http://www.englishforums.com/English/LinguisticsDiscussionForum/Forum35.htmGet into the nitty-gritty of the language.enXMOD (Build: 3598.39794)http://www.englishforums.com/English/YoursFaithfullyYoursSincerely/10/bgw/Post.htm#313842Thu, 08 Jan 2009 14:44:39 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:313842Anonymous0http://www.englishforums.com/English/YoursFaithfullyYoursSincerely/10/bgw/Post.htm#313842http://www.englishforums.com/English/comments35-313842.xmlIf you are writing to someone whose name and title you do not know, use the greeting Dear Sir or Madam , and the ending Yours faithfully , signing yourself with your initials and surname. If you are writing to a named person, address them as Dear Mr/Mrs/Miss/Ms , and end Yours sincerely , followed by your first name and surname. If you have met them or spoken to them by phone, or otherwise feel that you have some acquaintance with them, address them by their first name and sign yourself Yours sincerely , using your first name. SOURCE: AskOxfordhttp://www.englishforums.com/English/YoursFaithfullyYoursSincerely/10/bgw/Post.htm#298198Sun, 08 Mar 2009 14:44:39 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:298198Tidus1http://www.englishforums.com/English/YoursFaithfullyYoursSincerely/10/bgw/Post.htm#298198http://www.englishforums.com/English/comments35-298198.xmlFormally in English there should only be "Yours sincerely" or "Yours faithfully". Note that sincerely never starts with a capital S or faithfully with a capital F. If you begin a letter with Dear Sir/Madam, then it should be signed off with Yours faithfully. Everything else ie Dear Alan, or Dear Mr Jones, should be signed off with Yours sincerely. If you are writing an informal letter to a friend then you can pretty much sign it off with whatever you like ie yours truly, kind regards or whatever.http://www.englishforums.com/English/YoursFaithfullyYoursSincerely/10/bgw/Post.htm#285817Thu, 08 Jan 2009 14:44:39 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:285817Anonymous2http://www.englishforums.com/English/YoursFaithfullyYoursSincerely/10/bgw/Post.htm#285817http://www.englishforums.com/English/comments35-285817.xmlIt is incorrect to write 'to whom it may concern'. The correct way to address a letter to somebody you don't know in England, is Dear Sir...Yours faithfullyhttp://www.englishforums.com/English/YoursFaithfullyYoursSincerely/10/bgw/Post.htm#277515Sun, 08 Feb 2009 14:44:39 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:277515Anonymous3http://www.englishforums.com/English/YoursFaithfullyYoursSincerely/10/bgw/Post.htm#277515http://www.englishforums.com/English/comments35-277515.xmlthnku 4 dat it has hellped me wit my skool assesment lol ta again anonhttp://www.englishforums.com/English/YoursFaithfullyYoursSincerely/10/bgw/Post.htm#266881Thu, 08 Jan 2009 14:44:39 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:266881Anonymous4http://www.englishforums.com/English/YoursFaithfullyYoursSincerely/10/bgw/Post.htm#266881http://www.englishforums.com/English/comments35-266881.xmlIts simple to remember... Whilst you can be sincere to someone you know... you have to rely on Faith that someone you don't know will attend to your letter properly. Think of faith as being an uncertainty, a belief etc. If you have no idea who is going to get the letter you only have faith that it will even be read!! GBhttp://www.englishforums.com/English/YoursFaithfullyYoursSincerely/9/bgw/Post.htm#252132Thu, 08 Jan 2009 14:44:39 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:252132MrPedantic5http://www.englishforums.com/English/YoursFaithfullyYoursSincerely/9/bgw/Post.htm#252132http://www.englishforums.com/English/comments35-252132.xmlOr perhaps with an exclamation. MrPhttp://www.englishforums.com/English/YoursFaithfullyYoursSincerely/9/bgw/Post.htm#252091Sun, 08 Feb 2009 14:44:39 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:252091Anonymous6http://www.englishforums.com/English/YoursFaithfullyYoursSincerely/9/bgw/Post.htm#252091http://www.englishforums.com/English/comments35-252091.xmlWith regards to exclamation marks, surely the language used should denote the emotion. Only in reported speach should you need an exclamation mark to show that the words were expressed forcefully.http://www.englishforums.com/English/YoursFaithfullyYoursSincerely/9/bgw/Post.htm#251621Wed, 08 Apr 2009 13:44:39 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:251621nona the brit7http://www.englishforums.com/English/YoursFaithfullyYoursSincerely/9/bgw/Post.htm#251621http://www.englishforums.com/English/comments35-251621.xmlI agree that it does sound more logical your way but the business convention is the other way round. Just one of those things.http://www.englishforums.com/English/YoursFaithfullyYoursSincerely/9/bgw/Post.htm#251582Sun, 08 Mar 2009 14:44:39 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:251582Anonymous8http://www.englishforums.com/English/YoursFaithfullyYoursSincerely/9/bgw/Post.htm#251582http://www.englishforums.com/English/comments35-251582.xmlHello everyone, I found this site via google due to a debate with a colleague over the correct use of sincerely/faithfully in a letter My argument is that when you dont know someone and wish to send them a formal letter, you end with 'yours sincerely' as its the initiation of correspondence and its to show you are sincere in your words and motives. Once they have replied and you write to them again then you have established a rapport with the person so therefore are faithful to them in your correspondence hence 'yours faithfully' Other posts in this thread seem to argue the other side and therefore the majority disagrees with my reasoning. I guess im wrong then lol But as someone pointed out, the english language has evolved as...http://www.englishforums.com/English/YoursFaithfullyYoursSincerely/9/bgw/Post.htm#248617Sun, 08 Feb 2009 14:44:39 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:248617Grammar Geek9http://www.englishforums.com/English/YoursFaithfullyYoursSincerely/9/bgw/Post.htm#248617http://www.englishforums.com/English/comments35-248617.xmlHello Anon "Yours truly" is mostly used in American English, so I'm not too sure. Maybe a passing AmE will let us know. MrP Passing American here. Having spent most of my day today drafting business letters (dunning letters, actually), I can honestly say I have never closed a business letter with anything other than "Sincerely," In no way is this considered casual or informal in business use in the U.S. I don't know that I have ever used "Yours truly," but I suppose I would use it in personal correspondence to someone I don't know well. For example, if a friend of a friend had hosted me on a visit, my "bread and butter note" might be closed that way. Since we are a...http://www.englishforums.com/English/YoursFaithfullyYoursSincerely/9/bgw/Post.htm#248579Sun, 08 Feb 2009 14:44:39 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:248579Mister Micawber10http://www.englishforums.com/English/YoursFaithfullyYoursSincerely/9/bgw/Post.htm#248579http://www.englishforums.com/English/comments35-248579.xmlSincerely is certainly not disrespectful; it is quite nice. It may be a little formal, and I suppose that your dad would have preferred you to sign it Love . Love is quite useful in this way, as it does not require love, but does express casual, close friendliness-- so long as you don't use it to a person of a similar age and opposite sex.http://www.englishforums.com/English/YoursFaithfullyYoursSincerely/9/bgw/Post.htm#248576Wed, 08 Apr 2009 13:44:39 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:248576Anonymous11http://www.englishforums.com/English/YoursFaithfullyYoursSincerely/9/bgw/Post.htm#248576http://www.englishforums.com/English/comments35-248576.xmlHello I signed my dads girlfriends birthday card Sincerely, he thinks this is inappropriate, and disrespectful, this was truley not my intent, I sincerely wish her a Happy Birthday Let me know if I am wrong Pattyhttp://www.englishforums.com/English/YoursFaithfullyYoursSincerely/9/bgw/Post.htm#246408Fri, 08 May 2009 13:44:39 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:246408MrPedantic12http://www.englishforums.com/English/YoursFaithfullyYoursSincerely/9/bgw/Post.htm#246408http://www.englishforums.com/English/comments35-246408.xmlHello Anon "Yours truly" is mostly used in American English, so I'm not too sure. Maybe a passing AmE will let us know. MrPhttp://www.englishforums.com/English/YoursFaithfullyYoursSincerely/9/bgw/Post.htm#246086Thu, 08 Jan 2009 14:44:39 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:246086Anonymous13http://www.englishforums.com/English/YoursFaithfullyYoursSincerely/9/bgw/Post.htm#246086http://www.englishforums.com/English/comments35-246086.xmlSo when do you use yours truly??http://www.englishforums.com/English/YoursFaithfullyYoursSincerely/8/bgw/Post.htm#220434Sun, 08 Feb 2009 14:44:39 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:220434Anonymous14http://www.englishforums.com/English/YoursFaithfullyYoursSincerely/8/bgw/Post.htm#220434http://www.englishforums.com/English/comments35-220434.xml"love and kisses" or "hugs and kisses" are not uncommon, but these would generally only be used for family, usually an adult writing to a child or a maybe a child writing to an adult. Adding an x to the end of an email is quite common amoung young people. Girls will tend to do it to any friend of either sex, and some lads will tend to do it to any girl. This does not imply an attraction. People who do this will to add a single x all the time. eg: ... I'll see you at the weekend. John x In SMS text messaging an x is often added without even a name, eg: I'll see you at the weekend.x I would be wary about using more than one x. Usually three is ok from a girl, but from...http://www.englishforums.com/English/YoursFaithfullyYoursSincerely/8/bgw/Post.htm#189549Sun, 08 Feb 2009 14:44:39 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:189549Anonymous15http://www.englishforums.com/English/YoursFaithfullyYoursSincerely/8/bgw/Post.htm#189549http://www.englishforums.com/English/comments35-189549.xmlnicely written '!!!'http://www.englishforums.com/English/YoursFaithfullyYoursSincerely/8/bgw/Post.htm#170287Wed, 08 Apr 2009 13:44:39 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:170287MrPedantic16http://www.englishforums.com/English/YoursFaithfullyYoursSincerely/8/bgw/Post.htm#170287http://www.englishforums.com/English/comments35-170287.xmlAnonymous wrote: As nobody has mentioned it previously, i thought i'd just say that "Yours Sincerely" is used informally and "Yours faithfully" is used on things such as formal business letters. Please note the case of the two phrases (capitalisation of the S or f) Poppycock, Anon. Your spelling suggests that you write British English; in which case: "Yours sincerely" ends a letter that begins "Dear Mr/Mrs/Ms So-and-so". "Yours faithfully" ends a letter that begins "Dear sir/madam". Note the capitalisation. MrPhttp://www.englishforums.com/English/YoursFaithfullyYoursSincerely/8/bgw/Post.htm#170143Sun, 08 Feb 2009 14:44:39 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:170143Anonymous17http://www.englishforums.com/English/YoursFaithfullyYoursSincerely/8/bgw/Post.htm#170143http://www.englishforums.com/English/comments35-170143.xmlAs nobody has mentioned it previously, i thought i'd just say that "Yours Sincerely" is used informally and "Yours faithfully" is used on things such as formal business letters. Please note the case of the two phrases (capitalisation of the S or f)http://www.englishforums.com/English/YoursFaithfullyYoursSincerely/8/bgw/Post.htm#158184Sun, 08 Feb 2009 14:44:39 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:158184My2sense18http://www.englishforums.com/English/YoursFaithfullyYoursSincerely/8/bgw/Post.htm#158184http://www.englishforums.com/English/comments35-158184.xmlAs was pointed out " yours faithfully " is out of style but it still is in use especially in British English. However, as was also pointed out, there are alternatives that are used in both British and American (North American) English. 1. More formal --- Sincerely yours, Yours sincerely, or even just Sincerely 2. less formal--- Sincerely, Kind/Best/Warm regards, Regards, *Best wishes 3. informal --- Best (wishes), Regards, * Just write your name *, See you, Thanks, etc., etc.http://www.englishforums.com/English/YoursFaithfullyYoursSincerely/8/bgw/Post.htm#143770Thu, 08 Jan 2009 14:44:39 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:143770Mister Micawber19http://www.englishforums.com/English/YoursFaithfullyYoursSincerely/8/bgw/Post.htm#143770http://www.englishforums.com/English/comments35-143770.xmlClose with Yours faithfully .http://www.englishforums.com/English/YoursFaithfullyYoursSincerely/8/bgw/Post.htm#143766Thu, 08 Jan 2009 14:44:39 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:143766Anonymous20http://www.englishforums.com/English/YoursFaithfullyYoursSincerely/8/bgw/Post.htm#143766http://www.englishforums.com/English/comments35-143766.xmlwhen i write to whom it may concern how I can end like yours faithfully_??http://www.englishforums.com/English/YoursFaithfullyYoursSincerely/8/bgw/Post.htm#138292Sun, 08 Feb 2009 14:44:39 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:138292MrPedantic21http://www.englishforums.com/English/YoursFaithfullyYoursSincerely/8/bgw/Post.htm#138292http://www.englishforums.com/English/comments35-138292.xmlAnonymous wrote: After writing to Tony Blair for the Make Poverty History campaign I was amused by his 3rd way. Yours Ever, Tony. So if its good enough for the PM maybe people would like to use that to avoid all the confusion. I have a horrible feeling the PM started his letter with "Hi!". MrPhttp://www.englishforums.com/English/YoursFaithfullyYoursSincerely/8/bgw/Post.htm#138194Sun, 08 Feb 2009 14:44:39 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:138194Tallulah Tam22http://www.englishforums.com/English/YoursFaithfullyYoursSincerely/8/bgw/Post.htm#138194http://www.englishforums.com/English/comments35-138194.xmlI have a friend (you know who you are) who signs herself, As Always, Which always leaves me guessing since she is not ALWAYS the same.http://www.englishforums.com/English/YoursFaithfullyYoursSincerely/7/bgw/Post.htm#138193Fri, 08 May 2009 13:44:39 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:138193Tallulah Tam23http://www.englishforums.com/English/YoursFaithfullyYoursSincerely/7/bgw/Post.htm#138193http://www.englishforums.com/English/comments35-138193.xmlWhat about, Yours Ever So..............?http://www.englishforums.com/English/YoursFaithfullyYoursSincerely/7/bgw/Post.htm#138168Thu, 08 Jan 2009 14:44:39 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:138168Anonymous24http://www.englishforums.com/English/YoursFaithfullyYoursSincerely/7/bgw/Post.htm#138168http://www.englishforums.com/English/comments35-138168.xmlAfter writing to Tony Blair for the Make Poverty History campaign I was amused by his 3rd way. Yours Ever, Tony. So if its good enough for the PM maybe people would like to use that to avoid all the confusion.http://www.englishforums.com/English/YoursFaithfullyYoursSincerely/7/bgw/Post.htm#134516Thu, 08 Jan 2009 14:44:39 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:134516Anonymous25http://www.englishforums.com/English/YoursFaithfullyYoursSincerely/7/bgw/Post.htm#134516http://www.englishforums.com/English/comments35-134516.xmlIt does not make sense to have two kinds of regards- best and worst. I cannot imagine why an assistant profesor might be called Mr. Best Regards, but if he is feel free to address him as such. I feel that English should not be abused for emails, but there are those that differ. Normally one would wait for or await replies.http://www.englishforums.com/English/YoursFaithfullyYoursSincerely/7/bgw/Post.htm#122715Sun, 08 Feb 2009 14:44:39 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:122715MrPedantic26http://www.englishforums.com/English/YoursFaithfullyYoursSincerely/7/bgw/Post.htm#122715http://www.englishforums.com/English/comments35-122715.xmlI notice there's a new book out, on the subject: "11 Arten ein Ei zu kochen". One more, and it would have been an epic. (Book V: "the catalogue of tea-spoons".) MrPhttp://www.englishforums.com/English/YoursFaithfullyYoursSincerely/7/bgw/Post.htm#122693Sun, 08 Mar 2009 14:44:40 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:122693pieanne27http://www.englishforums.com/English/YoursFaithfullyYoursSincerely/7/bgw/Post.htm#122693http://www.englishforums.com/English/comments35-122693.xmlAnd how many ways to skin an egg?http://www.englishforums.com/English/YoursFaithfullyYoursSincerely/7/bgw/Post.htm#122506Thu, 08 Jan 2009 14:44:40 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:122506Tallulah Tam28http://www.englishforums.com/English/YoursFaithfullyYoursSincerely/7/bgw/Post.htm#122506http://www.englishforums.com/English/comments35-122506.xmlNever heard that one before Goldmund. The one I have heard is "There are many ways to skin a cat".http://www.englishforums.com/English/YoursFaithfullyYoursSincerely/7/bgw/Post.htm#122412Thu, 08 Jan 2009 14:44:40 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:122412goldmund29http://www.englishforums.com/English/YoursFaithfullyYoursSincerely/7/bgw/Post.htm#122412http://www.englishforums.com/English/comments35-122412.xmlDear Tallulah Tam, There are many ways to cook an egg, no? Kind regards, Goldmundhttp://www.englishforums.com/English/YoursFaithfullyYoursSincerely/7/bgw/Post.htm#122396Wed, 08 Apr 2009 13:44:40 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:122396Tallulah Tam30http://www.englishforums.com/English/YoursFaithfullyYoursSincerely/7/bgw/Post.htm#122396http://www.englishforums.com/English/comments35-122396.xmlGoldmund, I suppose you could gradually ease them into new ways if they are receptive to it and if they like you, but it's always best to tread carefully. As a former employer myself I preferred employees who toed the company line, although I was always open to suggestions. I would not have taken kindly to someone changing the status quo without my permission.http://www.englishforums.com/English/YoursFaithfullyYoursSincerely/7/bgw/Post.htm#122386Thu, 08 Jan 2009 14:44:40 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:122386goldmund31http://www.englishforums.com/English/YoursFaithfullyYoursSincerely/7/bgw/Post.htm#122386http://www.englishforums.com/English/comments35-122386.xmlDear Tallulah Tam, It is not necessary always to conform. It is the job of an employee to suggest improvements and point out errors, no? I think I am too old to have grandmothers now. But if my grandmother had «sucked eggs», I might have taught her how to use a spoon. Kind regards, Goldmundhttp://www.englishforums.com/English/YoursFaithfullyYoursSincerely/6/bgw/Post.htm#122130Wed, 08 Apr 2009 13:44:40 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:122130Tallulah Tam32http://www.englishforums.com/English/YoursFaithfullyYoursSincerely/6/bgw/Post.htm#122130http://www.englishforums.com/English/comments35-122130.xmlGoldmund, I think if the employer has paid to send you on a course to learn the correct way to write letters, ( I could have said a correspondence course) and then when you come back and put what you have learned into practice to be met by sarcastic comments when you apply what you have learned is justifiable cause to stand up to your employer. But if you join a company with prior knowledge different from the standard company policy, unless you have been specifically hired to teach them, or they are open to change, then it is your job to conform to their standard or the same sort of thing Busy Bee talked about is likely to happen. In other words, don't try to teach your grandma how to suck an egg (exclamation mark) Unless you want it...http://www.englishforums.com/English/YoursFaithfullyYoursSincerely/6/bgw/Post.htm#121946Sun, 08 Feb 2009 14:44:40 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:121946MrPedantic33http://www.englishforums.com/English/YoursFaithfullyYoursSincerely/6/bgw/Post.htm#121946http://www.englishforums.com/English/comments35-121946.xmlI wouldn't be pleased to find 'kind(est) regards' at the bottom of a letter from a bank manager or solicitor. I'd be inclined to take Goldmund's line. Though I don't mind what people stick at the bottom of emails. It's usually a mess down there anyway. Weblinks, plugs, emoticons, tripe about eating the email if you receive it in error, irritating feedback requests, etc. And then the twelve indented FYIs in reverse order. Back to shards, I say. MrPhttp://www.englishforums.com/English/YoursFaithfullyYoursSincerely/6/bgw/Post.htm#121903Wed, 08 Apr 2009 13:44:40 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:121903Anonymous34http://www.englishforums.com/English/YoursFaithfullyYoursSincerely/6/bgw/Post.htm#121903http://www.englishforums.com/English/comments35-121903.xmlGood advice MM, said boss must have had second thoughts a today he brought me a hot sausage roll wrapped in a paper napkin and a cup of tea. (No comments please) My intention was not to whinge, but to try to establish on this forum from my peers and betters what is correct. The more I read this thread the more confused I have become, because although we try to keep to an acceptable degree of formality and correctness, it appears that some companies are paying heavy amounts of money to break the rules of learning and tradition and correctness of English usage. Thank you for your input. No, I was not trying to tell my boss what to do, it is just that over 100 letters had been prepared for mailing. Again, no comments. Miffed ...also...http://www.englishforums.com/English/YoursFaithfullyYoursSincerely/6/bgw/Post.htm#121841Sun, 08 Feb 2009 14:44:40 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:121841Tallulah Tam35http://www.englishforums.com/English/YoursFaithfullyYoursSincerely/6/bgw/Post.htm#121841http://www.englishforums.com/English/comments35-121841.xml"To my mind there are onlt two rules to English usage: write what you mean in as short and clear a way as possible, and never use multiple exclamation marks at the end of a sentence. (In fact, never use exclamation marks, you probably don't need it.) " Dear Guest, The above statement is probably correct in a business setting, however I do not agree with your statement generally. Exclamation marks are used to denote emotion. How else can one show feelings on paper? Here in this forum we have emoticons, to show emotion, but prose generally would be very boring without exclamation marks! I have used one at the end of that sentence as an illustration to denote that that is what I think. It is a statement which either...http://www.englishforums.com/English/YoursFaithfullyYoursSincerely/6/bgw/Post.htm#121806Fri, 08 May 2009 13:44:40 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:121806goldmund36http://www.englishforums.com/English/YoursFaithfullyYoursSincerely/6/bgw/Post.htm#121806http://www.englishforums.com/English/comments35-121806.xmlDear Tallulah Tam, It is also possible to change the policy of an employer, no? But it is only a convention. It was «this» yesterday, and I think it will be «that» tomorrow. Kind regards, Goldmundhttp://www.englishforums.com/English/YoursFaithfullyYoursSincerely/6/bgw/Post.htm#121665Thu, 08 Jan 2009 14:44:40 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:121665Tallulah Tam37http://www.englishforums.com/English/YoursFaithfullyYoursSincerely/6/bgw/Post.htm#121665http://www.englishforums.com/English/comments35-121665.xmlDear Miffed, It is always safest just to follow the company protocol, after all they are paying your wages. You have been told now how they want you to end their letters. If you need further clarification just tell your boss you don't want to make the mistake again so could he/she please explain exactly what it is that they would like. It is not your job to teach them what is in or out, just make sure that if they ever change their minds that they tell you about it. Don't waste time feeling miffed, shrug it off. C'est la vie! Perhaps your firm has traditional, rather old fashioned customers, so this is the way it conducts its business. Its all a matter of preference. Personally I prefer old fashioned courtesy. People everywhere...http://www.englishforums.com/English/YoursFaithfullyYoursSincerely/6/bgw/Post.htm#121661Thu, 08 Jan 2009 14:44:40 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:121661anita_a38http://www.englishforums.com/English/YoursFaithfullyYoursSincerely/6/bgw/Post.htm#121661http://www.englishforums.com/English/comments35-121661.xmlThat's a good one!http://www.englishforums.com/English/YoursFaithfullyYoursSincerely/6/bgw/Post.htm#121659Fri, 08 May 2009 13:44:40 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:121659Mister Micawber39http://www.englishforums.com/English/YoursFaithfullyYoursSincerely/6/bgw/Post.htm#121659http://www.englishforums.com/English/comments35-121659.xmlDear Miffed, I do sympathize with you, and I am glad you have brought your unfortunate experience to our attention, because throughout this discussion, the most obvious and pragmatic of advice-- 'ask your superior what s/he prefers'-- was not offered. Still, wrist-slapping and sarcasm seem less than adult reactions. We have seen a wide range of opinions here, so it is evident that usage varies enormously. Those who are trying to sell themselves or their product or service must choose the option, formal or friendly, which they think most appropriate to their needs, and those who are employed by others should check company policy in this as in many matters. Sincerely yours, MMhttp://www.englishforums.com/English/YoursFaithfullyYoursSincerely/6/bgw/Post.htm#121651Wed, 08 Apr 2009 13:44:40 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:121651Anonymous40http://www.englishforums.com/English/YoursFaithfullyYoursSincerely/6/bgw/Post.htm#121651http://www.englishforums.com/English/comments35-121651.xmlThe correct usage of 'faithfully' and 'sincerely' is taught in junior school English. If addressed Dear Sir or Madam then it is 'faithfully' or to a named person 'sincerely'. However, today I have been rebuked by my new boss for using 'sincerely' instead of 'faithfully' when the salutation is Dear Sir. Why did he do this? Well, in my two previous companies I was told it was 'old fashioned' and 'sincerely' would suffice especially 'Sincerely' if the salutation is Dear Sir in a new modern world where formality is now more relaxed, 'faithfully' is to be used only if the letter is a legal document or appertaining to strictest business formalities. So, in a marketing letter to an unknown recipient it acceptable to sign off Yours...http://www.englishforums.com/English/YoursFaithfullyYoursSincerely/5/bgw/Post.htm#121195Thu, 08 Jan 2009 14:44:40 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:121195Tallulah Tam41http://www.englishforums.com/English/YoursFaithfullyYoursSincerely/5/bgw/Post.htm#121195http://www.englishforums.com/English/comments35-121195.xmlGoldmund, "Kindest regards" is more acceptable than "Fondly" and could be used between two people with a working relationship. For instance If I had been to your home and met your family, or if I had been out for a game of golf with you. "Regards and best wishes" would probably be more appropriate. "Kindest regards." I would probably save for someone in hospital, or an elderly person. It suggests caring beyond just sending your regards. "With regards" is fairly formal, viz "Give My Regards To Broadway." No, I would not be offended if someone ended their letter with "Regards." Regard, has several meanings. All serious and respectful. "Fondly" on the other...http://www.englishforums.com/English/YoursFaithfullyYoursSincerely/5/bgw/Post.htm#121151Wed, 08 Apr 2009 13:44:40 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:121151goldmund42http://www.englishforums.com/English/YoursFaithfullyYoursSincerely/5/bgw/Post.htm#121151http://www.englishforums.com/English/comments35-121151.xmlIf you sign your business letter «Fondly» or «Regards», you do not get my business. But you may sign your business email «Regards». Best wishes Goldmundhttp://www.englishforums.com/English/YoursFaithfullyYoursSincerely/5/bgw/Post.htm#121148Fri, 08 May 2009 13:44:40 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:121148Tallulah Tam43http://www.englishforums.com/English/YoursFaithfullyYoursSincerely/5/bgw/Post.htm#121148http://www.englishforums.com/English/comments35-121148.xml"I seldom receive post (I mean the traditional form of post) but when I do the informal letters are often signed off with hugs and kisses" Yes Cairn, or "Love" or "See you soon" or "Keep smiling" or anything you like...... Anything goes for an informal letter. In America it is not unusual to receive a letter from an estate agent signed "Fondly". A term I particularly dislike, especially from a real estate agent!http://www.englishforums.com/English/YoursFaithfullyYoursSincerely/5/bgw/Post.htm#121102Thu, 08 Jan 2009 14:44:40 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:121102cairn44http://www.englishforums.com/English/YoursFaithfullyYoursSincerely/5/bgw/Post.htm#121102http://www.englishforums.com/English/comments35-121102.xmlI seldom receive post (I mean the traditional form of post) but when I do the informal letters are often signed off with hugs and kisses Isn't it what Pieanne was asking about? cairnhttp://www.englishforums.com/English/YoursFaithfullyYoursSincerely/5/bgw/Post.htm#120521Sun, 08 Feb 2009 14:44:40 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:120521Tallulah Tam45http://www.englishforums.com/English/YoursFaithfullyYoursSincerely/5/bgw/Post.htm#120521http://www.englishforums.com/English/comments35-120521.xmlYours faithfully, is used when the letter starts Dear Sir, or Madam, or To Whom It May Concern. In other words a formal address. When you use a name, eg. Dear Mr.Smith, Dear Clive, etc., the letter should end Yours sincerely. Thanking you, Kindest regards, cheers, etc., are used before Yours sincerely. Yours truly, is also considered to be a formal ending to a letter. In America they seem to end all their letters with"Sincerely", they don't even bother with the "Yours".http://www.englishforums.com/English/YoursFaithfullyYoursSincerely/5/bgw/Post.htm#120504Thu, 08 Jan 2009 14:44:40 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:120504Mister Micawber46http://www.englishforums.com/English/YoursFaithfullyYoursSincerely/5/bgw/Post.htm#120504http://www.englishforums.com/English/comments35-120504.xmlYours faithfullyhttp://www.englishforums.com/English/YoursFaithfullyYoursSincerely/5/bgw/Post.htm#120417Sun, 08 Feb 2009 14:44:40 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:120417Anonymous47http://www.englishforums.com/English/YoursFaithfullyYoursSincerely/5/bgw/Post.htm#120417http://www.englishforums.com/English/comments35-120417.xmlGuest wrote: when you're writing ' to whom it may concern' how do you sign off? faithfully? sincerely? etc?http://www.englishforums.com/English/YoursFaithfullyYoursSincerely/5/bgw/Post.htm#120414Sun, 08 Feb 2009 14:44:40 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:120414anita_a48http://www.englishforums.com/English/YoursFaithfullyYoursSincerely/5/bgw/Post.htm#120414http://www.englishforums.com/English/comments35-120414.xmlI have been following this thread and thought that I should add my opinion too. Though in the composition class in schools the rigid rules of letter writin are taught, and the usage of post scripts(yours sicerely, yours faithfully and the like) are fixed, I personally feel that we can write 'Thanks & Regards' as the best post script for every business letter irespective of whether u know the person or not.That's the modern way of signing off any business letter in opposed to the old way of yours sincerely and yours faithfully.http://www.englishforums.com/English/YoursFaithfullyYoursSincerely/5/bgw/Post.htm#120327Thu, 08 Jan 2009 14:44:40 GMT946f00bb-57d3-4b7b-a9a2-059b5341af52:120327Anonymous49http://www.englishforums.com/English/YoursFaithfullyYoursSincerely/5/bgw/Post.htm#120327http://www.englishforums.com/English/comments35-120327.xmlGuest wrote: when you're writing ' to whom it may concern' how do you sign off? faithfully? sincerely? etc?