like "Best", "Thanks", or simply your name.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Sincerely yours" functions as a complimentary close in formal correspondence, signaling the end of a letter or email. According to Ludwig AI, it is a correct and usable sentence, indicating its grammatical acceptability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Encyclopedias

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Sincerely yours" is a formal closing commonly used in letters and emails to convey respect and sincerity. According to Ludwig AI, it is a grammatically correct and widely accepted phrase. While prevalent in news and media, science, and formal business contexts, its formality may make it less suitable for casual communication. When using "Sincerely yours", remember to follow it with a comma and your full name. For less formal situations, alternatives such as "Best regards" or simply "Best" may be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Yours sincerely

More common in British English, this alternative maintains a formal tone but with a slightly different regional preference.

Respectfully yours

Conveys a high degree of deference, making it suitable for addressing superiors or individuals of authority.

Kind regards

A more friendly and less formal closing than "Sincerely yours".

Best regards

Similar to "Kind regards", offering a warm and semi-formal closing.

Best wishes

Expresses good will and is suitable for a variety of relationships, being less formal than "Sincerely yours".

Cordially

A concise and formal way to end a letter, suggesting warmth and friendliness.

Yours faithfully

Used in formal correspondence when the recipient's name is unknown.

Thank you

Expresses gratitude and can serve as a simple closing when appropriate.

Regards

A brief and neutral closing, suitable for professional emails.

Cheers

Very informal closing, mainly used in British English, and mostly in personal communications.

FAQs

When should I use "Sincerely yours"?

Use "Sincerely yours" in formal letters, professional emails, or when addressing someone you don't know well. It conveys respect and professionalism.

What is the difference between "Sincerely yours" and "Yours sincerely"?

"Sincerely yours" is more common in American English, while "Yours sincerely" is preferred in British English. Both serve the same purpose as formal closings.

Is it necessary to put a comma after "Sincerely yours"?

Yes, always place a comma after "Sincerely yours" and before your name. This is the standard convention for formal correspondence.

What are some alternatives to "Sincerely yours" for less formal emails?

For less formal emails, you can use alternatives like "Best", "Regards", or simply "Thank you". These are more appropriate for casual communication.