What Is a Salutation? It's Not a Close! (2024)

Posted byWhat Is a Salutation? It's Not a Close! (1)

Lynn Gaertner-JohnstonUpdated on

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 greetingwe 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:

Hi Jeff,

Hello Professor,

Hello to all,

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.)

Regards,

Sincerely,

Best wishes,

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:

Regards,

All the best,

Cheers,

Thanks,

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

What Is a Salutation? It's Not a Close! (2024)

FAQs

What Is a Salutation? It's Not a Close!? ›

A salutation is a greeting used in a letter or other communication. Salutations can be formal or informal. The most common form of salutation in an English letter includes the recipient's given name or title. For each style of salutation there is an accompanying style of complimentary close, known as valediction.

What is salutation and close? ›

Salutation means the words used to greet the recipient. It depends upon the relationship with the recipient. Usually words like Sir or Madam are used for salutation. Complementary close refers to the humble ending of the letter. It generally depends on the words used for salutation.

What is the opposite of a salutation closing? ›

A valediction (derivation from Latin vale dicere, "to say farewell"), 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, or a speech made at a farewell. Valediction's counterpart is a greeting called a salutation.

What is an example of a salutation? ›

Some examples of casual salutations are: “Good morning / afternoon / evening” “Hello” / “Hi” / “Hey” “How are you?” / “How are you doing?” / “How is it going?” / “How's everything?”

What is the best salutation? ›

Starting your email with “Dear,” is always a good, professional option—especially if you know the name of the person you are addressing. Including their name is more personal and shows that you care about the business relationship.

How do you end a friendly letter? ›

2. Add a closing
  1. Best.
  2. Best wishes.
  3. Kind regards.
  4. Many thanks.
  5. Stay well.
  6. Thank you.
  7. Thanks.
  8. Warmly.
Jun 29, 2023

What is a simple salutation? ›

The examples are:"Dear [First Name]," "Hi," or "Hello," "Greetings," "Hi Team," or "Hi All,"

What is the polite ending of a letter called? ›

A complimentary close is a polite and courteous sign-off used when ending a letter. Complimentary closes are often used to demonstrate respect, friendliness and appreciation to a recipient in a professional manner. Examples of complimentary closes include: Sincerely.

How do you end an excitement email? ›

They'll appreciate that you remembered a detail about their life and your support:
  1. Wishing you the best at [event].
  2. Keep your head up!
  3. Looking forward to hearing about your continued success.
  4. Hold on to hope.
  5. Sending happy thoughts your direction.
  6. Sending positive vibes your way!
  7. Hope this helps.
Jul 31, 2023

Which is the most professional closing salutation? ›

Professional Ways to End an Email: Email Sign-Offs
  • Sincerely.
  • Best.
  • Kindly.
  • Regards.
  • Warm regards.
  • All the best.
  • Thank you.
  • Thank you in advance.
Nov 25, 2022

What is the rule for salutation? ›

A salutation is a greeting used in a letter or other communication. Salutations can be formal or informal. The most common form of salutation in an English letter includes the recipient's given name or title. For each style of salutation there is an accompanying style of complimentary close, known as valediction.

How do you end a letter without saying love? ›

“Kind regards.” “Best wishes.” “All the best.” “Best regards.”

What is the standard salutation? ›

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).

How do you end an email without thank you? ›

10 best ways to end an email
  1. 1 Sincerely. This traditional sign-off is a popular choice because it ends an email on a positive, yet formal, note.
  2. 2 Regards. ...
  3. 3 Best wishes. ...
  4. 4 Cheers. ...
  5. 5 Take care. ...
  6. 6 Best. ...
  7. 7 Thank you. ...
  8. 8 I appreciate your [help, input, feedback, etc.]
Oct 5, 2023

What is a good closing sentence for a letter? ›

Warm Regards, Best Wishes, and With Appreciation

They can effectively tie back to the content of your message, providing a fitting conclusion. For example, if you are sending a thank-you note, it may be appropriate to use "With Appreciation." Only use these if they make sense with the content of your letter.

How do you end an angry email professionally? ›

The main goal of your message should be to solve the problem, not just to express your anger. Focus on working together to find a solution. Example: End your message with, “I appreciate your attention to this matter and look forward to a resolution. Thank you for your support.

Is a salutation a greeting or closing? ›

A salutation is a greeting used in a letter or other communication. Salutations can be formal or informal.

What is the difference between salutation and complimentary close? ›

Complimentary Close: It is a formal respect or regard to the addressee and is written just below the body of the letter. The most common Complimentary Close in India is 'Yours faithfully' or 'Faithfully yours'. Salutation: It is a form of greetings to the addressee – individual, firm or company.

Is a salutation at the beginning or end? ›

A salutation is a greeting that you use at the beginning of a letter or an email, to address the person you're writing to and to set the tone of the message.

What is salutation in job application? ›

These are the personal salutations that address the hiring manager or recruiter by name. Salutations like this can use the “Dear Mr” or “Dear Mrs/Dear Ms” prefix and the hiring manager's surname for a formal tone, or “Dear [recruiter first name]” for a professional yet personal salutation.

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