Best Regards is a common sign-off used in correspondence, but when should you actually use it, and what does best regards mean exactly?
In this blog, we’ll discuss the common phrase and suggest ways you can use it appropriately to enhance your style and tone in the art of professional communication.
What does best regards mean?
Best regards is a common phrase used to end a written message. It’s a formal sign-off but also sounds more familiar with a more personal tone. It basically means well wishes to the recipient and indicates the closing of a message in a respectable and professional farewell.
Best regards is a valediction phrase used in formal communication, but it sounds more inviting than phrases like ‘yours sincerely’. It inadvertently suggests gratitude and respect for the recipient, yet it still maintains a polite tone. Best regards is a sign-off usually used in a relationship where you have an existing friendly rapport with the recipient.
Where does best regards phrase come from?
The best regards phrase has origins in Old French, from the word regarder. The first popularised indication of it being used as a valediction was found in a letter from Queen Elizabeth I, in 1601. Meaning that the phrase has been in use for over 400 years.
What does best regards mean in an email?
Best regards is a common phrase used in email communication. You don’t have to include it in every email that you send, especially if you’re going back and forth on a particular subject. However, if the conversation has naturally drawn to a close, you should use it to indicate the end of the discussion until an update on the business matter is made available.
What does best regards mean in a letter?
The phrase best regards, communicates the same sense of appreciation and gratitude in a letter as it does in an email. It is a formal sign-off and a valediction you should use when you feel there is a mutual appreciation for one another.
When should I use best regards?
You should use best regards when you are communicating formally or with someone in a professional manner. It’s best used when you have a working relationship with someone and have built some sort of rapport with them.
Depending on the matter at hand, other phrases may suit the tone more appropriately, but it is generally a safe option for closing off professional communication. It indicates warmth and hospitality whilst still maintaining a respectful and polite tone.
Where should I use best regards?
Paying attention to how you communicate professionally can help improve your professional development. You should pay attention to when it is most appropriate to use the phrase ‘best regards’ when communicating in a formal setting.
Best regards can be used as a sign-off in various means of professional communication; usually, you would see the phrase in:
- Professional emails
- Professional letters
- Conversations between colleagues
- CV Resume and cover letters
- Job applications
- Press releases
- Professional thank you cards
- Business Inquiries
There are many situations where the phrase best regards is an adequate response for ending a conversion or message. If in doubt about how to end an email, it is a safe option to use, as it is a professional farewell and won’t be misinterpreted or cause offence.
15 Alternatives to using best regards
Whilst best regards is an adequate response to many professional situations, you should include some other responses to enhance your style of communication. It can help you come across as a little more personable, create a memorable exchange or express a more professional tone.
Check out these 15 alternatives to using best regards:
- Kind regards
- Regards
- Best wishes
- All the best
- Many thanks
- Yours sincerely
- Talk soon
- Chat soon
- Thank you in advance
- Looking forward to it
- Have a great weekend
- Cheers
- I appreciate your assistance with this matter
- Warmest regards
- Will update you asap.
Of course, this list includes a mixture of informal and formal sign-offs; use your judgement to determine the most appropriate response. If you have had casual conversations with the recipient, it’s probably safe to use a more personable sign-off. If you’re communicating with a new professional colleague or client, however, stick with formal sign-offs like yours sincerely or regards.
Funny alternative email sign-offs to using best regards
If you’re sending emails all day and you have a close, personable relationship with the recipient, then a funny email sign-off is a great way to spread some laughs. Some professionals include a funny email sign-off on internal communications or as a special Friday send-off.
If you would like to use a funny alternative to best regards, check out this list below.
- Sent telepathically
- Keep slaying queens
- Over and out
- Please leave me alone
- To infinity and beyond
- Try not to cry this week
- This sounds like a Monday problem
- This sounds like a you problem
- There is no prize for making it to the end of this email
- Keep calm and carry on, we need the staff
- If anyone cares
- Stay tuned
- Live, laugh, love
- Terrible regards
- Byeeee
Of course, some of these email sign-offs sound a little unhinged or too sarcastic for a workplace setting, but you be the judge if you think your recipient would appreciate the jibe and enjoy the light-hearted laugh. It will also create a memorable exchange, which is particularly useful if you’re hoping to make the communication stand out and encourage your colleagues to take note of the important message.
Some businesses are actually adopting the use of these dramatic email sign-offs as part of their email marketing campaign because it stands out a lot more compared to best regards, and it shows that brands can have fun too!
Best regards – but is it the best option?
Depending on the type of professional communication, best regards can be a great option for closing a professional email or signing off a message. It’s a polite and professional farewell that carries notions of familiarity and fondness.
You should use best regards when you have a rapport built with the recipient or if you’re coming from a more personable point of view. It’s a great valediction that’s foolproof when communicating in a professional setting.
Now that you know the meaning of best regards and when it should be applied, you should now consider if it’s the best option. Don’t be afraid to inject a little personality into your professional communication, as it will help you be seen as more approachable and understanding.
If you’re interested in improving the professional tone of your written communication, you can also download the extension Grammarly, which gives suggestions on sentence structure and word choice for professionalism.
SEE ALSO: What is an invoice?
Sara Lynch
ProfileTree // 13th April 2024 
Ranel Viala // 11th February 2024