When I first started writing emails in a professional and business environment, I quickly realized how crucial it was to end every message with a respectful and semi-formal sign-off. Using Best Regards felt completely natural, striking a simple yet polished tone. The phrase is a common way to close an email while maintaining respect, warmth, and connection with the recipient, whether familiar or new. Over time, mastering the art of communication taught me that a thoughtful closing and the right tone can define your relationship with the reader and leave a lasting impression.
In my experience, choosing the right words and alternatives to express regards is a key skill in any work-related setting. The plural noun “regards” adds formality but keeps it friendly and approachable. Before signing your name, consider the tone you want to convey – that final sending moment matters. This article provides tips for crafting a purpose-driven closing that reflects your personality. Once you’ve started applying these thoughtful phrases, you’ll notice how small details in communication strengthen professional relationships for the better.
What Does “Best Regards” Mean?
Best Regards is a semi-formal email closing used to show respect, politeness, and warmth toward the recipient. It’s most often used in professional or business correspondence, but works equally well in personal emails. The phrase reflects sincerity without being overly formal.
When to Use “Best Regards”
Use Best Regards when you want to sound professional but not overly stiff. It’s ideal for messages that show respect, confirm agreements, share updates, or follow up on business matters. It’s also perfect when maintaining ongoing professional relationships.
Is It Professional/Polite to Say “Best Regards”?
Yes – Best Regards is both professional and polite. It’s a universal sign-off that reflects courtesy and consideration, making it safe for nearly any situation. Using it shows emotional intelligence and awareness of workplace etiquette.
Pros or Cons
Pros:
- Universally accepted and professional.
- Conveys warmth and politeness.
- Safe for most formal and semi-formal contexts.
Cons:
- It can sound repetitive if used too often.
- Lacks a distinct personality in the creative industries.
Kind Regards
Meaning: Shows respect and kindness in your closing.
Definition: A polite way to end messages that maintains professionalism while sounding friendly.
Example: Thank you for your help with the project. Kind Regards, Sarah.
Best Use: Client emails and polite follow-ups.
Worst Use: Informal or personal notes.
Tone: Warm, respectful, and polished.
Warm Regards
Meaning: Adds a personal, heartfelt touch to professional communication.
Definition: A phrase that conveys both professionalism and warmth.
Example: It was great meeting you at the conference. Warm Regards, Mark.
Best Use: Networking or post-meeting follow-ups.
Worst Use: Cold or transactional communication.
Tone: Friendly and approachable.
With Appreciation
Meaning: Expresses gratitude and respect.
Definition: A sincere way to close when thanking someone.
Example: I appreciate your quick response. With Appreciation, Emily.
Best Use: When expressing thanks or recognition.
Worst Use: Neutral or unrelated messages.
Tone: Grateful and courteous.
Yours Truly
Meaning: A traditional, formal sign-off that implies sincerity.
Definition: Often used in letters and official correspondence.
Example: I look forward to your reply. Yours Truly, Robert.
Best Use: Formal letters or documents.
Worst Use: Casual emails.
Tone: Formal and sincere.
Sincerely
Meaning: A timeless classic expressing honesty and respect.
Definition: Indicates genuine sentiment and professionalism.
Example: Thank you for your time. Sincerely, Olivia.
Best Use: Job applications, formal letters.
Worst Use: Quick internal emails.
Tone: Formal and respectful.
Many Thanks
Meaning: A friendly sign-off showing gratitude.
Definition: A casual yet polite way to express appreciation.
Example: Thanks for the update! Many Thanks, Paul.
Best Use: Professional emails with a thankful tone.
Worst Use: Formal cover letters.
Tone: Friendly and warm.
With Gratitude
Meaning: Conveys deep appreciation.
Definition: Suited for heartfelt or meaningful messages.
Example: Your support means a lot. With Gratitude, Maya.
Best Use: When acknowledging help or kindness.
Worst Use: Routine business emails.
Tone: Grateful and genuine.
Respectfully
Meaning: Demonstrates high regard and deference.
Definition: Used in hierarchical or formal communication.
Example: Thank you for considering my proposal. Respectfully, Daniel.
Best Use: Letters to seniors or official figures.
Worst Use: Casual office communication.
Tone: Formal and deferential.
All the Best
Meaning: A casual, positive way to wish someone well.
Definition: Friendly and optimistic.
Example: Hope your project goes well! All the Best, Emma.
Best Use: Friendly work or personal emails.
Worst Use: Formal documents.
Tone: Cheerful and informal.
Cheers
Meaning: A friendly, informal sign-off.
Definition: Popular in British English, used between colleagues.
Example: See you at the meeting tomorrow. Cheers, Ben.
Best Use: Between peers or familiar clients.
Worst Use: Formal or serious communication.
Tone: Casual and upbeat.
Take Care
Meaning: Shows concern and friendliness.
Definition: A caring sign-off used to express goodwill.
Example: Stay safe during your travels. Take Care, Lucy.
Best Use: Personal or light professional messages.
Worst Use: Formal business correspondence.
Tone: Warm and genuine.
Yours Faithfully
Meaning: Used for formal letters when you don’t know the recipient’s name.
Definition: A respectful, traditional ending.
Example: Yours Faithfully, James Anderson.
Best Use: Business letters to unknown recipients.
Worst Use: Informal communication.
Tone: Formal and polite.
Cordially
Meaning: Conveys politeness and goodwill.
Definition: A refined, slightly formal alternative.
Example: Looking forward to hearing from you. Cordially, Victoria.
Best Use: Formal invitations or correspondence.
Worst Use: Everyday work emails.
Tone: Elegant and respectful.
With Thanks
Meaning: Short, simple gratitude.
Definition: A direct but polite closing.
Example: Appreciate your help. With Thanks, Hannah.
Best Use: Polite follow-ups.
Worst Use: Casual messages.
Tone: Courteous and professional.
Regards
Meaning: A more neutral version of “Best Regards.”
Definition: Simple and professional without extra warmth.
Example: See attached file. Regards, Chris.
Best Use: Day-to-day professional emails.
Worst Use: Personal or emotional messages.
Tone: Neutral and concise.
With Respect
Meaning: Signifies admiration or deference.
Definition: Appropriate when addressing someone senior.
Example: I value your feedback. With Respect, Laura.
Best Use: For superiors or clients.
Worst Use: Peer-to-peer messages.
Tone: Formal and polite.
Yours Respectfully
Meaning: Adds humility and grace.
Definition: Used in very formal correspondence.
Example: Thank you for your time. Yours Respectfully, Ahmad.
Best Use: Official letters or applications.
Worst Use: Informal or routine notes.
Tone: Very formal and courteous.
Warm Wishes
Meaning: Conveys affection and sincerity.
Definition: Blends professionalism with friendliness.
Example: Hope your weekend is relaxing. Warm Wishes, Julia.
Best Use: Friendly professional or personal emails.
Worst Use: Legal or corporate documents.
Tone: Friendly and heartfelt.
Best Wishes
Meaning: Expresses goodwill and positivity.
Definition: Encouraging and warm.
Example: Good luck with the event! Best Wishes, Tom.
Best Use: Congratulatory or supportive emails.
Worst Use: Strictly formal contexts.
Tone: Cheerful and encouraging.
Faithfully Yours
Meaning: Classic, traditional, and respectful.
Definition: Conveys loyalty and sincerity.
Example: Faithfully Yours, Patrick.
Best Use: Formal letters or applications.
Worst Use: Casual chats.
Tone: Formal and loyal.
Thanks Again
Meaning: Reinforces appreciation.
Definition: Warm and friendly gratitude.
Example: Thanks again for your help! – Ryan.
Best Use: Follow-ups after assistance.
Worst Use: Formal emails.
Tone: Warm and casual.
Much Appreciated
Meaning: Simple and thankful.
Definition: Modern and to the point.
Example: Your help is much appreciated. – Nora.
Best Use: Casual professional notes.
Worst Use: Formal letters.
Tone: Friendly and informal.
Talk Soon
Meaning: Suggests ongoing communication.
Definition: A friendly, forward-looking phrase.
Example: Let’s catch up next week. Talk Soon, Peter.
Best Use: For ongoing collaborations.
Worst Use: One-time professional exchanges.
Tone: Friendly and casual.
Yours in Service
Meaning: Reflects dedication and professionalism.
Definition: Ideal for service-oriented roles.
Example: Yours in Service, Captain Miller.
Best Use: Hospitality, non-profit, or customer service contexts.
Worst Use: Informal correspondence.
Tone: Respectful and committed.
Stay Well
Meaning: Shows care for the recipient’s well-being.
Definition: A modern and compassionate closing.
Example: Take care and stay well, Maria.
Best Use: Personal or semi-formal emails.
Worst Use: Strictly corporate communication.
Tone: Kind and empathetic.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right way to close your message goes beyond politeness-it’s about connection. Using Best Regards or its alternatives lets you express respect, warmth, and professionalism while matching your communication style. Whether you’re emailing a colleague, writing to a client, or messaging a friend, the right closing phrase reflects your tone and intention. Each alternative-like Kind Regards, Warm Wishes, or With Appreciation adds a unique touch of personality.
In my professional experience, people remember how you end your messages just as much as what you say. A thoughtful sign-off shows emotional intelligence and attention to detail, creating a sense of trust and sincerity. If you want your words to resonate, choose closings that align with your audience and the situation. The beauty of language lies in flexibility-knowing when to sound formal, friendly, or heartfelt. So, take a moment before pressing send; your sign-off might just leave the lasting impression you intend.
FAQs
What does “Best Regards” mean?
It means expressing politeness, respect, and goodwill at the end of a message. It’s common in both professional and semi-formal communication.
Is “Best Regards” professional?
Yes, it’s widely accepted in business emails and formal communication because it strikes a balance between warmth and professionalism.
Can I use “Best Regards” in personal emails?
Absolutely. It adds kindness and sincerity while keeping the tone respectful and friendly.
What are alternatives to “Best Regards”?
You can use Kind Regards, Warm Wishes, Sincerely, Yours Truly, or With Appreciation, depending on tone.
When should I avoid “Best Regards”?
Avoid it in casual chats or informal texts where it might feel too formal or detached.
What is the tone of “Best Regards”?
The tone is polite, neutral, and warm, ideal for respectful communication.
Is “Best Regards” outdated?
No, it remains a timeless, versatile, and widely accepted closing phrase.
Can I use emojis with “Best Regards”?
In professional emails, avoid emojis. In friendly messages, a light emoji can add warmth.
Is “Kind Regards” better than “Best Regards”?
Kind Regards sounds a little more personal and friendly, while Best Regards feels more professional.
How do I decide which sign-off to use?
Match your closing to your relationship, message tone, and formality level.
Can I use “Best Regards” in job applications?
Yes, it’s one of the best professional sign-offs for job-related correspondence.
Should I capitalize both words in “Best Regards”?
Yes, both “Best” and “Regards” should be capitalized for proper formatting.
How many ways can I say “Best Regards”?
There are more than 25 alternatives, each with different tones, like With Thanks or Warm Regards.
Does “Best Regards” show gratitude?
It can, especially when paired with thankful wording in your email’s closing lines.
What’s the simplest alternative to “Best Regards”?
Just saying Regards works well; it’s short, neutral, and professional.

Muhammad Altaf is an English language specialist and professional content strategist with over 10 years of experience writing and teaching practical English usage, professional communication, and tone awareness. His work focuses on helping readers express ideas clearly, naturally, and confidently in real-world contexts.
