Yours Sincerely or Sincerely Yours? Which Is Correct In American English

Have you ever finished writing an email or formal letter and paused before typing the closing? Should it be “Yours sincerely” or “Sincerely yours”?

You’re not alone. Many English learners, professionals, and even native speakers wonder which version sounds more naturalespecially when writing to American audiences.

The short answer is this:

In this guide, you’ll learn the difference, grammar rules, regional preferences, real-life examples, common mistakes, and exactly when to use each closing confidently.

What Does “Yours Sincerely” Mean?

“Yours sincerely” is a polite and respectful way to end a formal letter. It expresses genuine respect toward the recipient.

Although it sounds perfectly correct, it follows British English conventions rather than American ones.

Traditionally, British writers use “Yours sincerely” after addressing someone by name.

When British English Uses “Yours Sincerely”

Use it when you’ve started the letter with:

• Dear Mr. Brown,
• Dear Ms. Taylor,
• Dear Dr. Wilson,

Examples

✔ Dear Mrs. Parker,

Thank you for your assistance.

Yours sincerely,

James Carter

✔ Dear Professor Evans,

I appreciate your guidance.

Yours sincerely,

Emily Stone

Why It Sounds Unusual in America

American readers understand it perfectly.

However, it simply isn’t the standard closing taught in American schools or used in most American businesses.

What Does “Sincerely Yours” Mean?

Sincerely yours carries exactly the same meaning.

The difference is simply word order and regional style.

In American English, this version became the traditional closing for formal correspondence.

Today, however, Americans usually shorten it even further.

Common closings include:

• Sincerely,
• Sincerely yours,
• Respectfully,
• Best regards,

Examples

Dear Hiring Manager,

Thank you for considering my application.

Sincerely yours,

Michael Johnson

Dear Ms. Carter,

Please let me know if you need additional documents.

Sincerely,

David Lee

Modern American Preference

Most American professionals prefer simply:

Sincerely,

It’s shorter, cleaner, and accepted everywhere.

Yours Sincerely vs. Sincerely Yours: What’s the Difference?

Although both phrases express respect and professionalism, they belong to different English traditions.

Feature	Yours Sincerely	Sincerely Yours
American English	Rare	Standard
British English	Standard	Less common
Formality	Formal	Formal
Meaning	Same	Same
Business Letters	Mostly UK	Mostly US
Modern Email Use	Rare	Common (usually shortened to “Sincerely”)

Quick Answer

If you’re writing for an American audience:

✅ Choose Sincerely yours or simply Sincerely.

If you’re writing for the UK:

✅ Use Yours sincerely.

Why American English Prefers “Sincerely Yours”

American business writing has gradually shifted toward shorter, simpler closings.

Instead of ending with lengthy phrases, professionals often choose concise sign-offs that still sound polite.

Common American Closings

• Sincerely,
• Best,
• Best regards,
• Kind regards
• Respectfully
• Thank you

Common British Closings

• Yours sincerely
• Yours faithfully
• Kind regards
• Best wishes

This difference isn’t about grammar.

It’s simply a matter of regional writing conventions.

When Should You Use Each One?

Use “Sincerely Yours” If:

• You’re writing to an American company.
• You’re applying for a U.S. job.
• You’re emailing an American professor.
• You’re sending business correspondence in the United States.

Use “Yours Sincerely” If:

• You’re writing according to British English rules.
• Your audience is mainly in the UK.
• You’re following British business letter conventions.

Real-Life Example: An International Job Application

Imagine Sarah, a marketing graduate from Canada, applies for two different positions—one in New York and another in London.

For the New York application, she writes:

Dear Hiring Manager,

Thank you for reviewing my application. I appreciate your time and consideration. I look forward to discussing how my skills can contribute to your team.

Sincerely,

Sarah Mitchell

This follows American business style and feels natural to U.S. recruiters.

For the London application, Sarah adjusts only the closing:

Dear Mr. Thompson,

Thank you for considering my application. I hope to hear from you soon.

Yours sincerely,

Sarah Mitchell

By matching each country’s preferred convention, Sarah demonstrates attention to detail and cultural awareness. Recruiters often notice these small touches because they reflect professionalism and an understanding of business communication norms. While using the “wrong” closing is unlikely to cost someone a job, choosing the expected style helps create a polished first impression and shows respect for the reader’s language conventions.

Current Writing Trends (2025–2026)

Recent workplace communication trends continue to favor concise, reader-friendly email etiquette:

• Most U.S. business emails now end with “Sincerely,”, “Best,”, or “Best regards,” rather than longer traditional closings.
• Professional communication guides encourage matching the level of formality to the situation.
• Job applications and legal correspondence still commonly use “Sincerely,” in American English.
• British organizations continue to teach “Yours sincerely” and “Yours faithfully” as standard formal letter endings.

These trends reflect the broader move toward clear, efficient communication while maintaining professionalism.

Step-by-Step Guide: Choosing the Right Closing

Step 1: Know Your Audience

Are you writing to someone in the United States or the United Kingdom?

Step 2: Consider the Purpose

Formal job application, business letter, academic email, or casual message?

Step 3: Match the Regional Style

• American English → Sincerely or Sincerely yours
• British English → Yours sincerely

Step 4: Stay Consistent

If you’re using American spelling throughout your document, finish with an American-style closing. Likewise, keep British spelling and British closings together for consistency.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mixing British and American Styles

❌ Dear Mr. Wilson,

Yours sincerely

…while using American spelling throughout.

Choose one style and stay consistent.

Using “Yours Faithfully” Incorrectly

In British English, “Yours faithfully” is generally used when you do not know the recipient’s name (for example, “Dear Sir or Madam”). If you know the person’s name, “Yours sincerely” is the usual choice.

Forgetting the Comma

In American English, it’s common to write:

Sincerely,

followed by your name on the next line.

Mini Quiz:Yours Sincerely or Sincerely Yours

Mini Quiz 1: Which Closing Sounds More American?

Question: Which closing is the standard choice in American English?

A) Yours sincerely
B) Sincerely yours
C) Yours faithfully
D) Warm wishes

Answer: ✅ B) Sincerely yours
In American English, “Sincerely yours” (or simply “Sincerely,”) is the traditional and most common formal closing.

Mini Quiz 2: British or American?

Question: Which closing is commonly used in British English after writing to someone by name?

A) Sincerely yours
B) Yours sincerely
C) Cheers
D) Best regards

Answer: ✅ B) Yours sincerely
British English typically uses “Yours sincerely” when the recipient’s name is known.

Mini Quiz 3: Spot the Best Choice

Question: You’re applying for a job at a company in New York. Which closing should you use?

A) Yours sincerely
B) Sincerely
C) Yours faithfully
D) Kind wishes

Answer: ✅ B) Sincerely
For American job applications, “Sincerely,” is the safest and most professional choice.

Mini Quiz 4: True or False?

Question: “Yours sincerely” is grammatically incorrect in American English.

Answer: ❌ False
It’s grammatically correct, but it follows British English style and sounds less natural to most American readers.

Mini Quiz 5: Fill in the Blank

Question: Complete the sentence:

Dear Hiring Manager,
Thank you for your time and consideration.
__________,
John Smith

A) Yours sincerely
B) Sincerely
C) Yours faithfully
D) Cheers

Answer: ✅ B) Sincerely
This is the most common and professional email closing in American English.

Mini Quiz 6: Quick Challenge

Question: If you’re writing a formal letter to a company in London after addressing “Dear Mr. Brown,”, which closing fits best?

A) Sincerely yours
B) Yours sincerely
C) Best
D) Thanks

Answer: ✅ B) Yours sincerely
In British English, “Yours sincerely” is the standard formal closing when you know the recipient’s name.

FAQs

Q1: Is “Yours sincerely” wrong in American English?

A: No. Americans understand it, but it sounds more British than American.

Q2: Which is more professional in the United States?

A: Sincerely or Sincerely yours are the preferred choices.

Q3: Can I simply write “Sincerely”?

A: Yes. It’s the most common formal closing in American business and academic writing.

Q4: Is “Sincerely yours” outdated?

A: Not at all. While many people shorten it to “Sincerely,”, the longer form remains correct and professional.

Q5: Which closing should I use for a U.S. job application?

A: Use “Sincerely,” unless the employer specifies a different format.

Conclusion

When deciding between “Yours sincerely” and “Sincerely yours,” the correct choice depends on your audience not grammar.

If you’re writing in American English, “Sincerely,” or “Sincerely yours” is the standard and most natural option. If you’re writing in British English, “Yours sincerely” follows traditional conventions and remains the preferred choice.

Understanding these regional differences helps you communicate more professionally, whether you’re applying for a job, writing a business letter, or sending a formal email. By matching your closing to your audience, you’ll leave a stronger and more polished final impression.

👉 Explore more useful grammar tips and guides on Learnwithahh