cordially yours

USAGE SUMMARY

"cordially yours" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use this phrase as a sign off when writing a formal letter to someone you don't know very well. For example, "Thank you for your time. Cordially yours, [Name]."

✓ Grammatically correct

Formal & Business

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Cordially yours, Haber Greetings to your dear wife.

Princeton University

Cordially yours, V.N.

The New Yorker

Cordially yours, HOTEL JEFFERSON.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Yours cordially, OCTAVE-HIPPOLYTE PLEURNICHE Allahabad, U.P., September 11, 1903 DEAR M. PLEURNICHE: Spare me, I pray, your turgid rhetoric and bootlicking protestations, and be equally sparing of the bleach you use on my shirts.

The New Yorker

Cordially make your request for the followup meeting.

WikiHow

"Yours sincerely" or "Sincerely" is generally a safe bet; also consider "Cordially," "Respectfully," "Regards" and "Yours Truly".

WikiHow

Examples include: Yours sincerely, Yours cordially, Respectfully, Best, Sign with your full name.

WikiHow

Cordially, Andy".

The New York Times

Cordially Aidan.

The Guardian

Kiner greeted him cordially.

The New Yorker

You are cordially invited.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Reserve "cordially yours" for situations where you have had some prior positive interaction with the recipient, or when you wish to establish a friendly yet professional tone.

Common error

Avoid using "cordially yours" in highly formal or legal documents, as it may come across as too friendly. Opt for a more neutral closing like "sincerely" or "respectfully" in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cordially yours" functions primarily as a complimentary closing in formal correspondence. It serves to end a letter or email on a polite and amicable note. As Ludwig AI points out, it's suitable for formal letters to people you don't know well, but where you want to strike a warmer tone than simply "Sincerely."

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Formal & Business

33%

News & Media

33%

Academia

33%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Science

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cordially yours" is a formal closing used to express warmth and respect in written communication. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and particularly suitable for formal letters or emails where you want to convey a sincere and friendly tone, according to Ludwig, it is a solid alternative to generic formals closings. While less formal than "respectfully", it's more personal than "sincerely". Its usage spans across Formal & Business, News & Media, and Academic contexts, though it remains relatively rare. When using this phrase, be mindful of maintaining an appropriate level of formality and be ready to explore other alternatives such as "sincerely" or "best regards" depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sincerely

A standard and versatile closing, suitable for most formal and semi-formal correspondence. It is more generic than "cordially yours".

respectfully

Indicates a high level of deference and is often used when addressing someone of authority or seniority. Conveys more reverence.

best regards

A friendly and professional closing, appropriate for business or personal communication where some acquaintance exists. Slightly less formal.

yours truly

A traditional closing, similar in formality to "sincerely" but can sometimes sound slightly dated. It's a bit old-fashioned.

with appreciation

Expresses gratitude alongside a formal closing, suitable when you want to acknowledge someone's help or contribution.

kind regards

Combines warmth with professionalism, appropriate for someone you know reasonably well in a business setting. Offers more personal touch.

warmly

Expresses a more personal and heartfelt sentiment, suitable for someone you know well. It conveys personal affection.

best wishes

Conveys good tidings and is suitable for a variety of contexts, both personal and professional. A more general and positive send-off.

faithfully

A very formal closing, traditionally used when addressing someone with a specific title or rank. It shows extreme deference.

regards

A concise and neutral closing, suitable for quick professional emails. It lacks the warmth of other closings.

FAQs

When is it appropriate to use "cordially yours" in a letter?

"Cordially yours" is appropriate for formal letters or emails where you want to express a warm and friendly tone, especially when you have some existing rapport with the recipient. It's more personal than "sincerely" but less intimate than "warmly".

What are some alternatives to "cordially yours" for a formal email?

Alternatives to "cordially yours" in a formal email include "sincerely", "respectfully", "best regards", or "yours truly". The best choice depends on your relationship with the recipient and the context of the communication.

Is "cordially yours" suitable for a cover letter?

While "cordially yours" isn't incorrect for a cover letter, it might be perceived as slightly too familiar. A more standard closing like "sincerely" or "respectfully" is generally preferred to maintain a professional tone.

What's the difference between "cordially yours" and "sincerely yours"?

"Cordially yours" conveys a warmer and more friendly sentiment than "sincerely yours". Use "cordially yours" when you want to express genuine goodwill and a positive connection with the recipient, while "sincerely yours" is a more neutral and universally acceptable formal closing.