How to End A Letter

Letter etiquette remains important whether you type or use your own handwriting to write it.

Crafting a letter, whether personal or professional, can often be difficult. You may struggle with finding the right words to convey your thoughts or feelings, or you may not know how to even format a letter. The end of the letter matters just as much as the beginning and body of the letter, as it is the last thing your correspondent reads from you. Learning the etiquette of ending letters can save you any unnecessary confusion or embarrassment after you send the letters out.

Instructions

Personal Letters

1. Write to close the letter at the end of the body paragraphs. This can be anything from "Write back soon!" to "I hope we can see each other again. I love you."

2. Double-space and give your complimentary close. Use anything from "Love always" to "Yours truly," depending on your relationship with the recipient. Follow the phrase with a comma.

3. Skip a line and sign your name.

4. Add a postscript -- P.S. -- if you want to add a small bit of information that you didn't include in the original letter. Double-space after your signature to add the postscript.

Professional Letters

1. Skip a line from the body of your letter to type something along the lines of: "I hope to hear from you soon to discuss this matter further" or "I look forward to your correspondence."

2. Use a formal complimentary close. "Sincerely" works well in keeping the formality of the letter, as well as others like "Yours faithfully" or "Thank you." End the close with a comma.

3. Skip four lines from the complimentary close to type your name. Sign your name above this line. If you need a print copy of this letter, print the letter out first, then sign your name above the printed name.

References

• English Plus: Friendly or Personal Letters
• The English Web: How to Start and End a Business English Letter or Email
• Savvy Business Correspondence: Dixie's Full Block Business Letter

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish