When you’re sending an email, especially for something professional, you want to end it in a polite way. One common sign-off is “Regards.” But, what does “Regards” mean at the end of an email, and why do people use it? Let’s break it down and figure out when it’s the right choice.
Understanding “Regards”
“Regards” is simply a polite way to say “greetings” or “best wishes.” It’s a formal, yet friendly, closing that shows you’re thinking well of the person you’re emailing. It’s like saying “Have a good day” or “Best wishes” but in a more professional tone. It’s a safe and versatile choice for many situations. It’s important to remember that it’s a more formal sign-off and should be used in certain settings.
Here are some things that “Regards” usually communicates:
- Respect: It shows you respect the recipient.
- Politeness: It’s a courteous way to end the email.
- Professionalism: It’s suitable for business and formal communication.
Here’s a quick look at some other common email closings and their usual connotations:
- Sincerely: More formal and often used for cover letters or very official communications.
- Best regards: Slightly warmer than just “Regards”.
- Thank you: Good when you are asking for something or expressing gratitude.
Email to a Potential Employer After a Job Interview
Subject: Following Up – [Your Name] – [Job Title]
Dear Mr./Ms. [Interviewer’s Last Name],
Thank you again for taking the time to speak with me yesterday about the [Job Title] position. I enjoyed learning more about the role and the team.
As we discussed, I am very interested in this opportunity and believe my skills in [Skill 1], [Skill 2], and [Skill 3] align well with the requirements. I am particularly excited about [Specific aspect of the job or company].
Please let me know if you require any further information from my end. I look forward to hearing from you soon regarding the next steps.
Regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
Email to a Colleague About a Project Update
Subject: Project [Project Name] Update
Hi [Colleague’s Name],
Just wanted to give you a quick update on the project. We’ve completed the [Task 1] and are on track to finish [Task 2] by the end of the week. We are facing a small challenge with [Challenge] but expect to resolve it by [Date].
Let me know if you have any questions. Thanks!
Regards,
[Your Name]
Email to a Professor Asking for Clarification on an Assignment
Subject: Question Regarding [Assignment Name]
Dear Professor [Professor’s Last Name],
I am currently working on the [Assignment Name] assignment, and I have a question regarding [Specific question]. Could you please clarify [Further detail about the question]?
Thank you for your time and assistance.
Regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Student ID]
Email to a Client Following Up on a Proposal
Subject: Following up – Proposal for [Project Name]
Dear [Client Name],
I hope this email finds you well.
I’m following up on the proposal we sent on [Date] regarding [brief description of project]. We believe our services would be a great fit for your needs, and we’re eager to start working with you.
Please let me know if you have any questions or if you’d like to schedule a call to discuss the proposal further.
Regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Company]
Email to a Vendor Requesting Information
Subject: Information Request – [Product/Service]
Dear [Vendor Contact Name],
My name is [Your Name] from [Your Company], and we are interested in learning more about your [Product/Service]. Could you please send us more information, including pricing and specifications?
We would appreciate it if you could also include any case studies or testimonials.
Thank you for your time and assistance.
Regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Company]
Email to a Supervisor Requesting Time Off
Subject: Time Off Request – [Your Name]
Dear [Supervisor’s Name],
This email is to request time off from work. I would like to request [Number] days of leave from [Start Date] to [End Date].
I have already completed [mention tasks] and will make sure to complete [tasks] before my leave. I will also set my out-of-office message and I will have limited access to email during this time.
Thank you for your consideration.
Regards,
[Your Name]
So, “Regards” is a simple yet effective way to end an email, conveying professionalism and respect. It’s a safe bet for many types of business communications and is a good option when you’re not sure what other sign-off to use. Remember to adjust your sign-off based on your audience and the relationship you have with them.