How to End an Email: Closing Lines, Sign-Offs and Examples
How to end an email the right way: a clear closing line, the right sign-off, and a simple signature. With examples for work, job applications and friendly emails.
2 min read
Quick answer
End an email in three parts: a closing line that says what happens next (“Let me know if Thursday works”), a sign-off that fits the relationship (“Best regards,”), and your name. For formal or first-contact emails, add a short signature with your title and contact details.
How you end an email decides what happens next. A strong ending tells the reader exactly what you need, sounds polite, and makes it easy to reply.
The three parts of an email ending
- Closing line: the last sentence of your message
- Sign-off: “Best regards,” “Thanks,” etc.
- Name and signature: who you are and how to reach you
1. Write a closing line
A closing line should move things forward. Pick one that matches your goal:
| Goal | Closing line |
|---|---|
| Get a reply | “Could you let me know by Friday?” |
| Offer help | “Happy to answer any questions.” |
| Confirm next steps | “I’ll send the draft on Monday.” |
| Say thanks | “Thanks again for your help with this.” |
| Keep it open | “Let me know what you think.” |
2. Choose a sign-off
- Formal: Sincerely, Respectfully, Best regards
- Neutral: Kind regards, Thank you, Best
- Friendly: Thanks!, Cheers, Talk soon
See the full list, including funny ones, in our guide to email sign-offs.
3. Add your name and signature
In a first or formal email, add a short signature:
In an ongoing thread with a colleague, your first name is enough:
Mistakes to avoid
- Ending without a next step when you need something.
- Mixing tones, e.g. a formal email that ends with “Cheers!”
- “Thanks in advance” when asking a favor; it can sound presumptuous.
- Very long signatures with quotes, logos, and five phone numbers.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best way to end a professional email?
Finish with a clear next step or thank-you, then “Best regards,” or “Kind regards,” and your full name. It’s polite, neutral, and accepted everywhere.
Is it okay to end an email with just your name?
Yes, in an ongoing thread with someone you know. For a first email, include a sign-off before your name so it doesn’t feel abrupt.
What should the last sentence of an email be?
Make it useful: a question, a deadline, or the next step. For example: “Could you send the figures by Friday?” or “I’ll follow up next week.”