very sincerely

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "very sincerely" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to close a letter, email, or another written communication to convey that the writer is being genuine in expressing their thoughts and feelings. Example: Thank you for considering my application. I very sincerely appreciate your time and consideration.

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

Formal & Business

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Yours very sincerely Thomas Mann.

The New Yorker

I mean that very sincerely.

The Guardian

Very sincerely yours, Jimmy Thompson.

The New Yorker

The signature reads, "Very sincerely, Rudyard Kipling".

The New York Times

very sincerely Yours, C. A. Purpus.

University of California, Berkeley

wishes for your Italian meeting, yours very sincerely.

Princeton University

Current executives are making "hard decisions and doing a good job and doing it very sincerely".

The New York Times

Very sincerely yours, The author of this e-mail *Sent from my iPhone.

The New Yorker

She said that the town had honored Thorpe's memory "very well and very sincerely".

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Use a formal sign-off, such as "Sincerely," or, "Very truly yours," or similar wording.

WikiHow

So I stand before you very deeply, sincerely thankful that I am an American, grateful that we have such a wonderful, wonderful family in the Gores, and that they've made this bold, wonderful choice to help us be part of the ticket that's going to win.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "very sincerely" in formal correspondence, especially when you want to emphasize the genuineness of your feelings or intentions. It's suitable for closing letters, emails, or notes where you want to convey respect and honesty.

Common error

Avoid using "very sincerely" in casual or informal communications. It can sound overly formal or even insincere if used inappropriately. Opt for simpler closings like "Best regards" or "Sincerely" in less formal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "very sincerely" primarily functions as a complimentary close in formal correspondence. It's used to express a genuine and earnest sentiment at the end of a letter, email, or formal note. Ludwig confirms this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Academia

22%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Science

13%

Wiki

11%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "very sincerely" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase primarily employed as a complimentary close in formal communication. As Ludwig AI confirms, it serves to express genuineness and respect in contexts ranging from academic writing and news articles to business correspondence. While its use is considered correct, overusing it in informal settings can be perceived as overly formal or insincere. Therefore, it's crucial to reserve "very sincerely" for situations where a heightened level of sincerity and respect is intended.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Most sincerely

Emphasizes a high degree of sincerity, adding extra weight to the sentiment.

With utmost sincerity

Expresses the highest level of genuineness possible.

With deepest sincerity

Indicates a profound level of genuineness and earnestness.

Yours very truly

A traditional and slightly more emphatic version of "sincerely".

Yours with great sincerity

Emphasizes the measure of the sincerity being conveyed.

Truly yours

A classic formal closing, implying honesty and respect in the communication.

Sincerely and earnestly

Combines sincerity with a sense of purpose and commitment.

With heartfelt sincerity

Highlights the emotional depth and genuineness of the expressed sentiment.

Genuinely yours

Highlights the authenticity and lack of artifice in the closing.

In all sincerity

Focuses on the honesty and lack of pretense in the statement or sentiment.

FAQs

How can I appropriately end a formal email with "very sincerely"?

Place "very sincerely" on a new line, followed by a comma, and then your name on the next line. For example:

Very sincerely, [Your Name]

Are there situations where "very sincerely" might sound insincere?

Yes, using "very sincerely" sarcastically or in situations where your actions contradict your words can make it sound insincere. Ensure your tone and actions align with the sentiment you're expressing. Sincerity can be conveyed better using alternatives "most sincerely" or "with heartfelt sincerity" in formal letters.

What's the difference between "sincerely" and "very sincerely" in closing a letter?

"Sincerely" is a standard, formal closing. Adding "very" emphasizes the genuineness of your sentiment, making it a slightly stronger expression of sincerity. Use "sincerely" in general cases and "very sincerely" when wanting to express stronger and truer feelings.

When is it appropriate to use "very sincerely" instead of other formal closings like "regards" or "best regards"?

Use "very sincerely" when you want to convey a higher degree of respect, honesty, and earnestness. "Regards" or "Best regards" are suitable for more casual or professional settings where a less personal touch is desired.