How to End a Letter

Convey a powerful meaning to readers by choosing the right sign-off.

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Up next in How to Write a Letter (13 videos)

Learn how to pen a proper letter with the tips in these Howcast videos.

You Will Need

  • A letter
  • Sincerity

Steps

  1. Step 1

    Use loving endings

    Show someone how much you care by ending with "Love," "Lots of love," "Much love," "Love always," or "Love forever."

  2. Step 2

    Use informal words

    Use casual language to have your reader feel the warmth of your friendship. These include: "Hugs," "Write soon," "Your friend," and "Take care."

  3. Write your own signature ending that expresses yourself.

  4. Step 3

    Show gratitude

    End with a thank you to show gratitude to your reader.

  5. Step 4

    Express best wishes

    Express a positive ending by using "Best wishes," or "Wish you well," for a resignation letter.

  6. Best wishes," and "Wish you well," can be used for a sympathy letter.

  7. Step 5

    Express kinship with a closing such as "God bless" if you share the same spiritual beliefs.

  8. Step 6

    End a formal business letter

    End a formal letter with "Yours truly," if you do not know the name of the person you are writing to.

  9. Step 7

    End a formal business letter

    End a formal letter with "Sincerely," or "Yours sincerely," if you are familiar with the addressee, know their name, or spoke to them on the phone.

  10. When in doubt, use "Sincerely," to end your letter so you do not offend the reader.

  11. Step 8

    Sign your name

    Sign your name after the closing. Write both your first and last name if you do not have a personal relationship with the reader.

  12. Did you know? Handwriting analysts, or graphologists, maintains handwriting reveals personality traits, including emotional stability, aggressiveness, recklessness, and rebelliousness.

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