Finding the right closing for a professional email can be surprisingly tricky. While “Best regards” is a classic, it can sometimes feel overused or impersonal. A well-chosen sign-off reinforces your message and leaves a lasting positive impression, making your communication more effective and polished.
To help you refine your email etiquette, we have curated a list of excellent resources. This roundup includes everything from comprehensive writing guides to specialized books on business communication. These tools will provide you with the knowledge and confidence to choose the perfect closing for any professional scenario.
Top Resources for Professional Email Communication
- BEST REGARDS Brandy Alternative | Non-Alcoholic
- BEST REGARDS Red Label Whiskey Alternative | Non-Alcoholic
- BEST REGARDS Agave Spirit | Non-Alcoholic Tequila Alternative
- The Stress of Her Regard
- The Elements of Style, Fourth Edition
- The Only Business Writing Book You’ll Ever Need
- Power Verbs for Job Seekers
- Oxford Modern English Grammar
- The Associated Press Stylebook: 2024-2026
- The Business Writer’s Companion
BEST REGARDS Brandy Alternative | Non-Alcoholic
This non-alcoholic spirit from Best Regards offers a sophisticated alternative for those seeking the complex taste of brandy without the alcohol. It is developed to provide a rich and nuanced flavor profile that stands on its own or enhances a non-alcoholic cocktail.
The spirit features tasting notes of brandy, fig, dark chocolate, almond, cherry, and vanilla. This combination creates a warm and inviting flavor that is perfect for sipping neat or using as a base for sophisticated mocktails.
BEST REGARDS Red Label Whiskey Alternative | Non-Alcoholic
For those who appreciate the character of whiskey, this Red Label alternative delivers a robust and complex experience. It captures the essence of a fine whiskey, making it an excellent choice for an alcohol-free option.
You can expect flavors of whiskey, oak, apricot, black cherry, plum, honey, and orange zest. It is designed to be enjoyed straight from the bottle or used to create alcohol-free versions of classic whiskey-based cocktails.
BEST REGARDS Agave Spirit | Non-Alcoholic Tequila Alternative
This agave spirit serves as a premium non-alcoholic tequila alternative. It is ideal for creating alcohol-free margaritas or simply enjoying the distinct taste of agave.
The flavor profile is built around the classic notes of agave with a hint of sweet heat. This makes it a versatile spirit for various non-alcoholic mixed drinks or for sipping on its own.
The Stress of Her Regard
This novel offers a different kind of regard, weaving a historical and supernatural narrative. It provides a compelling read for those interested in gothic fiction and literary history.
While not a writing guide, it serves as an example of powerful storytelling and character development. Reading well-crafted fiction can indirectly improve your own writing style and vocabulary.
The Elements of Style, Fourth Edition
Widely regarded as an essential writer’s reference, The Elements of Style provides fundamental principles for clear and effective writing. Its concise rules cover usage, composition, and form.
This book is invaluable for anyone looking to improve their written communication, including professional emails. Mastering these core principles will help you write with greater confidence and precision.
The Only Business Writing Book You’ll Ever Need
As the title suggests, this book aims to be a comprehensive guide for all business writing needs. It covers a wide range of documents, from emails and reports to proposals and presentations.
You will find practical advice on tone, structure, and clarity specifically tailored for a business environment. This resource can directly help you craft more professional and effective email closings and overall messages.
Power Verbs for Job Seekers
This book is a specialized tool for enhancing job application materials. It provides hundreds of strong verbs and phrases designed to make resumes, cover letters, and interview answers more dynamic and impactful.
Using powerful language is key to presenting yourself as a confident and capable professional. The strategies in this book can be applied to professional emails to ensure your communication is assertive and clear.
Oxford Modern English Grammar
This authoritative guide from Oxford offers a comprehensive and contemporary look at English grammar. It is an excellent reference for writers who want to deepen their understanding of the language’s structure.
A solid grasp of grammar is the foundation of all professional writing. Having a reliable grammar guide ensures your emails are not only polite but also technically correct and easy to understand.
The Associated Press Stylebook: 2024-2026
The AP Stylebook is the definitive resource for journalists and public relations professionals. This updated edition provides the latest rules on grammar, punctuation, capitalization, and word usage.
Following a recognized style guide like AP ensures consistency and professionalism in all your written communications. It is particularly useful for navigating the nuances of modern language and terminology.
The Business Writer’s Companion
This specialized resource focuses on the nuances of business writing, with an emphasis on professional email etiquette. It is designed to help you navigate the formalities of corporate communication.
You can expect to find dedicated sections on crafting appropriate salutations and closings for various business contexts. This makes it a direct and practical tool for moving beyond generic sign-offs like “Best regards.”
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Professional Email Closing
I used to end every single professional email with “Best regards.” It felt safe, professional, and universally accepted. But after sending and receiving thousands of emails, I realized that this one-size-fits-all approach was a missed opportunity. The way you close an email sets the final tone and can influence how your entire message is received. Choosing the right closing is less about following a strict rule and more about understanding the context of your relationship with the recipient and the email’s purpose.
First, I consider my relationship with the person. If I’m emailing a long-time colleague or a client I know well, a warmer closing like “All the best” or “Talk soon” feels more natural and friendly. It maintains professionalism while acknowledging our established rapport. For someone I’ve never met before, like a cold outreach email, I lean towards more formal options. “Sincerely” or “Respectfully” are my go-tos here. They are polite and respectful without being overly familiar.
The email’s content is my next big filter. If I’m sending a message that requires a quick response or has a time-sensitive question, I might use “Looking forward to hearing from you.” This creates a gentle nudge right at the end. When I’m expressing thanks, “With appreciation” or a simple “Thank you” directly ties the closing to the email’s grateful tone. For emails that are purely informational, like sending a report, a straightforward “Kind regards” often does the job perfectly.
I also think about the industry culture. In some creative or tech fields, a more casual tone is the norm. I’ve seen “Best” and “Cheers” used effectively without any issue. In more traditional sectors like law or finance, sticking to the classics is usually the wiser path. When in doubt, I mirror the closing the other person uses. It’s a simple way to ensure my communication style aligns with theirs.
Ultimately, my goal is to sound like a genuine person, not a robot. Rotating through a few of the 10 best alternatives to Best Regards for professional emails in my toolkit keeps my communication feeling fresh and considered. It shows that I’ve put a little thought into the interaction, which is always a good impression to leave.
FAQ
Is it ever okay to just use “Thanks”?
Absolutely. I use “Thanks” or “Thank you” all the time, especially for internal communication or when I’m making a simple request. It’s concise, polite, and feels human. I reserve the more formal closings for initial contact with senior executives, clients I don’t know well, or when delivering particularly sensitive news.
What is the most formal alternative to “Best regards”?
When I need the highest level of formality, I use “Sincerely” or “Respectfully.” “Sincerely” (or “Yours sincerely”) is a classic that conveys honesty and professionalism. “Respectfully” is excellent for communicating with higher-ups or in situations where you want to show deference, like emailing a government official or a university dean.
Can I use “Cheers” in a business email?
This one depends heavily on your location and company culture. In the UK, Australia, and Canada, “Cheers” is very common and generally acceptable for internal emails or with external contacts you have a friendly relationship with. In the US, it can be seen as too informal. I’d recommend using it only if you’ve received an email with “Cheers” from the person first.
What should I use if I want a prompt reply?
If I need someone to get back to me quickly, I use a closing that explicitly asks for it. “Looking forward to your reply” or “I appreciate your prompt response” are clear and direct. Just make sure the body of your email justifies the urgency, so you don’t come across as demanding without reason.
Are there any closings I should always avoid?
I steer clear of anything too casual or vague in a professional context. “Xoxo,” “Yours truly,” or “Love” are definite no-gos. Also, avoid overly verbose closings like “I remain your humble and obedient servant.” It’s outdated and comes across as sarcastic. Sticking to the standard list of the 10 best alternatives to Best Regards for professional emails is your safest bet.
Is it professional to not use a closing at all?
I don’t recommend it. Skipping a closing can make an email feel abrupt, rude, or like you were in too much of a hurry. The closing is a key part of the email’s social grace. Even a simple “Best” is better than nothing, as it provides a polite and expected finish to your message.