When signing off a formal letter or email, you may have wondered whether to write “Your Sincerely” or “Yours Sincerely.” This small difference in wording can make a big impact on the professionalism of your communication.
In this blog post, we’ll explore:
- The correct usage of “Yours Sincerely” vs. “Your Sincerely”
- The difference between “Yours Sincerely” and “Yours Faithfully”
- Common mistakes and how to avoid them
- Proper formatting in business letters and emails
By the end, you’ll never second-guess your sign-offs again!
1. Is It “Your Sincerely” or “Yours Sincerely”?
The correct phrase is “Yours Sincerely.”
- Correct: Yours Sincerely,
- Incorrect: Your Sincerely,
Why?
- “Yours” is a possessive pronoun, meaning “belonging to you.”
- “Sincerely” is an adverb modifying the possessive form.
- Together, they form a polite and formal closing.
“Your Sincerely” is grammatically incorrect because “your” is a determiner (like “my” or “his”) and cannot stand alone in this context.
2. “Yours Sincerely” vs. “Yours Faithfully” – What’s the Difference?
Both phrases are formal closings, but their usage depends on whether you know the recipient’s name.
| Closing Phrase | When to Use | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Yours Sincerely | When you know the recipient’s name (e.g., Dear Mr. Smith) | Dear John,… Yours Sincerely, [Your Name] |
| Yours Faithfully | When you don’t know the recipient’s name (e.g., Dear Sir/Madam) | Dear Hiring Manager,… Yours Faithfully, [Your Name] |
Why Does This Rule Exist?
This distinction comes from traditional British English letter-writing etiquette. While “Yours Sincerely” implies a personal connection, “Yours Faithfully” is more distant and formal.
In American English, “Sincerely” or “Sincerely yours” is more common, regardless of whether the recipient’s name is known.
3. Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake #1: Using “Your Sincerely” Instead of “Yours Sincerely”
- Your Sincerely,
- Yours Sincerely,
Why it’s wrong: “Your” needs a noun after it (e.g., your letter), but “sincerely” is an adverb, not a noun.
Mistake #2: Mixing Up “Yours Sincerely” and “Yours Faithfully”
- If you start with Dear Sir/Madam, use “Yours Faithfully.”
- If you start with Dear [Name], use “Yours Sincerely.”
Mistake #3: Overusing Informal Closings in Formal Letters
Avoid casual closings like:
- Cheers,
- Best, (unless semi-formal)
- Thanks!
Stick to “Yours Sincerely” or “Yours Faithfully” for professional communication.
4. Proper Formatting in Letters and Emails
In a Formal Letter:
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[Your Address] [Date] Recipient's Name Recipient's Address Dear [Name], [Body of the letter] Yours Sincerely, [Your Name]
In a Formal Email:
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Subject: [Subject Line] Dear [Name], [Email content] Yours Sincerely, [Your Full Name] [Your Position] [Company Name]
5. Regional Variations: UK vs. US English
| Country | Preferred Closing | Usage |
|---|---|---|
| UK English | Yours Sincerely (if name known) / Yours Faithfully (if name unknown) | Strictly follows the “Dear [Name]” rule |
| US English | Sincerely or Sincerely yours | Used regardless of whether the name is known |
6. Alternatives to “Yours Sincerely”
If you want variety, here are some professional alternatives:
- Kind regards, (less formal but still professional)
- Best regards, (neutral tone)
- Respectfully yours, (very formal, e.g., for legal or official letters)
Avoid overly casual closings in business correspondence.
7. Final Thoughts: Always Double-Check Your Sign-Off
Using the wrong closing can make your letter seem unprofessional. Remember:
- “Yours Sincerely” → When you know the recipient’s name.
- “Yours Faithfully” → When you don’t know the name.
- Never “Your Sincerely” – it’s grammatically incorrect.
By following these rules, you’ll ensure your emails and letters always make the right impression.
FAQs
Q1. Can I use “Yours Sincerely” in an email?
Yes, it’s perfectly acceptable in formal emails.
Q2. Is “Yours truly” the same as “Yours sincerely”?
“Yours truly” is more common in American English and is slightly less formal than “Yours sincerely.”
Q3. What if I’m unsure whether to use “Yours Sincerely” or “Yours Faithfully”?
If in doubt, use “Yours Sincerely”—it’s more widely accepted.
