Best Regards vs. Kind Regards – Which is Correct?
Both “best regards” and “kind regards” are polite and professional closing phrases for written correspondence, particularly emails. The primary distinction lies in their tone: “best regards” is generally seen as slightly more formal or neutral, while “kind regards” conveys a touch more warmth and personal connection.
Best Regards or Kind Regards – Which is Correct?
Both “best regards” and “kind regards” are entirely correct and widely accepted closings in American English correspondence. Their usage hinges on the context of your message and the relationship with your recipient. “Best regards” offers a versatile, professional, and slightly more formal tone, suitable for a broad range of business and formal interactions. “Kind regards,” while still professional, introduces a slightly softer, more personal, and friendly nuance, often preferred when you have an established rapport or wish to convey a warmer sentiment.
Beyond these common phrases, it’s also important to consider the distinction between Regards vs. Best Regards to ensure your closing is always appropriate.
The Best Trick to Remember the Difference
To remember the difference, think of “kind” implying a little extra “kindness” or warmth in your closing. If you’re aiming for a slightly friendlier, more personal touch, opt for “kind regards.” If you need a standard, professional, and slightly more detached closing, “best” is your go-to. Imagine “best” as the default, standard professional setting, and “kind” as adding a subtle personal filter to that setting.
| Word | Part of Speech | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Regards | Fixed Phrase (Closing) | Conveys good wishes; standard professional closing. | “Thank you for your prompt response. Best regards, John.” |
| Kind Regards | Fixed Phrase (Closing) | Conveys warm wishes; slightly less formal, more personal. | “It was a pleasure meeting you today. Kind regards, Sarah.” |
How to Use Best Regards
“Best regards” is a highly versatile and widely accepted professional closing for emails and letters. It strikes a balance between formality and politeness, making it suitable for most business communications, official correspondence, and interactions with individuals you don’t know well or with whom you maintain a strictly professional relationship. It conveys a sense of respect and good wishes without being overly familiar. Its tone is generally neutral to slightly formal.
Example 1: “Please find the attached report for your review. Best regards, Emily Chen.”
Example 2: “I look forward to discussing this further at our meeting next week. Best regards, David Lee.”
Example 3: “Thank you for your consideration regarding my application. Best regards, Jessica Miller.”
Etymology of the phrase Best Regards
The phrase “best regards” is a combination of the superlative adjective “best” and the plural noun “regards.” “Best” comes from Old English betst, meaning “of the highest quality or standard.” “Regards” comes from the Old French regarder, meaning “to look at, observe,” evolving in English to mean “consideration, respect, or good wishes.” As a closing, it developed in written correspondence to convey the sender’s highest form of good wishes or esteem, becoming a standard professional sign-off by the 20th century.
How to Use Kind Regards
“Kind regards” is another common and professional closing that carries a slightly warmer and more personal tone than “best regards.” It is often chosen when you have an existing relationship with the recipient, have met them previously, or wish to soften the professional formality of a message. While still appropriate for business contexts, it suggests a touch more friendliness and consideration. Its tone is polite and warm, without being overly casual.
Example 1: “It was great catching up with you at the conference. Kind regards, Michael Brown.”
Example 2: “I hope you have a productive week ahead. Kind regards, Sophia Garcia.”
Example 3: “Thank you for your help with the project; I really appreciate it. Kind regards, Daniel Kim.”
Etymology of the phrase Kind Regards
The phrase “kind regards” combines the adjective “kind” with the plural noun “regards.” “Kind” originates from Old English cynde, meaning “natural, innate,” and later evolving to mean “having a benevolent or friendly nature.” As with “best regards,” “regards” conveys good wishes or esteem. The addition of “kind” to “regards” emphasizes a benevolent, friendly, or considerate sentiment from the sender, making it a slightly softer and warmer closing than its “best” counterpart, gaining popularity in the late 20th and early 21st centuries.
Related Concepts
Understanding these broader communication concepts can help clarify when to use “best regards” or “kind regards” effectively in your professional interactions.
- Email Etiquette: This refers to the unwritten rules and conventions for polite and professional email communication. Choosing the right closing like “best regards” or “kind regards” is a key component of good email etiquette, reflecting respect for the recipient and the context.
- Tone in Writing: The tone of your writing conveys your attitude and emotions to the reader. “Best regards” typically maintains a neutral or slightly formal tone, while “kind regards” leans towards a warmer, more approachable tone. Mastering tone helps you tailor your message to different audiences and situations.
Examples from Media and Literature
- In a corporate email exchange from a popular business drama series: “We appreciate your team’s efforts on this initiative. Best regards, CEO Alan Davies.”
- From a news report quoting a public official’s statement: “The mayor concluded her statement, saying, ‘We are committed to serving our community with integrity. Best regards, Mayor Thompson.'”
- In a letter from a literary character to a colleague after a collaborative project: “Thank you for your insightful contributions. It was a pleasure working with you. Kind regards, Dr. Eleanor Vance.”
- An email from a university professor to a student after a successful project defense: “Congratulations on your excellent presentation. Kind regards, Professor Anya Sharma.”
- From a fictional business novel, a character writes to a new acquaintance after a networking event: “It was a pleasure making your acquaintance at the industry mixer. Kind regards, Samuel Green.”
Practice Exercises
Choose the correct word to complete the sentence.
- Thank you for the detailed proposal. I’ll review it and get back to you. _______, Sarah.
- It was wonderful to finally meet you in person at the conference yesterday. _______, Alex.
- Please find the updated project timeline attached. _______, Michael.
- I hope you have a pleasant weekend. _______, Emily.
- We appreciate your prompt attention to this matter. _______, The Management Team.
Answer Key
- Best regards (standard professional closing for a formal document review).
- Kind regards (warmer, more personal touch after meeting someone).
- Best regards (standard professional closing for a formal document or update).
- Kind regards (a friendly, warm wish for the weekend).
- Best regards (formal, collective professional closing from a team).
Best Regards Synonyms
| Synonym | Definition |
|---|---|
| Sincerely | Formal and traditional, conveying genuine sentiment. |
| Regards | A more concise, slightly less formal version of “best regards.” |
| Respectfully | Used in highly formal or deferential correspondence. |
| Yours truly | Traditional, often used in formal letters, less common in email. |
| All the best | Slightly less formal, conveying good wishes. |
Kind Regards Synonyms
| Synonym | Definition |
|---|---|
| Warmly | Conveys genuine warmth and friendliness. |
| Cordially | Polite and friendly, often used in invitations or formal pleasantries. |
| Cheers | Informal, friendly, and common in British English. |
| Yours | Very informal, used among close acquaintances. |
| With appreciation | Expresses gratitude and a respectful, positive sentiment. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: Is “best regards” more formal than “kind regards”?
Generally, yes. “Best regards” tends to be slightly more formal or neutral, making it a safe choice for most professional and official communications. “Kind regards” adds a touch more warmth and can be seen as slightly less formal but still highly professional.
Question 2: Can I use “kind regards” in a formal business email?
Absolutely. “Kind regards” is perfectly acceptable in formal business emails, especially if you have an existing rapport with the recipient or wish to convey a friendly yet professional tone. It’s a professional closing that simply carries a warmer nuance.
Question 3: Are there situations where one is clearly preferred over the other?
While both are often interchangeable, “best regards” might be slightly preferred when writing to someone for the very first time, in highly official communications (e.g., legal documents, HR notices), or when the relationship is strictly hierarchical. “Kind regards” is often preferred when you’ve had some interaction with the person, or when you want to soften the tone of an email that might contain difficult news or a request.
Conclusion
Choosing between “best regards” and “kind regards” ultimately comes down to the context of your message and the nature of your relationship with the recipient. Both are correct, professional, and widely accepted closings in modern correspondence. “Best regards” offers a reliable, universally professional, and slightly more formal option, ideal for broad application. “Kind regards” injects a touch of warmth and personal connection, perfect for established professional relationships or when a friendlier tone is desired. Mastering this subtle distinction enhances your communication finesse.
Pro Tip: When in doubt, consider the recipient’s communication style or the overall culture of your organization. If you’re unsure, “best regards” is always a safe and professional choice that maintains a respectful distance while conveying good wishes. Consistent and thoughtful use of these closings can subtly reinforce your professional reputation.
