How to End a Letter (With 20 Closing Examples)

If you’re like most people, you probably have a stack of unfinished letters on your desk or in your drawer. Here are some tips to help you finish those letters and get them out the door!
1. Set a goal. Whether it’s finishing one letter a day or one letter a week, setting a goal will help you stay on track.
2. Make a plan. Break down the letter into smaller tasks so you can focus on one thing at a time.
3. Set a deadline. This will help you focus and get the letter done in a timely manner.
4. Get organized. Gather all the materials you need before you start writing. This includes the envelope, stamps, and any other enclosures.
5. Write a rough draft. This will help you get your thoughts down on paper and make any necessary revisions.
6. Edit and proofread. Make sure you catch any mistakes before you send the letter

How to finish a letter in 5 steps

The proper letter closing can leave the reader with a favorable impression of you and what you have written, making it a crucial step in the letter-writing process. Here are five steps you can take to effectively close your letter:

1. Know your audience

The way you end your letter depends on how well you know your audience. Consider including a formal closing sentence and your signature if you’re writing to an employer or someone you haven’t met before. If you are writing to a person you are familiar with or with whom you have a long-standing relationship, like a coworker or friend, you may close your letter informally and sign off.

2. Choose your closing sentence

The final word of the letter before the signature is the closing sentence. Closing sentences give you the chance to ask the reader for feedback and express gratitude for their time. Similar to sign offs, these can be formal or informal; therefore, before writing a closing sentence, consider which category your recipient falls under.

3. Choose your sign off

Choosing the appropriate sign off for the reader is essential because sign offs are the last words the recipient of your letter reads. Different phrases have connotations that can influence how the reader feels about the target.

The first letter of the first word in the sign-off should be capitalized, and the second word should be written in lowercase letters, followed by a comma. After you sign off, try to leave room for your written or typed signature.

Heres a list of sign-off examples:

It may be appropriate to close a letter to a friend or longtime coworker with a phrase like “Take care” or “Your friend.” Contrarily, if you’re writing a formal letter to a teacher or employer, think about using a phrase like “Regards” or “Respectfully” to reflect the tone of the letter.

4. Sign your name

Your signature serves as the official closing to your letter. If the recipient is receiving a printed hard copy, type your full name under the sign off and leave two to three blank lines. Sign your name in the space between the sign off and your typed name after printing the letter.

Leave at least one blank line between the sign off and your typed name if the reader is receiving the letter via email. In order for the recipient to get in touch with you if necessary, you can also include your contact information under your name.

5. Proofread your letter

Before printing or sending the letter, consider proofreading your letter. You could decide to ensure that the spelling, capitalization, and punctuation are accurate. You could also read your letter aloud to make sure everything flows naturally and sounds the way you intended. Once your letter has been proofread, you can mail it or send it by email to the recipient.

Why is it important to finish a letter?

Finishing a letter is crucial because it’s your last chance to establish a relationship with the recipient. The concluding line and sign-off, or brief farewell statement, help establish the formality of your relationship with your reader and inform the recipient that your letter has been completed.

Examples of closing sentences

Depending on your audience, you can choose from a variety of closing statements. Here are a few examples of salutations you can use at the end of your letter:

Examples that provide a call to action

You can use one of the following closing sentences when issuing a call to action or sending out vague instructions:

Examples that express gratitude

Consider using one of these closing sentences to show the recipient your gratitude or appreciation:

Examples that include an invitation to continue the discussion

Consider using one of the following closing sentences if your letter concludes with an invitation to continue your discussion at a future date and time, either general or specific:

Examples of informal letters

An excellent way to end a letter in a casual tone is with an informal closing sentence. For informal letters, using punctuation to express excitement, such as an exclamation mark, is acceptable. When concluding a letter to a friend, member of your family, or a close colleague, you can use one of the informal closing sentences listed below:

Types of sign offs

While some sign-offs are more appropriate for friends or family members, others are more appropriate for employers or educators. Based on your audience, here is a list of various sign-offs you can use:

Formal sign-off examples

Here are some formal sign-off examples and examples of when to use them:

Informal sign-off examples

Informally, casual sign-offs can be used in the following situations: