Ways to Finish Business Letters

• Business writing follows current formats and conventions. In this way, finishing a business letter can easily be completed by using the accepted practices. Familiarity with the letter's spacing, with the purpose of the letter, and with common closings can ease the writing process and result in a professional letter.

Placement and Spacing

• The placement and spacing of a business letter's closing generally follows the placement and spacing of the salutation. The most common placement of the closing is against the left margin, though some writers may center the closing. If the salutation contains a colon, then the closing is followed by a comma. After the closing paragraph, drop down one line before adding the closing. Capitalize the first word of the closing, as in "Thank you." Drop down four lines to leave space for a signature, then write the sender's name.

Concluding Paragraph

• The content of the concluding paragraph can be twofold. The paragraph restates the letter's main idea. The concluding paragraph can also ask for action. As noted by author Mike Markel in his book Technical Writing, business letters generally are written for three purposes. The author can make an inquiry, answer an inquiry or make a claim. The concluding paragraph of a business letter repeats the letter's purpose. The concluding paragraph can also notify the reader that the letter contains an enclosure.

Concluding Words and Phrases

• Business letter closings use simple words or phrases that are currently used in the business world. Some examples are "Sincerely" or "Sincerely yours." Other options include "Yours truly" and "Very truly yours." The closing avoids slang or jargon, such as "Catch ya later" or "See ya!" This is not the time to say "Have a good day!" The business conventions of "Sincerely" may seem limited, but serve the purpose of ending the letter gracefully, and keeping the reader's attention on the substance and content of the letter.