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What term is used for the closing of a letter?

Salutation is the term used to describe the beginning of a letter or other correspondence. What is the term used for the closing of a letter? Here are some examples: Yours truly , Sincerely , Best wishes , Love ?

Searching for 'antonym of salutation' 1 was not helpful.

EDIT: This need not be expressed as a single word. (Whatever is correct is fine, whether one word or a phrase!)

1. Citation (IEEE Style): Thesaurus.com, "salutation," in Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition. Source location: Philip Lief Group 2009.

2 Answers 2

The symmetrical term is valediction , but I don't suppose it's very much used.

I've only ever heard that line referred to as the closing .

If we're to go by one of the many virtually identical letter diagrams available online, that usage is confirmed, although some call it the complimentary closing .

Barrie's suggestion of valediction is technically correct, but so far as I can tell it's not really in use.

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End Of Letter?

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a b c teach Writing Friendly Letters writing

Friendly letters have five parts:

Some examples of closings are:

5. Your Signature: This is your name. It goes under the closing

anonymous If the greeting of a letter is called the Salutation what is the end of the letter called; example. Sincerely yours. Thanks

COMPLEMENTARY CLOSE

Answer this Question

end a letter called

The Complimentary Close in a Letter or Email

Regards, sincerely, best.

The complimentary close is the word (such as "Sincerely") or phrase ("Best wishes") that conventionally appears before the sender's signature or name at the end of a letter , email , or similar text . Also called a complimentary closing , close , valediction , or signoff.

The complimentary close is usually omitted in informal communications such as text messages , Facebook entries, and responses to blogs.

Examples and Observations

September 28, 1956 Dear Mr. Adams: Thanks for your letter inviting me to join the Committee of the Arts and Sciences for Eisenhower. I must decline, for secret reasons. Sincerely, E.B. White ( Letters of E.B. White , ed. by Dorothy Lobrano Guth. Harper & Row, 1976)

October 18, 1949 Dear José, I am glad to hear that you are only half dead. . . . The moon which moves around over Havana these nights like a waitress serving drinks moves around over Connecticut the same nights like someone poisoning her husband. Sincerely yours, Wallace Stevens (Excerpt from a letter by American poet Wallace Stevens to Cuban critic José Rodriguez Feo. Letters of Wallace Stevens , ed. by Holly Stevens. University of California Press, 1996)

The Complimentary Close to a Business Letter

"The complimentary close must be included in all but the simplified-letter format. It is typed two lines below the last line of the body of the letter...

"The first letter of the first word of the complimentary close should be capitalized . The entire complimentary close should be followed by a comma . "The choice of the proper complimentary close depends upon the degree of formality of your letter. "Among the complimentary closes to choose from are: Yours sincerely, Very sincerely yours, Sincerely yours, Sincerely, Cordially, Most sincerely, Most cordially, Cordially yours . "A friendly or informal letter to a person with whom you are on a first-name basis can end with a complimentary close such as: As ever, Best regards, Kindest regards, Best wishes, Regards, Best ." (Jeffrey L. Seglin with Edward Coleman, The AMA Handbook of Business Letters , 4th ed. AMACOM, 2012) -"The most common complimentary close in business correspondence is Sincerely . . . . Closings built around the word Respectfully typically show deference to your recipient, so use this close only when deference is appropriate." (Jeff Butterfield, Written Communication . Cengage, 2010) - "Business letters that begin with a first name--Dear Jenny--can close with a warmer ending [such as Best wishes or Warm regards ] than Sincerely ." (Arthur H. Bell and Dayle M. Smith, Management Communication , 3rd ed. Wiley, 2010)

The Complimentary Close to an Email

"It’s time to stop using 'best.' The most succinct of e-mail signoffs, it seems harmless enough, appropriate for anyone with whom you might communicate. Best is safe, inoffensive. It’s also become completely and unnecessarily ubiquitous. . . . "So how do you choose? 'Yours' sounds too Hallmark. 'Warmest regards' is too effusive. 'Thanks' is fine, but it’s often used when there’s no gratitude necessary. 'Sincerely' is just fake—how sincere do you really feel about sending along those attached files? 'Cheers' is elitist. Unless you’re from the U.K., the chipper closing suggests you would’ve sided with the Loyalists.

"The problem with best is that it doesn’t signal anything at all. . . . "So if not best, then what? "Nothing. Don't sign off at all. . . . Tacking a best onto the end of an email can read as archaic, like a mom-style voice mail. Signoffs interrupt the flow of a conversation, anyway, and that's what email is." (Rebecca Greenfield, "No Way to Say Goodbye." Bloomberg Businessweek , June 8-14, 2015)

The Complimentary Close to a Love Letter

"Be extravagant. As much as you might mean it, don’t end with 'Sincerely,' 'Cordially' 'Affectionately,' 'All best wishes' or 'Yours truly.' Their punctilious formality smacks of someone who wears wing tips to bed. 'Your humble servant' is appropriate, but only for certain kinds of relationships. Something closer to 'Truly, Madly, Deeply,' the title of the British film about undying (for awhile) love, might do. "On the other hand, if you’ve done your job up till the last sentence of so intimate a letter, the swooning reader won’t notice the omission of this epistolary convention. Be bold. Skip it." (John Biguenet, "A Modern Guide to the Love Letter." The Atlantic , February 12, 2015)

An Archaic Complimentary Close

The typical complimentary close has grown shorter and simpler over the years. In Correct Business Letter Writing and Business English , published in 1911, Josephine Turck Baker offers this example of an amplified complimentary close:

I have the honor to remain, Most Eminent Sir, With profound respect, Your obedient and humble servant, John Brown

Unless used for humorous effect, an amplified close such as this one would be regarded as wholly inappropriate today.

end a letter called

How to Write Personal Letters in German

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Parts of a Business Letter - NMU Writing Center

Parts of a Business Letter

A business letter is a formal letter. Unlike a résumé or cover letter, it can be more than one page, and is likely to contain six parts:

1. The Heading

The heading contains the return address with the date on the last line. Sometimes it is necessary to include a line before the date with a phone number, fax number, or e-mail address. Often there is a line skipped between the address and the date. It is not necessary to type a return address if you are using stationery with the return address already imprinted, but you should always use a date. Make sure the heading is on the left margin.

Ms. Jane Doe 543 Washington St Marquette, MI 49855 Tel: Fax: Email: June 28, 2011

2. Recipient’s Address

This is the address you are sending your letter to. Be sure to make it as complete as possible so it gets to its destination. Always include title names (such as Dr.) if you know them. This is, like the other address, on the left margin. If a standard 8 ½” x 11” paper is folded in thirds to fit in a standard 9” business envelope, the inside address should appear through the window in the envelope (if there is one). Be sure to skip a line after the heading and before the recipient’s address, then skip another line after the inside address before the greeting. For an example, see the end of this sheet for a sample letter.

3. The Salutation

The salutation (or greeting) in a business letter is always formal. It often begins with “Dear {Person’s name}.” Once again, be sure to include the person’s title if you know it (such as Ms., Mrs., Mr., or Dr). If you’re unsure about the person’s title or gender then just use their first name. For example, you would use only the person’s first name if the person you are writing to is “Jordan” and you do not know whether they identify as male, female, or non-binary. The salutation always ends with a colon.

4. The Body

The body is the meat of your letter. For block and modified block letter formats, single space and left justify each paragraph. Be sure to leave a blank line between each paragraph, however, no matter the format. Be sure to also skip a line between the salutation and the body, as well as the body and the close.

5. The Complimentary Close

The complimentary close is a short and polite remark that ends your letter. The close begins at the same justification as your date and one line after the last body paragraph. Capitalize the first word of your closing (Thank you) and leave four lines for a signature between the close and the sender’s name. A comma should follow the closing.

6. The Signature Line

Skip at least four lines after the close for your signature, and then type out the name to be signed. If you are printing this letter out and sending it by mail, you will sign your name in pen. This line will include your first and last name, and often includes a middle initial, although it is not required. You may put your title beforehand to show how you wish to be addressed (Ms., Mrs., Dr.). The signature should be in blue or black ink.

7. Enclosures

If you have any enclosed documents, such as a resume, you can indicate this by typing “Enclosures” one line below the listing. You also may include the name of each document.

Format and Font

Many organizations have their own style for writing a business letter, but here are some common examples.

The most common layout for a business letter is called a block format. In this format, the entire letter is justified to the left and single spaced except for a double space between paragraphs.

Modified Block

Modified block is another popular type of business letter. The body of the letter and the sender’s and recipient’s addresses are left justified and single spaced. However, in this format, the date and closing are tabbed to the center point.

The least used style is called a semi-block. In it each paragraph is indented instead of left justified.

The standard font for business letters is Times New Roman, size 12. However, fonts that are clear to read such as Arial may be used.

Sample Letter {NOTE: your name goes only at the bottom} Your Return Address (no abbreviations for Street, Avenue, etc.) Your City, YC [your two letter state abbreviation] zip Date (write out either like June 4, 2004 or 4 June 2004) First and Last Name of the Person to whom you are writing Address City, ST zip Dear Mr./Ms. Whomever: In the first paragraph, introduce what you are writing about and what you want from them. In the subsequent paragraphs, explain the nature of your problem and what they can do for you. Be non-combative and straight to the point. In the last paragraph, be sure to thank the recipient for their time and efforts on your behalf. Also, let them know that you will contact them or that they can contact you with any questions. Sincerely yours, {four spaces so that your signature may appear here} Jane Doe

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Formal Letter Closing and Signature Examples

Using a Complimentary Close

Formal letter closing examples, more closing examples, how to choose the best complimentary close, avoid being overly casual.

How to Format Your Signature

Signature Examples for Letters and Emails

Once you write the final paragraph of a formal letter, you may feel like you're finished and can move on to proofreading. But just as there are rules about how to address someone in a formal letter , there are also guidelines in place for how to sign off.

When ending a formal letter, it's important to convey the appropriate amount of respect to the person receiving the letter. For example, you would use a different, more conservative complimentary close for an unknown recipient than you would for a business associate you know quite well. Your closing and signature should be as professional as the rest of your letter or email message .

A complimentary close, also known as a complimentary closing, is the term inserted prior to your signature in an email message or a formal letter.

This signoff phrase shows your respect and appreciation for the person who is considering the request in your letter or email.

Although it may seem somewhat old-fashioned, using a complimentary close is still considered important when writing formal business correspondence. When writing or emailing a cover letter for a job or any type of business letter, it's appropriate to use a complimentary close. Make sure to choose one, though, that is professional rather than casual.

The following options are all good ways to close a formal letter:

Here are more examples of letter and email closings and signatures:

All of the options listed above are appropriate for use in business correspondence.

Choose which one to use based on how well you know the recipient and the circumstances behind your letter writing.

For instance, limit options that are some form of a thank you (such as "With appreciation" and "With gratitude") to instances where you are requesting a favor or expressing appreciation.

You can think of "Best regards," "Sincerely," “Cordially,” and the variations on these closers as the little black dress of complimentary closes. You can't go wrong choosing one of these options—they're always appropriate.

Keep in mind that if you are writing someone in the armed forces, it is customary in the military to use the complimentary close, “Very Respectfully” or its abbreviation, “V/R.”

You are not emailing with a friend or sending a thank you note to a relative. Do not use casual signoffs like “Love,” “Cheers,” “Later,” “Ciao,” or “Always.” These options do not match the formality of your letter. Keep the professional tone of your correspondence consistent, from the salutation through the content to the signoff.

How to Format the Closing and Include Your Signature

Always remember to follow up the close with a comma, as in the examples below. Your typed name will go after the complimentary close.

If you are sending a hard copy letter, leave four lines of space between the closing and your typed name. When you print out the letter, this will give you plenty of space in which to sign your name in blue or black ink between your complimentary close and your typed name.

You can write your title below your name, as well as your phone and email address. In emails, you can include an email signature section with contact information.

Email Message Signature Example

Tanisha Johnson Sales Manager, ABC Industries tjohnson@abcindustries.com 555-123-1234

Printed Letter Signature Example

(written signature)

FirstName LastName

More Guidelines for Writing a Formal Letter

If you're still unsure about what should be included (or not) in a formal business letter , keep these key tips in mind:

Key Takeaways

end a letter called

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Courteous Writing

What Is a Salutation? It’s Not a Close!

People often write to me asking for help with salutations. But when I read their questions, I find that they deal with “Best regards” or “Sincerely yours.” Those are complimentary closes.

Let’s look at the differences.

A salutation is a greeting we use at the beginning of an email, a letter, or a note. Even a text or an online comment can begin with a salutation.

In a letter, salutations nearly always begin with “Dear”:

Dear Rosalie, (We use a comma after the greeting in a personal letter in the U.S. and Canada. In other countries the punctuation is often omitted.)

Dear Dr. Gomez: (We use a colon after the greeting in a business letter in the U.S. and Canada. Other countries often leave it out.)

Salutations in emails can begin with “Dear” if the message is formal. Otherwise, they are more likely to be one of these:

Hello Professor,

Greetings, everybody!

A comma normally sets off an individual’s name in direct address (for example, “Thank you, Margo”), but most people leave it out these days in greetings. (I am trying hard to let go of that comma, but I still write things like “Hello, John.”)

A complimentary close or closing is a polite ending to a message. In letters, these are common closes:

Best regards, (We use the comma in the U.S. and Canada; other countries may leave it out.)

A complimentary close is not a must in email, but it warms up the end of the message. People usually end an email with a complimentary close if they open it with a greeting. Examples:

As a traditionalist, I like to use “Thanks” sincerely in a sentence ending with a period. Example: “Thanks again for helping me finish this project.” But “Thanks” alone has become a popular close.

Maybe the expression “greetings and salutations” has led people to believe that the greeting starts a message and the salutation ends it. But that just isn’t so.

Do you have questions about salutations or closes? Just type your search phrase in the box at top right. I have covered salutations for married couples, doctors, etc., along with complimentary closes for all kinds of situations.

Lynn Syntax Training

Lynn, maybe you can help me get a grip on a salutation that makes me cringe. Some business associates – especially younger people – use “Hey, Laura” in their email greetings to me. My grandmother lived in our home when I was growing up, and if we ever said, “Hey, Grandma,” she would respond, “Hay is for horses.” So we learned not to do it. Now I find the word overly familiar in a business setting, perhaps even bordering on rude. I know I need to get over this and take it in the spirit in which it was meant, but I still cringe. Your thoughts?

In Business Writing class many years ago, we were taught to use the colon in the salutation. It is especially pertinent in business letters. Also, I like the close ending with a period. Is a comma, or a period, acceptable here?

Best Regards. Bob VL

Laura, I’m just chiming in here regarding your concerns about younger business associates using “Hey Laura” as an email greeting to you. As a twenty-something in business, I definitely don’t think this should be taken as rude at all- they most likely consider it a synonym for “hi” in this context. However, if you are in a management or leadership role and those under your leadership address you (or others one or more levels above them) with “Hey”, I do think it would be appropriate to mention to them at some point that this isn’t really a professional greeting.

Hi Laura and Lisa,

I have learned to accept “Hey” as an informal greeting despite being taught the “Hay is for horses” lesson. I suggest recognizing that different generations have learned different lessons and accepting “Hey” as a friendly greeting. Laura, you might think of younger employees as people from another country, who do things differently. Decide that their way is different, not worse–to avoid cringing and start grinning.

At the same time, I agree with you, Lisa, that supervisors should coach employees to write for their readers. They should note that “Hey” seems too informal to many people. Also, supervisors can set standards for writing to customers, clients, senior executives, and others.

I have been writing this blog for nine years. I find myself in the position of needing to update old posts. Things that seemed unacceptable then are now well entrenched.

Thanks for commenting!

“Many years ago” people wrote only letters and memos–not emails, texts, etc. The colon was the only mark to follow a greeting. Today the colon is still correct for business letters, but commas are often used after the greetings in emails.

I have never seen–and my style guides don’t support–using a period after the complimentary close. I have a style guide from 1914, 100 years ago, that states “The proper punctation at the end [of a close] is a comma.”

I recommend reserving the period for the mark after the last sentence. Then use a comma with the complimentary close.

Thanks for stopping by!

I’ve never had Business writing classes 🙁 …Thanks for let me learning

I am glad to be helpful.

Thank you for your helpful website. I use it often.

I have a question about email salutations.

When sending a business email, I typically format the salutation using the recipient’s first name followed by a colon (i.e. “Jane:”). Is that acceptable?

If not, why is it acceptable to omit “Dear” and use a comma (e.g. “Jane,”) in the salutation of a personal email, but not acceptable to omit “Dear” and use a colon in a business email (to colleagues)?

Thanks, in advance, for your help.

The problem with “Jane:” is that it may come across as abrupt. It doesn’t communicate positive feeling.

“Jane” followed by a comma feels a bit warmer. A comma comes across as less formal than a colon.

Names on the screen do not convey tone, so readers bring their own interpretations to your greeting. When Jane sees her name followed by a colon at the beginning of an email, she may anticipate a stern message–even if you are congratulating her.

Good morning, Jane!

I like to use a greeting such as “Hi” or “Hello.” Sometimes I skip the greeting and use the person’s name at the beginning of my opening sentence, like this:

Claire, thanks for your question.

The opening sentence, rather than a greeting, communicates my positive intent.

Mike, I hope those ideas help you.

Is it acceptable to use this as an email introduction?

I appreciate you blog.

I appreciate your blog.

Normally we do not use a colon after a greeting such as “Hi” or “Hello.”

I recommend using the format I showed above.

Comments are closed.

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How to End a Letter (With Closing Examples)

Alison Doyle is one of the nation’s foremost career experts.

end a letter called

The Best Options To End a Letter

Letter closing examples, more letter closing examples, letter closings to avoid, how to capitalize a closing, how to format a letter ending, what to include in your signature, signature examples, frequently asked questions (faqs).

AntonioGuillem / iStock / Getty Images Plus

How you end a letter is important. It’s your last chance to make a good first impression on your reader. Choose the wrong closing, and you might damage the goodwill you have built up in the rest of your communication.

What’s the best way to end a letter or email message? Your closing needs to leave the reader with positive feelings about you and the letter you have written.

In closing your letter, it is important to use an appropriately respectful and professional word or phrase.

Most formal letter closing options are reserved but note that there are degrees of warmth and familiarity among the options. Your relationship with the person to whom you're writing will shape which closing you choose:

Above all, your closing should be appropriate. Choose the right letter closing, and your reader likely won’t remember how you ended your letter. Ideally, your message will resonate instead of your word choice.

Key Takeaways

Review the best way to end a letter and review formal, business, or personal letter closings, sample signatures, letter examples, and writing tips.

The following are letter closings that are appropriate for business and employment-related letters.

Sincerely, Sincerely yours, Regards, Yours truly, and Yours sincerely

These are the simplest and most useful letter closings to use in a formal business setting. These are appropriate in almost all instances and are excellent ways to close a cover letter or a job inquiry . “Sincerely” is a classic way to end a letter or email, and if you're not sure about options, it's a good one to choose.

Best regards, Cordially, and Yours respectfully

These letter closings fill the need for something slightly more personal. They are appropriate once you have some knowledge of the person to whom you are writing. You may have corresponded via email a few times, had a face-to-face or phone interview, or met at a networking event.

Warm regards, Best wishes, and With appreciation

These letter closings are also appropriate once you have some knowledge or connection to the person to whom you are writing. Because they can relate to the content of the letter, they can give closure to the point of the letter. Only use these if they make sense with the content of your letter.

When you’re ending your letter, be sure to choose a letter closing that is appropriate to the topic of your letter and to your personal situation and relationship with the person to whom you are writing. Here are more examples to choose from:

There are certain closings that you want to avoid in any business letter or email. Most of these are simply too informal. Casual doesn't work with professional correspondence. Some examples of closings to avoid are listed below:

Some closings (such as “Love” and “XOXO”) imply a level of closeness that is not appropriate for a business letter. Slang or acronyms aren't appropriate either.

If you would use the closing in a note to a close friend, it’s probably not suitable for business correspondence.

Capitalize the first word of your closing. If your closing is more than one word, capitalize the first word and use lowercase for the other words. For example:

Once you have chosen a word or phrase to use as a send-off, follow it with a comma, some space, and then include your signature.

Printed letter: If you are sending a hard-copy letter, leave four lines of space between the closing and your typed name. Use this space to sign your name in ink.

Email message: If you’re sending an email , leave one space between the complimentary close and your typed signature. Include your contact information directly below your typed signature.

Beneath your letter closing, include your signature. If this is a physical letter, first sign your name in ink, and then list your typed signature below. If this is an email letter, simply add your typed signature below your send-off.

Make sure to include your contact information in your letter.

If this is a physical letter, your contact information will be at the top of the letter. However, if this is an email, include that information beneath your typed signature. This will allow the recipient to respond to you easily.

Hard-Copy Letter Signature

Handwritten signature (for a printed letter)

Typed signature

Email Message Signature Example

Typed Signature Email Address Phone LinkedIn URL (if you have a profile)

To set up your email signature, go to “settings” in your email account. Follow the steps to add your signature and prepopulate future messages.

How do you start a business letter?

If you are sending a hard-copy version, start your business letter with your name and address, followed by the date, and then the recipient’s name and address. Then, include a salutation and the recipient’s name, e.g., “Dear Ms. Green.”

What are the parts of a business letter?

The parts of a business letter are the sender’s address, the date, the recipient’s address, a salutation, the message body, a closing, and the sender’s signature. If you send the letter by email, you can omit the address and date sections and include your contact information in your email signature.

UNG University Press. " Learning the Parts of a Letter ."

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University of North Georgia Press

Local is Global

Learning the Parts of a Letter

Letter writing is one of the oldest forms of written communication. As a mainstay in communication, the letter has gone through transformations to accommodate personal and professional use. Today, the general consensus is that there are 5–7 parts of a letter that outline the standard letter writing format for personal or business communication. The website English Plus has handy guides that are broken down In this blog.

The Personal/Friendly Letter

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English Plus outlines five parts of a personal letter, not used in a business setting.

This includes the address, line by line, with the last line being the date. Skip a line after the heading. The heading is indented to the middle of the page. If using pre-addressed stationery, add just the date.

2. The greeting

The greeting always ends with a comma. The greeting may be formal, beginning with the word “dear” and using the person’s given name or relationship, or it may be informal if appropriate. (Occasionally very personal greetings may end with an exclamation point for emphasis.)

Formal: Dear Uncle Mike, Dear Ms. Jillian

Informal: Hi Darryl, Greetings!

Also known as the main text. This includes the message you want to write. Normally in a friendly letter, the beginning of paragraphs is indented. If not indented, be sure to skip a space between paragraphs. Skip a line after the greeting and before the close.

4. The complimentary close

This short expression is always a few words on a single line. It ends in a comma. It should be indented to the same column as the heading. Skip one to three spaces (two is usual) for the signature line.

Formal: Sincerely, Best

Informal: All my love, Eagerly awaiting your response

5. The signature line

Type or print your name. The handwritten signature goes above this line and below the close. The signature line and the handwritten signature are indented to the same column as the close. The signature should be written in blue or black ink. If the letter is quite informal, you may omit the signature line as long as you sign the letter.

Optional is a postscript. If your letter contains a postscript, begin it with P.S. and end it with your initials. Skip a line after the signature line to begin the postscript.

The Business Letter

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A business letter is more formal than a personal letter. It has two crucial components: (1) A margin of at least one inch on all four edges and (2) written on an 8.5-inch x 11-inch piece of unlined paper. There are six parts to a business letter.

This contains the return address (usually two or three lines) with the date on the last line.

Sometimes, it may be necessary to include a line after the address and before the date for a phone number, fax number, E-mail address, or something similar. Often a line is skipped between the address and date. That should always be done if the heading is next to the left margin. (See Business Letter Styles .) It is not necessary to type the return address if you are using stationery with the return address already imprinted. Always include the date.

end a letter called

2. The inside address

This is the address you are sending your letter to. Make it as complete as possible. Include titles and names if you know them. This is always on the left margin. If an 8.5-inch x 11-inch paper is folded in thirds to fit in a standard 9-inch business envelope, the inside address can appear through the window in the envelope. An inside address also helps the recipient route the letter properly and can help should the envelope be damaged, and the address become unreadable. Skip a line after the heading before the inside address. Skip another line after the inside address before the greeting.

3. The greeting

Also called the salutation. The greeting in a business letter is always formal. It normally begins with the word “Dear” and always includes the person’s last name. It normally has a title. Use a first name only if the title is unclear–for example, you are writing to someone named “Sam,” but do not know whether the person is male or female. The greeting in a business letter always ends in a colon.

The body is written as text. A business letter is never hand-written. Depending on the letter style you choose, paragraphs may be indented. Regardless of format, skip a line between paragraphs.

Skip a line between the greeting and the body. Skip a line between the body and the close.

5. The complimentary close

This short, polite closing ends with a comma. It is either at the left margin or its left edge is in the center, depending on the Business Letter Style that you use. It begins at the same column the heading does.

The block style is becoming more widely used because there is no indenting to bother with in the whole letter.

6. The signature line

Skip two lines (unless you have unusually wide or narrow lines) and type out the name to be signed. This customarily includes a middle initial but does not have to. Women may indicate how they wish to be addressed by placing Miss, Mrs., Ms. or similar title in parentheses before their name. The signature line may include a second line for a title, if appropriate. The term “By direction” in the second line means that a superior is authorizing the signer. The signature should start directly above the first letter of the signature line in the space between the close and the signature line. Use blue or black ink. Business letters should not contain postscripts, and certain companies may have house formats that vary slightly.

Mastering the art of the personal and business letter is invaluable to your communication skills. Although email, text, and other social media chat options have dominated the communication space since the 1970’s and the 1990’s , letter writing is still a skill that demands expertise.

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About EFSTAC1876

Emily Stachelczyk is an intern with the UNG Press for the fall 2020 semester. She is a senior at the UNG Dahlonega campus, set to graduate in December 2020 with her bachelor’s degree in English with a Literature focus and a double minor in History and the Spanish Language.

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VIDEO

PUT UR THIRD LETTER ONLY
Put the first letter of your last name close to the “HLOE”
The first letter of your name is the word's first letter
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COMMENTS

What Is the End of a Letter Called?
The end of a letter is called the complimentary close. This part of the letter is composed of a short statement such as “Yours sincerely,” and is followed by the signature of the writer.
What Are the Major Sports Teams That Do Not End in the Letter “s”?
In general, most teams’ names end with an “s,” since they exist in plural form. However, with the two baseball teams, “Sox” is a variation on the spelling of the word “socks” while the other teams’ exist as plural without adding the letter ...
How Did Reconstruction End?
Reconstruction formally ended in 1876 with the highly controversial Hayes-Tilden election. To secure the presidency after losing the popular vote, Republicans succumbed to Southern Democratic demands to end federal intervention and to withd...
What term is used for the closing of a letter?
Valediction is used in US English. Closing or Complimentary Closing is used in British & International English. Neither terms are in common
What is the name for the ending of a letter?
If by “letter” you mean a written communication to someone, the ending is called the “valediction”; the opening is called the “salutation”.
End Of Letter?
You could call it a
Valediction
A valediction or complimentary close in American English, is an expression used to say farewell, especially a word or phrase used to end a letter or message
The Complimentary Close in a Letter or Email
The complimentary close is the word (such as "Sincerely") or phrase ("Best wishes") that conventionally appears before the sender's
Parts of a Business Letter
The complimentary close is a short and polite remark that ends your letter. The close begins at the same justification as your date and one line after the last
Formal Letter Closing and Signature Examples
A complimentary close, also known as a complimentary closing, is the term inserted prior to your signature in an email message or a formal
What Is a Salutation? It's Not a Close!
A complimentary close or closing is a polite ending to a message. In letters, these are common closes: Best regards, (We use the comma in
How to End a Letter (With Closing Examples)
These letter closings are also appropriate once you have some knowledge or connection to the person to whom you are writing. Because they can
Learning the Parts of a Letter
Also called the salutation. The greeting in a business letter is always formal. It normally begins with the word “Dear” and always includes the
What Is the End of a Letter Called?
The end of a letter is called the complimentary close. This part of the letter is composed of a short statement such as “Yours sincerely,” and is followed