Yours Truly vs. Sincerely – Which is Correct?
Both “Yours truly” and “Sincerely” are valid and correct complimentary closings for letters and emails, but they convey different levels of formality and personal connection. “Sincerely” is generally preferred for formal and professional correspondence, indicating genuine respect. “Yours truly” is more traditional and can be used in slightly less formal or more personal contexts, though it can still be considered formal.
Yours Truly or Sincerely – Which is Correct?
When closing a written communication, both “Yours truly” and “Sincerely” are grammatically correct options, but their appropriateness depends entirely on the context and desired tone. The core difference lies in their perceived formality and the implied relationship between the sender and recipient. “Sincerely” is a direct, universally accepted professional closing that conveys earnestness and respect. It is the safer and more common choice for business letters, formal emails, and official correspondence.
“Yours truly,” while also a formal closing, carries a slightly more traditional or even antiquated feel to some. It can imply a degree of deference or a more personal, albeit still formal, connection, depending on the recipient. In modern usage, “Yours truly” is often reserved for situations where a slightly less rigid formality is acceptable, or when aiming for a particular stylistic effect. Neither is “incorrect,” but one will always be a better fit than the other for specific situations.
The Best Trick to Remember the Difference
To remember the difference, think of the “S” in “Sincerely” standing for Straightforward and Standard. For nearly all professional and formal communications, “Sincerely” is the straightforward, standard, and safest choice. “Yours truly” has a more “T”raditional or even “T”heatrical feel, making it suitable when you want to add a touch of classic formality or a slightly more deferential tone, but it’s not the go-to for everyday business.
| Word | Part of Speech | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yours truly | Fixed phrase (pronoun + adverb) | A formal, traditional complimentary close, implying a respectful but sometimes slightly more personal or deferential tone. | Please accept my apologies for the delay. Yours truly, John Doe |
| Sincerely | Adverb (used as a complimentary close) | A formal and widely accepted complimentary close, conveying earnestness, honesty, and respect. | I look forward to your response. Sincerely, Jane Smith |
How to Use Yours Truly
“Yours truly” is a complimentary closing that conveys formality and a degree of respect, often with a slightly traditional or even old-fashioned nuance. While perfectly correct, its usage has become less common in contemporary business correspondence compared to “Sincerely.” It can be used when you want to maintain a formal tone but perhaps with a subtle hint of deference or a more personal touch within a formal context. It’s often found in letters to dignitaries, formal invitations, or communications where a classic, somewhat reserved tone is desired.
Example 1: In response to your esteemed invitation, I am pleased to confirm my attendance. Yours truly, Dr. Eleanor Vance.
Example 2: We appreciate your continued support of our organization. Yours truly, The Board of Trustees.
Example 3: Thank you for considering my application for the scholarship. Yours truly, Michael Chen.
Etymology of the word Yours Truly
The phrase “yours truly” evolved from the practice of using possessive adjectives and adverbs to express commitment or loyalty in closing remarks. “Yours” indicates belonging, while “truly” (from Old English trēowlīce, meaning “faithfully” or “loyally”) emphasizes the sincerity and faithfulness of the sender. This combination became a standard closing in English correspondence, particularly from the 17th century onwards, reflecting a formal expression of one’s honest and loyal regard.
How to Use Sincerely
“Sincerely” is the most common and widely accepted complimentary closing for formal and professional correspondence in American English. It conveys genuine respect, honesty, and earnestness, making it suitable for a broad range of situations, from job applications and business letters to official inquiries and formal thank-you notes. When in doubt about which closing to use, “Sincerely” is almost always a safe and appropriate choice. It maintains a professional distance while still expressing a polite and respectful tone.
Example 1: I am writing to express my interest in the Marketing Manager position. Sincerely, Sarah Miller.
Example 2: We regret to inform you that your subscription will expire on July 1, 2026. Sincerely, Customer Service Team.
Example 3: Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter. Sincerely, David Lee, Project Coordinator.
Etymology of the word Sincerely
The word “sincerely” comes from the Latin sincerus, meaning “clean, pure, sound, unadulterated.” One popular, though likely apocryphal, theory suggests it derives from sine cera, meaning “without wax,” referring to ancient sculptors who would use wax to fill cracks in their work, thus “sincere” would mean a statue without such deception. More reliably, it developed in English from the French sincère and entered common usage to mean “genuinely” or “truly.” Its use as a complimentary closing became prevalent in the 18th century, emphasizing the genuine sentiment of the sender.
Related Concepts
Understanding broader concepts about written communication and formality helps clarify when to use “Yours truly” versus “Sincerely.”
- Formal vs. Informal Language: This distinction dictates the overall tone of your communication. Both “Yours truly” and “Sincerely” fall into the formal category, but “Sincerely” is generally considered more universally appropriate for modern professional formality, while “Yours truly” leans into traditional formality.
- Complimentary Closings/Sign-offs: These are phrases used to end letters or emails before the signature. The choice of closing reflects the relationship between sender and receiver and the purpose of the communication. Other common closings range from very informal (“Best,” “Cheers”) to formal (“Regards,” “Respectfully”).
Examples from Media and Literature
- In a formal letter from a character in a classic novel: “I remain, sir, with the utmost respect, Yours truly, Eliza Bennet.”
- A modern business email concluding a proposal: “We look forward to partnering with you on this project. Sincerely, Alex Chen, CEO.”
- A letter to the editor of a newspaper from a concerned citizen: “I hope my concerns are taken seriously. Yours truly, A. Reader.”
- A letter of resignation from an employee: “I wish the company all the best in the future. Sincerely, Maria Rodriguez.”
- From a historical document or diplomatic correspondence: “Please accept the assurances of my highest consideration. Yours truly, [Ambassador’s Name].”
Practice Exercises
Choose the correct word to complete the sentence.
- I am writing to apply for the position advertised on your website. __________, [Your Name]
- Thank you for your generous donation to our annual charity drive. __________, The Foundation Board
- In response to your query regarding the historical artifact, I have enclosed the relevant documents. __________, Dr. Evelyn Reed
- We look forward to your presence at the upcoming gala. __________, The Event Committee
- Please find attached the revised proposal for your review. __________, Project Lead
Answer Key
- Sincerely (Standard professional application)
- Sincerely (Standard professional gratitude)
- Yours truly (Slightly more traditional/deferential for academic or formal historical context, though Sincerely would also be acceptable)
- Yours truly (Formal invitation where traditional elegance might be desired, though Sincerely is also fine)
- Sincerely (Standard professional follow-up)
Yours Truly Synonyms
| Synonym | Definition |
|---|---|
| Respectfully | Used in formal correspondence, often implying deference to a superior or authority. |
| Faithfully | A very traditional and formal closing, similar to “Yours truly” in tone and usage. |
| Very truly yours | An even more formal and emphatic version of “Yours truly.” |
Sincerely Synonyms
| Synonym | Definition |
|---|---|
| Regards | A common, slightly less formal but still professional closing, suitable for ongoing correspondence. |
| Best regards | A friendly yet professional closing, often used when you have an established relationship. |
| Cordially | Suggests warmth and friendliness within a formal context, often for invitations or thank-yous. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: Can I use “Yours truly” in an email for a job application?
While grammatically correct, “Sincerely” is almost always the preferred and safer choice for job applications. “Yours truly” can sometimes come across as slightly outdated or overly deferential in a modern professional context. Sticking with “Sincerely” ensures a standard, professional tone.
Question 2: Is “Sincerely” always the most formal option?
“Sincerely” is a highly formal and universally accepted closing, making it ideal for most professional and official communications. Other closings like “Respectfully” or “Respectfully yours” can convey an even greater degree of deference, particularly when writing to high-ranking officials or individuals of significant authority.
Question 3: When would “Yours truly” be more appropriate than “Sincerely”?
“Yours truly” might be more appropriate in specific contexts where a traditional or slightly understated formality is desired. This could include certain types of formal invitations, correspondence with a historical society, or when addressing a recipient with whom you have a more established, albeit still formal, relationship and you wish to convey a classic touch. However, these situations are increasingly rare in contemporary communication.
Conclusion
Choosing between “Yours truly” and “Sincerely” comes down to understanding the nuances of formality and tone in your written communication. While both are grammatically correct complimentary closings, “Sincerely” stands out as the universally accepted, straightforward, and professional choice for the vast majority of formal letters and emails in June 2026. “Yours truly” carries a more traditional, perhaps even antiquated, flavor, suitable for specific contexts where a classic or slightly deferential tone is desired, but it’s generally best to reserve it for those particular situations.
Pro Tip: When in doubt, always opt for “Sincerely.” It is the safest and most widely understood professional closing, ensuring your communication is perceived as respectful and appropriate without any unintended stylistic implications. Your choice of closing reflects on your professionalism, so select the one that best conveys your intended message with clarity and respect.
