Truly yours

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Truly yours" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used as a closing in letters or formal correspondence to express sincerity and respect towards the recipient. Example: "Thank you for your assistance with the project. Truly yours, Jane."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

Truly yours, Barry.

The New Yorker

Truly, yours was an era when athletes still hewed to noble ideals of sportsmanship and human ideals of DNA!

The New York Times

Truly yours, Barry View Article By Adam Davidson By Junot Díaz By Kathryn Schulz By Susan B. Glasser.

The New Yorker

Very Truly yours, Joseph Photo Service C. View Article By Jia Tolentino By Alan Burdick By John Cassidy By Atul Gawande.

The New Yorker

Very Truly yours, Joseph Photo Service C. View Article By Rebecca Mead By Anthony Lane By Alan Burdick By George Packer.

The New Yorker

Very truly yours, Arthur E. Morrissette, Jr. Vice-President Ace Van & Storage Co. Washington, D.C.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

Thanks for listening, Ms. M! Yours truly, *An imaginary Yahoo employee.

Huffington Post

Will yours be her forever home?

The New Yorker

Lynn was given her own BBC radio show, Sincerely Yours, Vera Lynn, in November 1941.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He told Ahmed: "Yours is an extraordinary and terrifying story".

The Guardian

Sharing yours will someday save someone else's life.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Reserve this closing for formal or semi-formal correspondence where you wish to convey genuine sincerity

Common error

Avoid using "Truly yours" in casual emails where "Best" or "Thanks" would suffice. While correct, it can come across as overly antiquated or Victorian if the relationship with the recipient is familiar.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Truly yours" primarily functions as a complimentary close in written correspondence. It consists of an adverb expressing sincerity and a possessive pronoun. According to Ludwig, it can also serve as a predicate phrase to indicate authentic possession or identity, as seen in examples describing things that are "truly yours."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Formal & Business

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, "Truly yours" is a robust and grammatically correct phrase widely recognized for its use as a formal closing in letters. Ludwig AI confirms that while it is less common than its counterpart "yours truly", it remains a high-quality choice for professional and literary writing. It is particularly favored by prestigious publications like The New Yorker, where it often appears in business and editorial correspondence. Whether you are signing off a formal request or emphasizing that an idea is genuinely your own, this phrase conveys a sense of integrity and polish that modern alternatives often lack.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Yours truly

Inverts the word order for a more standard and common idiomatic closing

Sincerely yours

Uses a more common formal adverb while maintaining the same structural sentiment

Very truly yours

Adds an intensifier for increased formality and emphasis

Faithfully yours

Swaps sincerity for loyalty, often used in formal British correspondence

Respectfully yours

Emphasizes deference and respect toward the recipient

Truly your own

Shifts from a letter closing to an emphasis on personal identity or possession

Most sincerely

Removes the pronoun for a slightly more direct and modern formal tone

Kind regards

A less archaic and more professional modern alternative for business settings

Best regards

Standard professional sign-off that is less intimate than using the word truly

Cordially

Expresses warm and friendly sincerity in a single formal word

FAQs

How do I use "Truly yours" in a letter?

You should use it as a sign-off followed by a comma and your name on the next line. For example: "Thank you for your time. Truly yours, John Doe."

What is the difference between "Truly yours" and "yours truly"?

While both are correct, "yours truly" is much more common in modern usage, whereas "Truly yours" is a slightly more formal and traditional variation often seen in older literary or legal contexts.

Can I say "sincerely yours" instead?

Yes, "sincerely yours" is a perfectly acceptable and highly common alternative that conveys a similar level of professionalism and sincerity.

Is "Truly yours" too formal for a business email?

It may be perceived as a bit stiff. In modern business, you might prefer "best regards" or "cordially" for a better balance of professionalism and approachability.