You might have students who often have to send business-related email messages. It’s important to teach these students to end their letters in a professional manner as signing off is very important for the success of any business deal.

Email closings mostly depend on the level of familiarity and status. So the way employees sign off their emails somehow shapes the interpersonal relations in the organization. Email correspondence varies not only from company to company but also from culture to culture. In Nigeria, for example, it’s common for emails to end on a religious note, e.g. ‘Stay blessed’, email sign-offs carry more importance than the openings. Though some cultures attach a lot of importance to the choice of sign-offs, in China, there can be emails without any sign off at all. As a lesson idea, learners can be asked to research more culture-specific email sign-offs and tell how those email closings can be interpreted in English-speaking countries.

Below you will find some useful ways of closing emails with ready-made expressions. 

  1. Sign-offs requiring answer to the question

When you require an answer from the recipient, it is crucial to use appropriate sign offs. 

I will appreciate your help in answering my question.

If you’re able to reply by (day or time) that would be great. 

  1. Sign-offs requiring a meeting

As meetings are an important part of any business deal, the choice of the right sign-off while requesting a meeting is important.

Hoping for a hole in your calendar

Let me check if the  (day or time) work for you.

  1. Sign-offs expressing gratitude

Expressing gratitude makes people view you more favorably, which is important when you’re asking for something. Therefore, the relevant sign off can be used  to the writer’s advantage:

Thanks in advance for your time.

I appreciate your help.

Looking forward to your reply.

Thanks, and let me know if there are any hold-ups.

  1. Sign-offs showing an update

The receiver of your email might have feedback, questions, or concerns, so these sign-offs can fit in the format.

More soon (only if you’re committing to a future update).

Happy to help if you want to know more.

Let me know if you have any questions.

  1. Sign-offs breaking the ice

When writers add humor, it can serve as a persuasive tool to increase reply rates. Here are some interesting ones which are used if the writer and the recipient are in a good relationship, or they have had the chance to meet before in amore informal atmosphere.

Have a great day and watch out for falling space stations.

Sent from the bottom of my heart.

This message made from 100% recycled electrons.

Here are some funny alternatives to “Sent from my smartphone”:

Typed with big thumbs on a small phone.

Typed on tiny keys, just for you.

6. Sign-offs with a congratulatory note

You might need a favor from your recipient in the future, so end your email with a final note that further recognizes their accomplishment. It will create positive attitudes of you and your company.

Keep up the great work

Congrats again

In awe of what you’ve accomplished

As a lesson idea, students are given the sign off categories and are asked to write down any expressions that refer to those categories. Afterwards, they are given the appropriate closing remarks and are asked to match them with the categories.

Here, you can read about some email closings which you should avoid in most situations.

No matter which sign-off you choose to close the email, it is important to use those ones which will serve their main purpose and will not confuse the receiver of the email. 

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