5 Ways to End Your English Emails Like a Native Speaker

 

5 Ways to End Your English Emails Like a Native Speaker


You've carefully crafted your English email. The grammar is checked, the message is clear, but then you arrive at the final hurdle: the closing. How do you sign off? For many Koreans, this is a tricky moment. A direct translation of "수고하세요" (sugohaseyo) doesn't work, and standard textbook options like "Sincerely" can feel stiff and outdated in many situations. The goal isn't just to end the email, but to do so naturally, professionally, and appropriately for the context.

As of October 2025, the good news is that sounding natural is easier than you think. Forget overly complex phrases. Most native speakers rely on a few simple, versatile closings. Mastering these five common options will instantly make your emails sound more fluent and professional.


1. "Best regards" / "Best" — The Universal Standard

If you learn only one closing, make it this one. "Best regards" is the perfect all-purpose professional closing. It's polite, respectful, and suitable for almost any situation—whether you're writing to a new contact, a client, a professor, or your boss. It strikes a balance between formality and friendliness that works in nearly every professional context.

For slightly less formal situations, or when you have an established relationship with the recipient, you can shorten it to just "Best". This is extremely common and carries a slightly warmer, more concise feel while still being perfectly professional. Think of "Best regards" as the reliable suit and "Best" as the smart business-casual option. Avoid overly formal closings like "Sincerely" or "Yours truly" unless you are writing a very formal cover letter or an official communication where such traditional language is expected.


2. "Kind regards" / "Warm regards" — Adding a Touch of Warmth

When you want to convey a slightly warmer and more personal tone than "Best regards," while still remaining firmly professional, "Kind regards" or "Warm regards" are excellent choices. They are often used when you have a good working relationship with someone, have met them before, or simply want to add a touch more friendliness to your sign-off.

"Kind regards" is generally seen as slightly more formal than "Warm regards." Think of them as expressing a genuine sense of goodwill. Use these when you want to soften the professional edge just a little, perhaps after a positive meeting or in an ongoing collaboration. They are less common than "Best regards" but are a nice way to signal a slightly closer professional connection.


3. "Thanks" / "Thank you" — Simple, Direct Appreciation

This is perhaps the most frequently used closing in everyday workplace emails, especially internal ones. If your email contains a request, asks a question, or if the recipient has already done something for you, ending with a simple "Thanks" or "Thank you" is completely natural and appropriate. It's direct, efficient, and shows appreciation.

You can also combine it with other closings, such as "Thanks and best regards,". However, be mindful not to use "Thanks" automatically if your email doesn't actually warrant thanking someone – in that case, "Best regards" is a safer bet. For slightly more formal thank-yous, you might write "Thank you for your time" or "Thank you for your consideration." But for most day-to-day interactions, a simple "Thanks" followed by your name is perfect.


4. "Looking forward to..." — Signaling Expectation

When your email requires a response or sets up a future action, closing with a phrase starting with "Looking forward to..." is a polite and professional way to signal your expectation. It clearly communicates the next step without sounding demanding.

Common variations include:

  • "Looking forward to hearing from you." (When you need a reply)

  • "Looking forward to your reply." (Slightly more direct version of the above)

  • "Looking forward to our meeting on [Date]." (Confirming a future event)

  • "Looking forward to working with you on this." (Expressing enthusiasm for a collaboration)

This closing adds a forward-looking, proactive tone to your email, gently prompting the recipient while maintaining politeness. It’s a standard feature in business communication where follow-up is expected.

Choosing the right closing is about context and relationship. Don't overthink it! Stick to these simple, common phrases, and focus on clarity and politeness. By ditching the outdated textbook options and embracing these natural closings, your English emails will instantly feel more authentic and professional.


English Hashtags:

#LearnEnglish #BusinessEnglish #EmailEtiquette #EnglishTips #KoreanLearners #ESL #ProfessionalCommunication #EmailClosing #WritingTips #WorkplaceEnglish

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