Is best regards a good closing?

Yes, 'best regards' is a good closing. It toes the line between professionalism and friendliness very well and is a great option for a letter or email that you're sending to a familiar <a href='https://wordpress-1250819-5972544.cloudwaysapps.com/business-associate-jobs/' ltype='auto'>business associate</a>.'Best regards' is a warm and friendly way to sign off, as it means that you highly regard the person you're <a href='https://wordpress-1250819-5972544.cloudwaysapps.com/writing-major/' ltype='auto'>writing</a> to. Because of this, it's best used with someone you know, as it might come off as slightly odd if you tell a total stranger you think highly of them, especially if you're cold-emailing them.However, when you're emailing a <a href='https://wordpress-1250819-5972544.cloudwaysapps.com/mentor-jobs/' ltype='auto'>mentor</a>, colleague, client, or even a hiring manager you've spoken with several times, best regards is a great way to soften a sometimes stiff professional letter.It's also a good way to end a thank you note if you don't want to say thank you again in your closing but sincerely sounds too formal or stiff. Saying best regards can give a little more personality to your letter, allowing you to make an even better impression or stronger connection with the recipient.Other uses for 'best regards' could be when you're emailing your supervisor, a <a href='https://wordpress-1250819-5972544.cloudwaysapps.com/vendor-jobs/' ltype='auto'>vendor</a>, a client, a business <a href='https://wordpress-1250819-5972544.cloudwaysapps.com/partner-jobs/' ltype='auto'>partner</a>, your coworkers, or a mentor. From thank you notes to informational emails or a list of updates and questions, closing with 'best regards' can help you create positive rapport with your recipient in a professional way.

What can I say instead of best regards?

Instead of best regards, you can say 'best,' 'regards,' 'kind regards,' or 'warm regards.' All of these phrases serve similar purposes to 'best regards,' but one may fit better with your letter or email than the others.'Best,' for example, is a good option if you don't have a very close relationship with the recipient but want something more personable than 'sincerely.' It's short for 'best regards' or 'best wishes,' so while it leaves the message somewhat up to interpretation, it's still guaranteed to come across as positive and professional.Saying just 'regards' is more similar to 'sincerely' since it doesn't assume you know the person well. It still sounds respectful, warm, and professional, though, and can add more personality to your letter or email than the basic 'sincerely' does.If you want an even more personal option, then 'best regards,' 'kind regards,' or 'warm regards' fits the ticket. This should only be used with people you know very well, though, as it can come across as too familiar in a professional setting.An email to a colleague or client who you have worked with closely for many years, for example, would be an appropriate time to use this closing.If and when you're in doubt about which closing to use, err on the side of professionalism over familiarity. You can always adjust to match the recipient's friendly tone after receiving a response from them, but it's tough to backpedal from friendliness to professionalism.

Which is better, “kind regards” or “best regards”?

'Best regards' is better than 'kind regards.' In a business setting, 'best regards' is a great balance between friendliness and professionalism. It shows that you respect the person you're writing to without being overly casual or familiar.'Kind regards,' however, can come across as more intimate, as it insinuates that you know the person very well and have some sort of friendship with them that goes beyond that of a business acquaintance.In messages to those close colleagues or clients, 'kind regards' can go a long way. It can also offend someone who may feel that you're being too familiar, however, or it can make someone feel like you know them better than they know you.While this won't necessarily make or break your message, it can add an uncomfortable element, which isn't what you want to do when trying to make a good impression.Because of this, 'best regards' is the much safer professional choice, so if you're in doubt about which one would be better, stick with 'best regards' or use the vaguer but still positive 'best,' which leaves it up to the reader's interpretation.Of course, if you want to play it even safer, 'sincerely' is a widely accepted, albeit a little boring, conclusion.

Is the R in “best regards” capitalized?

No, the R in 'best regards' isn't capitalized. 'Best regards,' followed by your name, forms its own little phrase or paragraph of sorts. Because of this, you'd capitalize the B in 'best' but leave the R in 'regards' lowercase.When you're formatting your closing, leave one blank line between your last paragraph and 'best regards' and another blank line between 'best regards' and your name. If you're writing a formal business letter instead of an email, you'll type 'best regards,' skip a line, sign your name, skip another line, and type your name.The whole thing will be left-aligned along with the rest of your text and should have enough white space underneath it to not look crowded (at least a line or two should be enough). You should also put a comma after 'best regards' to lead into your name.If you're writing an email, it's often a good idea to put your job title, the name of the company you work for, your work email address, and your phone number under your name. If you're emailing a hiring manager about a new job or don't currently have a job at all, you can and probably should leave off your job title and company name.The end result should look something like this (unless your company has its own template you need to use):<div class='example-answer'><blockquote>Best regards,Tim AllenIT Specialist Winifred Systems, Inc. 444-333-2222 tim.allen@winifreds.com</blockquote></div>

Is “best regards” formal or informal?

'Best regards' is formal. It carries more familiarity than the ultra-formal 'sincerely,' but it's still considered a formal, professional closing.If you know the person you're emailing and respect them, closing with 'best regards' can be a great way to incorporate some personality into your message. It can also help you articulate your respect and appreciation for the person without diluting your professional message.'Best regards' can soften an otherwise highly rigid and professional email without coming across as informal. For example, if you need to email your colleagues an organizational update, you'll want to acknowledge your personal relationship with them without ending with something as casual as 'I appreciate you' or something along those lines.Closing with 'best regards' is a great way to balance this with your need to deliver a professional message.For reference, 'kind regards' and 'warm regards' are typically less formal than 'best regards,' while 'sincerely' is a touch more formal. 'Best' rides that line about as well as 'best regards' does, erring a bit more on the familiar and informal side than the full phrase does.'Best regards' is also a great option when you're emailing someone who is no longer a stranger, but you need to be professional with, like a <a href='https://wordpress-1250819-5972544.cloudwaysapps.com/superior-jobs/' ltype='auto'>superior</a> or a hiring manager you've talked to through several rounds of interviews.

How To Use Best Regards And Its Variations (With Examples)

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How to Use “Best Regards” and Its Variations (With Examples)

Mastering the art of professional email and letter writing is crucial in today’s fast-paced work environment. A key component of this skill is knowing how to close your communications effectively. “Best regards” is an excellent choice as it strikes a balance between being friendly and maintaining professionalism.

In this article, you’ll discover the meaning of “best regards,” when to use it, suitable alternatives, how to format the ending of a letter, and tips for crafting an impactful thank-you note after an interview.

Key Takeaways

“Best regards” conveys warmth and well wishes while remaining appropriately formal.
Use “best regards” when addressing someone you are familiar with.
It’s suitable for thanking an interviewer, discussing projects with your supervisor, or communicating with colleagues, clients, or mentors.

How to Use Best Regards and Its Variations

In This Article

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What Does “Best Regards” Mean?
Best Regards: When to Use
Examples of Using Best Regards
Alternatives to Best Regards
How to Format a Letter Ending
How to Write a Thank-You Note/Email After an Interview
50 Ways to Close a Business Letter or an Interview Thank-You Note
Best Regards FAQ
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What Does “Best Regards” Mean?

“Best regards” is a closing phrase that expresses friendliness and goodwill toward the recipient. It’s versatile enough for both personal and professional correspondence. While it’s not overly formal, it also avoids being too casual, making it appropriate for various scenarios.

This phrase indicates respect for the recipient, so it’s best reserved for people you know and value. Using it in cold emails or cover letters may create a confusing impression, as it suggests familiarity that doesn’t exist.

Best Regards: When to Use

“Best regards” is suitable for instances that reflect a respectful and somewhat familiar relationship with the recipient. Here are some appropriate occasions to use it:

Thanking an interviewer after multiple interview rounds
Discussing project updates with your supervisor
Communicating with a business partner, vendor, or client
Corresponding with coworkers
Seeking advice from a mentor

Make sure it’s appropriate to use “best regards” based on your relationship with the individual addressed.

Examples of Using Best Regards

Here’s an example of an informal email closing with “best regards”:

Hi Marcus,

I’ve attached the documents you requested for the budget meeting on Tuesday. I also have samples from last year’s drafts if you’re interested.

Please let me know if you have any questions or need anything else. Looking forward to our meeting!

Best regards,
Tim

Here’s a more formal email example using the same closing phrase:

Dear Elizabeth,

Thank you for meeting with me last week. I learned a great deal about HR, and your insights were invaluable in helping me decide my career path. I genuinely appreciate your time and guidance.

I hope to connect again soon.

Best regards,
Maggie

Alternatives to Best Regards

“Best regards” has several variations that work well in different contexts. Here are a few that warrant particular attention:

Best. A concise alternative to “best regards” or “best wishes,” this sign-off is flexible in interpretation, maintaining a positive tone without being overly formal.
Regards. This is appropriate when you don’t know the recipient well, making it a better choice than “best regards” in more formal or distant communications.
Kind/Warm regards. Suitable for recipients with whom you have a personal connection, but use these cautiously in professional contexts to avoid misinterpretation.

How to Format a Letter Ending

Formatting the closing of a letter is straightforward. Choose your closing phrase, place a comma after it, and leave four blank lines for your signature. Here’s the correct format:

Best regards,

[Insert handwritten signature]

Sarah White

If you’re handwriting a thank-you note, you don’t need to leave space for a signature. Just ensure your name is legible. Some prefer to add their contact information below their name for convenience:

Best regards,

Isaac Rodriguez
444-555-6666
isaacrodriguez@email.com

How to Capitalize a Closing

When it comes to capitalization, it’s “Best regards” for the first word only. Therefore, “best regards” is correct.

How to Write a Thank-You Note/Email After an Interview

“Best regards” is often used to conclude a thank-you email after an interview. Here’s how to effectively write one:

Expressing gratitude for the opportunity is crucial in setting yourself apart from other candidates.

Thank-you messages should be clear and concise, adhering to business etiquette. Follow these tips to craft your letter:

Address it directly to the interviewer
Start with your thank you
Include a brief reminder of who you are and when you interviewed
Reaffirm your interest in the position
Offer availability for further questions
Conclude with your sign-off

Even if you decide not to pursue the job, sending a thank-you note is a professional courtesy that keeps the door open for future opportunities.

Is It Better to Send an Email or a Note/Letter?

Email is generally preferred for thank-you notes due to its immediacy. However, in more traditional environments, a handwritten note may be more appropriate. Consider the nature of the organization when deciding.

While a mailed thank-you note is thoughtful, it may arrive too late in the fast-paced business world, where quick responses are expected. Aim to send your thank-you email within 2-24 hours after the interview.

Examples of a Thank-You Email After an Interview

Here are examples of thank-you emails that illustrate different tones based on closing phrases:

Example 1: Best Regards
Hello Ms. Doe,

Thank you for inviting me to interview for the receptionist position today. I enjoyed our discussion and the tour of your facility. It was impressive.

I look forward to the possibility of joining your team. Please let me know if you need any further information.

Best regards,
John Doe

Example 2: Thanks for Your Consideration
Dear John,

Thank you for meeting with me today. I appreciate your time and the insights you shared about the office manager position.

Attached is a sample of the roll-forward schedule we discussed. I’m excited about the possibility of contributing to XYZ Company.

Thanks for your consideration,
Jane Johnson

Example 3: Thanks Again

Dear Melissa Smith,

Thank you for taking the time to interview me. I was impressed by your team’s professionalism and the collaborative environment. I believe I would be a great fit for your marketing team.

Looking forward to your decision.

Thanks again,
John Doe

50 Ways to Close a Business Letter or an Interview Thank-You Note

Here’s a list of creative, classic, and fresh ways to close your business communications:

Thank you
Thanks for your consideration
Thank you for your time
Thanks
Thanks again
Many thanks
Greatest thanks
With sincere thanks
Sincerest thanks
With my most sincere thanks
Sincerely
Sincerely yours
Yours sincerely
Most sincerely
Most sincerely yours
Respectfully
With respect
Yours respectfully
Respectfully yours
Most respectfully yours
Best
All the best
Best wishes
Best regards
Regards
Warm regards
Warmest regards
Kind regards
Kindest regards
Kind wishes
Kindest wishes
Fond regards
Fondest regards
Cordially
Cordially yours
Warm wishes
Warmest wishes
Warmly
I wish you well
With gratitude
With sincere gratitude
With sincere appreciation
With appreciation
Appreciatively
In appreciation
Yours truly
Truly
Until next time
Best wishes for the future
Enthusiastically

When deciding on a closing, aim for one that feels natural and fits the tone of your message. The focus should remain on the content of your communication, not the closing itself.

Best Regards FAQ

Is best regards a good closing?

Yes, “best regards” is a highly effective closing. It strikes a balance between professionalism and warmth, making it suitable for communications with familiar business associates.

“Best regards” signifies a positive regard for the recipient, making it an ideal choice for interactions with colleagues, clients, or mentors.
What can I say instead of best regards?

Alternatives include “best,” “regards,” “kind regards,” or “warm regards.” Each serves a similar purpose, allowing you to adjust your tone based on the relationship with the recipient.
Which is better, “kind regards” or “best regards”?

“Best regards” is often the better choice. It maintains professionalism while showing familiarity, making it suitable for most business communications.
Is the R in “best regards” capitalized?

No, the R in “best regards” is not capitalized. Use a comma after “best regards” and follow with your name.
Is “best regards” formal or informal?

“Best regards” is considered a formal closing. It offers a friendly touch while remaining professional, making it versatile for various contexts.

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Kristin Kizer

Kristin Kizer is an award-winning writer, television and documentary producer, and content specialist who has worked on a wide variety of written, broadcast, and electronic publications. A former writer/producer for The Discovery Channel, she is now a freelance writer and delighted to be sharing her talents and time with the wonderful Zippia audience.

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