British English
If you used the recipient's name in the salutation, use 'sincerely'.
If you did not use the recipient's name in the salutation, use 'faithfully'.
American English
Use 'sincerely', no matter if you used the recipient's name in the salutation or not ('faithfully' is not common in American English).
Salutation - Greeting
British English
| Salutation | Greeting |
|---|---|
| Dear Ms Wexley Dear Jane Wexley Dear Jane | Yours sincerely / Sincerely yours |
| Dear Sir Dear Sirs Dear Madam Dear Sir or Madam | Yours faithfully / Faithfully yours |
American English
| Salutation | Greeting |
|---|---|
| Dear Ms. Wexley: Dear Jane Wexley: Dear Jane: | Sincerely, / Sincerely yours, |
| Gentlemen: Ladies: Ladies and Gentlemen: To whom it may concern: | Sincerely, / Sincerely yours, |
In emails you could also write:
- Regards
- Kind regards
- Best wishes
Note: If you end the salutation with a comma or colon, use a comma after the greeting. If you didn't punctuate the salutation, don't punctuate the greeting.
Position: Write the greeting two lines below the last paragraph and left-justify it. If the date is centre-justified, however, do also centre-justify the greeting.
Leave 4 blank lines after the greeting (space for the signature) and write the sender's name below that space.
