How To End A Letter?

You’re writing out a letter to the police inspector of your area, it’s a letter asking him to take action against petty thieves in your locality. You start off by introducing yourself and proceed to explain the troubles you face due to these thieves. You’re almost done with the letter, but you just don’t know how to finish it off. You’re in a spot of bother! That’s because ‘writing’ and writing a letter are two different things altogether.It’s not too much of a task for an individual to write on any particular topic, but writing a casual or a formal letter necessitates a unique combination of information and formalities. While scripting a letter most people tackle well the introduction and the body for the same, but hit a dry patch when it comes to concluding the letter. Take a look at a few pointers that’ll make the task of ending your letters much simpler and more enjoyable. When concluding your letters, try taking into consideration these tips. 

 

Identify The Recipient
The individual you’re writing the letter to, is he or she a friend, a colleague or an associate? Based on the answer to this question, strive to customize the conclusion to your letter. Be prudent, if the recipient is a friend; end the letter on a warm and friendly note. If the recipient is a colleague or a business partner be crisp and professional when concluding your letter. Make it a point to use your discretion, always.  

The Purpose Of The Letter
You obviously know the reason for writing the letter, but does your letter, more importantly its conclusion throw light on the purpose of the same? Most individuals emphasize on the letter’s purpose only in its body, while a few do so in both the body and the conclusion. It is generally considered right to finish off your letter without stressing on its purpose in the conclusion. You do not want to repeat yourself. However, if the letter is required to convey urgency it’s acceptable to repeat yourself when ending your letter. 

The Rule Of Thumb
There are certain rules that need to be followed when concluding a letter. When you know the name of the recipient end the letter with a ‘Yours faithfully’. When you’re not sure of the name of the recipient and you start off your letter with a ‘Dear Sir/Ma’am’ end the letter with a ‘Yours sincerely’. If the letter is handwritten/typed out make sure it’s signed, an unsigned letter leads to nowhere. 

Abbreviations Used When Concluding A Letter
It always helps to use universally accepted abbreviations when concluding letters. Abbreviations help convey points across without occupying too much of real estate space on your letter. Listed below are examples of widely used abbreviations:

It takes dollops of wisdom to know when and how to conclude a letter. Right after calling to attention the purpose of the letter and suggesting corrective action, if any needs to be taken, the letter should see its end. The concluding sentences should be crisp and to the point. “Eg: I hope you take my advice into consideration. I look forward to hearing from you.”