Yours faithfully vs. Yours sincerely

How you complimentary close sign-off a letter is important as it determines your relationship with the recipient. Factors such as who the letter is addressed to and the degree of formality should be considered.

Emails are widely used in organizations as a means of communication in both formal and informal situations. Well, have you ever wondered about the difference between yours faithfully and yours sincerely? Some writers get confused about which complimentary close to using.

Yours faithfully

“Faithfully” is an adverb derived from the adjective faithful and means loyal.

“Yours faithfully” is used when writing to an unknown recipient. The letter is addressed as Dear Sir/Madam. We use both sir and madam when we do not know the gender of the recipient. In most cases, it is used in formal letters.

Examples of formal letters include:

• Application letters
• Inquiry letters
• Acceptance letters
• Business letters
• Apology letters

Yours sincerely

“Sincerely” is an adverb derived from the adjective sincere, which means being truthful and without any pretense.

“Yours sincerely” is used when you know the recipient by name or have met them before. The letter will be addressed as Dear Mrs. Jane Warren. It can be used in both formal and semi-formal letters.

Examples of semi-formal letters include:

• Invitation letters
• Welcome letters
• Farewell letters
• Sympathy letters
• Thank you letters

Other ways of signing off a letter

Regards
Best regards
Kind regards
Warm regards
Sincerely yours
Yours truly
Thank you
Many thanks
With appreciation
Cordially yours

Signing off appropriately is important as it leaves a lasting impression on the recipients. The salutation should match with the complimentary close.