Yours Sincerely or Sincerely Yours? Both are established English letter closings, but they follow different regional conventions. Traditionally, “Yours sincerely” is associated with British English, while “Sincerely yours” is recognized as a traditional US form. In addition, “Sincerely” is a standard formal closing used in professional letters and emails. So, if you’re searching for the difference between Yours Sincerely or Sincerely Yours, the answer depends mainly on your audience, the variety of English you’re using, and the type of correspondence.
Fortunately, choosing between Yours Sincerely or Sincerely Yours doesn’t have to be confusing. In traditional British English, “Yours sincerely” is commonly used when you address a specific person by name. In American English, however, “Sincerely yours” is a recognized formal option, while “Sincerely” is also widely used in professional communication. Therefore, this guide explains the difference clearly so that you can choose the closing that fits your letter or email.
Yours sincerely is traditionally associated with British English.
Sincerely yours is a recognized traditional US form.
Quick Answer: Yours Sincerely vs. Sincerely Yours
| Closing | Traditional association | Common use |
| Yours sincerely, | British English | Formal letter to a named recipient |
| Sincerely yours, | American English | Traditional formal correspondence |
| Sincerely, | Standard formal usage | Formal letters and professional emails |
| Yours faithfully, | British English | Traditional formal letter to an unnamed recipient |
| Yours truly, | Mainly American | Traditional formal correspondence |
Is “Yours Sincerely” Correct?
Yes. “Yours sincerely” is a correct and established formal closing, and it is particularly associated with British English. Cambridge Dictionary identifies the expression as a formal letter closing and gives “Sincerely yours” as the US form.
In traditional British correspondence, “Yours sincerely” is used when the recipient is named.
For example:
Dear Ms. Carter,
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to hearing from you.
Yours sincerely,
Daniel Smith
Similarly, the University of Twente’s English style guide describes the traditional distinction between closings for named and unnamed recipients.
Where “Yours Sincerely” Is Used
You may see this closing in:
- Formal business letters
- Job application letters
- Professional correspondence
- Institutional letters
- Other formal letters addressed to a specific person
The expression can also appear in emails. However, modern email communication gives writers more flexibility in choosing a sign-off.
Notably, “Yours sincerely” isn’t inherently incorrect in American English. Rather, it follows a convention more strongly associated with British usage. Indeed, Cambridge recognizes it as a formal closing and lists it alongside the US form “Sincerely yours.”
Is “Sincerely Yours” Correct?
Yes. “Sincerely yours” is a correct and established formal closing, and Cambridge identifies it as the US form of “Yours sincerely.”
In practice, it is a traditional American choice for formal correspondence. It isn’t necessary for every professional letter, though, because American business writing also uses the shorter “Sincerely.”
For example:
Dear Mr. Wilson:
Thank you for taking the time to review my proposal.
Sincerely yours,
Maria Lopez
Likewise, the Government of Canada lists “Sincerely,” “Sincerely yours,” and “Yours truly” among standard business-letter closings.
Therefore, you don’t need to treat the choice as a strict right-or-wrong question. Instead, regional convention and the level of formality both matter.
“Your Sincerely” vs. “Yours Sincerely”
There is a genuine grammatical difference between “your” and “yours.”
In short, “Your sincerely” is not the standard letter closing. The correct form is “Yours sincerely.” In fact, Cambridge Grammar specifically contrasts the mistaken version with the correct one.
Your vs. Yours
Your is a possessive determiner, so it normally comes before a noun: your letter, your application, your response, your question.
Yours, by contrast, is a possessive pronoun, and it can stand on its own:
- This book is yours.
- The decision is yours.
- Ultimately, the choice is yours.
As Cambridge’s grammar guidance explains, possessive determiners occur before nouns, while possessive pronouns can replace a noun.
So, remember:
- Correct: Yours sincerely,
- Also correct: Sincerely yours,
- Equally correct: Sincerely,
- Incorrect: Your sincerely,
Clearly, that extra s in “yours” matters.
Yours Sincerely vs. Sincerely Yours in American and British English
The two expressions serve the same basic purpose. However, traditional regional conventions explain why their forms differ.
Traditional British Usage
In traditional British letter writing:
- Named recipient → “Yours sincerely”
- Unnamed recipient → “Yours faithfully”
For example:
Dear Dr. Brown,
Thank you for your response.
Yours sincerely,
Emma Jones
If the letter begins with a generic greeting such as:
Dear Sir/Madam,
then the traditional closing is:
Yours faithfully,
Cambridge identifies “Yours faithfully” as a formal British letter closing, while British-style guidance commonly distinguishes it from “Yours sincerely” for named recipients.
Traditional American Usage
American correspondence recognizes “Sincerely yours” as a formal closing. In addition, “Yours truly” is another traditional American option.
Meanwhile, modern American correspondence also uses the shorter:
Sincerely,
Consequently, writers have a concise professional option without the more traditional longer form.
Overall, these are conventions rather than universal rules, since individual writers, organizations, and style guides may use different forms.
Sincerely vs. Yours Sincerely vs. Sincerely Yours
All three expressions can function as formal or professional closings, but their traditional associations differ.
| Closing | Main association | Practical use |
| Yours sincerely | British English | Traditional formal letter to a named recipient |
| Sincerely yours | American English | Traditional American formal correspondence |
| Sincerely | Standard formal usage | Formal letters and professional emails |
For example, a British-style letter may end:
Yours sincerely,
A traditional American letter, on the other hand, may end:
Sincerely yours,
Finally, a professional letter or email may end:
Sincerely,
In other words, the main difference is convention and context, not the basic function of the closing.
Letter vs. Email Considerations
Traditional letters often follow more established conventions than modern emails. In an email, therefore, the closing can reflect the relationship and purpose.
For instance, a formal message might use “Sincerely,” while a less formal professional exchange could use “Best regards” or “Regards.” The Government of Canada likewise lists these as business-letter closing options for a more personal tone.
How to Use “Sincerely” in Letters and Emails
“Sincerely” works well when you want a professional closing without using the longer “Sincerely yours.” Accordingly, Cambridge lists it among formal letter closings.
Formal Letters
You can use “Sincerely” in:
- Job applications
- Business correspondence
- Formal requests
- Institutional communication
- Professional letters
For example:
Dear Hiring Manager,
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to discussing the position with you.
Sincerely,
Alex Morgan
If you’re following a traditional American style, you can also use:
Sincerely yours,
Professional Emails
“Sincerely” can also work in professional emails, particularly when the message has a formal purpose.
For example:
Dear Ms. Lee,
Thank you for providing the requested documents. I appreciate your assistance.
Sincerely,
James Wilson
However, you don’t need to use it in every professional email. For a routine message to a familiar colleague, for instance, a closing such as “Best,” “Regards,” or “Thanks” may better match the relationship.
How to Format a Letter Closing
The complimentary close appears after the body of the letter and before the sender’s name or signature. In standard business-letter formatting, it sits between the final paragraph and the signature.
Capitalization
Capitalize the first word only:
- Yours sincerely,
- Sincerely yours,
- Sincerely,
At the same time, avoid unnecessary capitalization:
- Yours Sincerely,
- Sincerely Yours,
Both the University of Twente and the Government of Canada recommend capitalizing only the first word of the complimentary close.
Punctuation
A comma normally follows the closing:
Sincerely,
Maria Lopez
Sincerely yours,
Maria Lopez
Yours sincerely,
Maria Lopez
Specifically, the Government of Canada recommends a comma after the complimentary close.
Common Mistakes With Letter Closings
Writing “Your Sincerely”
Above all, this is the clearest error to avoid.
Write:
Yours sincerely,
not:
Your sincerely,
After all, “your” is a possessive determiner, while “yours” is a possessive pronoun.
Incorrect Capitalization
Use:
Sincerely yours,
rather than:
Sincerely Yours,
The same principle applies to “Yours sincerely,” because standard business-letter guidance recommends capitalizing only the first word.
Mixing Regional Conventions
Using a British closing does not make a letter grammatically incorrect simply because it is written in American English. However, if you’re following a particular British or American style guide, use its preferred convention consistently.
Using an Overly Formal Closing
A traditional closing may sound too formal in a casual message.
For example, “Yours sincerely” may feel out of place in a quick message to a close colleague. In that case, a simpler sign-off may fit better.
Assuming One Closing Is Universally Required
English letter conventions vary by region and context. Moreover, modern emails allow more flexibility than traditional formal letters.
Sincerely vs. Truly vs. Faithfully
These closings are all established, but their traditional uses differ.
Sincerely
“Sincerely” is a standard formal and professional closing. In particular, it is useful when you want a concise sign-off for a professional letter or email. Cambridge lists it among formal letter closings.
Yours Truly
“Yours truly” is a traditional formal closing, particularly associated with American English. Cambridge, for instance, labels it “formal, mainly US.”
For example:
Thank you for your consideration.
Yours truly,
Michael Reed
Yours Faithfully
“Yours faithfully” is traditionally associated with British English. In traditional formal correspondence, it is used when the recipient isn’t named, particularly after a greeting such as:
Dear Sir/Madam,
The traditional pairing is:
Dear Sir/Madam,
…
Yours faithfully,
while a named recipient traditionally takes:
Dear Ms. Brown,
…
Yours sincerely,
Furthermore, this distinction is documented in British English guidance and reflected in Cambridge’s definitions of both expressions.
Quick Comparison
| Closing | Traditional association | Traditional situation |
| Sincerely | Standard formal usage | Formal letters and emails |
| Yours truly | Mainly American | Traditional formal correspondence |
| Yours faithfully | Mainly British | Formal letter to an unnamed recipient |
| Yours sincerely | British | Formal letter to a named recipient |
| Sincerely yours | American | Traditional formal correspondence |
Alternatives to “Sincerely”
“Sincerely” isn’t your only professional option.
Professional Alternatives
Depending on the situation, you can use:
- Best regards,
- Kind regards,
- Regards,
- Warm regards,
Similarly, the Government of Canada includes “Regards,” “Best regards,” and “Warm regards” among business-letter closing options.
Less Formal Professional Options
For a familiar professional contact, you might use:
- Best,
- Thanks,
- Regards,
- Warm regards,
Instead of automatically choosing the most formal option, choose the closing that matches the tone and relationship.
When Should You Not Use “Sincerely”?
“Sincerely” works in many professional situations, but it isn’t necessary everywhere.
You may want another sign-off when:
- You’re writing a very casual message.
- The recipient is a close friend.
- A quick internal message doesn’t call for a formal closing.
- The relationship calls for a warmer or more relaxed tone.
- Another closing better matches the purpose of your message.
For example:
Thank you for sending the file.
Sincerely,
sounds more formal than:
Thanks for sending the file!
Best,
Consequently, the second option may suit a familiar professional relationship better.
Examples of Correct Closings
American Formal Letter
Dear Ms. Anderson:
Thank you for considering my request. I appreciate your time and attention.
Sincerely yours,
David Miller
Modern American Professional Email
Dear Ms. Anderson,
Thank you for sending the information. I look forward to your response.
Sincerely,
David Miller
British-Style Formal Letter
Dear Ms. Anderson,
Thank you for your letter. I look forward to hearing from you.
Yours sincerely,
David Miller
Letter to an Unnamed Recipient
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing regarding the information provided by your organization.
Yours faithfully,
David Miller
These examples show the traditional distinctions without suggesting that every modern writer must follow them rigidly.
How to Choose the Right Closing
If You’re Writing in American English
For a traditional formal letter, “Sincerely yours” is an established American choice. For modern professional correspondence, meanwhile, “Sincerely” is a straightforward option. You can also use “Yours truly” where that traditional American closing suits the context.
If You’re Following British English
For a formal letter addressed to a named person, use:
Yours sincerely,
For a traditional formal letter beginning with “Dear Sir/Madam,” use:
Yours faithfully,
This is the conventional British distinction described by Cambridge and British-style guidance.
If You’re Writing for an International Audience
Consider the audience, organization, and any applicable style guide. If you’re applying to a British organization, British conventions may be appropriate. If you’re writing American business correspondence, on the other hand, “Sincerely” or “Sincerely yours” may fit better.
When no particular regional convention applies, “Sincerely” is a straightforward professional choice.
FAQs
Q1: Can I use “Sincerely” without “yours”?
Yes. “Sincerely” works as a formal closing on its own, and it is a standard option for professional letters and emails.
Q2: Does the greeting affect which closing I should use?
It can, especially in traditional British letter writing. A named recipient traditionally takes “Yours sincerely,” whereas an unnamed recipient addressed as “Dear Sir/Madam” traditionally takes “Yours faithfully.”
Q3: Is “Yours sincerely” too formal for an email?
Not necessarily. It can work in a formal email, although it may sound more traditional than a shorter closing such as “Sincerely,” “Best regards,” or “Regards.” Choose the sign-off that matches the message and relationship.
Q4: Which closing should I use for a job application?
For a formal job application, “Sincerely” is a standard professional choice. If you’re following traditional British conventions, however, “Yours sincerely” is appropriate when you address the recipient by name.
Q5: Is “Yours truly” the same as “Sincerely yours”?
Both can serve as formal complimentary closes, particularly in American correspondence, but they are distinct expressions. “Yours truly” is a traditional American closing, while “Sincerely yours” is another established American form.
Q6: Does “Yours sincerely” need a comma?
Yes. In standard business-letter formatting, write the closing with a comma:
Yours sincerely,
Daniel Smith
The same punctuation applies to “Sincerely yours,” and “Sincerely,”.
Conclusion
“Yours sincerely” and “Sincerely yours” are both correct English closings. The key difference is traditional regional usage: the first is associated with British English, whereas the second is associated with American English.
If you’re following British letter-writing conventions, use “Yours sincerely” after addressing a named recipient. For traditional American correspondence, “Sincerely yours” is an established choice. In modern professional communication, finally, “Sincerely” is also a clear, standard option.