respectfully yours

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "respectfully yours" is a common and acceptable way to end a formal letter or email in written English.
You can use "respectfully yours" in any formal or professional correspondence, such as a letter to a potential employer, a business partner, or a government official. It conveys a sense of respect and sincerity towards the recipient. Example: "Dear Mr. Smith, I am writing to express my interest in the marketing position at your company. I have a strong background in sales and a passion for your brand's mission. I am confident that I would be a valuable asset to your team. Thank you for your consideration. Respectfully yours, [Your Name]".

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

Academia

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

Finish with a closing like, "respectfully yours, (your name)".

WikiHow

"The forgoing are all the remarks which we think necessary to make--permit us to say that it is very important to have your decision at as early a day as may suit your convenience.||We are very Respectfully yours,||S.

Cornell University

Respectfully yours.

The New Yorker

Respectfully yours, The Etiquette Guy .

The New Yorker

Very respectfully yours, Chief of Police.

The New Yorker

Respectfully yours, Marcel S.I.M.I.A.N. vice chair.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

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

WikiHow

Yours respectfully, Frank E. Hale, Chemist.

The New York Times

Respectfully and faithfully yours".

The Guardian

The selections will appear from time to time in "The Orphans Friend". Yours Respectfully,||S.M. Reed||Feb 20th 1860||"The Orphans' Friend" was the official publication of the Cayuga Asylum for Destitute Children in Auburn New York.

Cornell University

What I said at the start stands: I thought Rick's piece, considering Newt Gingrich's language, was, as you might put it, fair and balanced.Respectfully yours, David Remnick Hendrik Hertzberg is a senior editor and staff writer at The New Yorker.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "respectfully yours" in formal communications, especially when addressing someone of higher authority or when showing particular deference.

Common error

Avoid using "respectfully yours" in casual emails or messages to friends and colleagues, as it can sound overly formal or insincere. Opt for a more relaxed closing such as "best" or "thanks."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "respectfully yours" functions as a complimentary close in formal correspondence. As exemplified by Ludwig, it indicates the sender's respect and deference towards the recipient, typically preceding the sender's name.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Wiki

23%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

12%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "respectfully yours" serves as a conventional closing for formal correspondence, signaling deference and politeness, as confirmed by Ludwig. While grammatically sound and widely recognized, its overuse in casual scenarios should be avoided. The frequency of this phrase is common, spanning across News & Media, Wiki and Academic contexts, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples. For scenarios needing less formality, options like "sincerely yours" or "kind regards" provide suitable alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Sincerely yours

Indicates a genuine sentiment; slightly less formal than "respectfully yours".

Yours sincerely

A common formal closing, primarily used in British English when the recipient's name is known.

Faithfully yours

More formal and traditional, often used when the recipient's name is unknown.

Yours truly

A versatile closing suitable for both formal and semi-formal contexts.

Kind regards

A warmer closing suitable for professional or personal communication.

Best regards

Similar to 'kind regards' but slightly more casual.

Cordially

A friendly and polite closing, suitable for professional or semi-formal settings.

With appreciation

Expresses gratitude and respect; suitable when thanking the recipient.

Respectfully submitted

Often used in legal or official documents.

Humbly yours

Emphasizes humility; less common in contemporary usage.

FAQs

When is it appropriate to use "respectfully yours"?

Use "respectfully yours" in formal letters or emails, particularly when addressing someone in a position of authority or when you want to convey a high degree of respect. This is most appropriate in professional settings or formal requests.

What are some alternatives to "respectfully yours"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "sincerely yours", "yours truly", or "kind regards". The choice depends on the level of formality and your relationship with the recipient.

Is "respectfully yours" outdated?

While "respectfully yours" is a traditional closing, it is still appropriate in formal contexts. However, consider your audience and the specific situation to ensure it aligns with the intended tone. In some cases, a more modern closing may be preferable.

What is the difference between "respectfully yours" and "sincerely yours"?

"Respectfully yours" implies a deeper sense of deference and is often used when addressing someone of higher rank or status. "Sincerely yours" is a more general closing that conveys genuine sentiment without necessarily emphasizing respect for authority.