Yours sincerely and sincerely yours carry the same meaning. Both are polite closings used at the end of a letter or email. Neither is a mistake. The main difference is regional: yours sincerely is the standard British form, while sincerely yours is more common in American English.
Choosing the right form makes your writing look careful and professional, especially in job applications, business emails, and formal letters. Small details like this shape first impressions. This guide explains what each phrase means, when to use it, how to format it, and which mistakes to avoid, so you can close your next message with confidence.
Quick Answer: Yours Sincerely vs Sincerely Yours
Use Yours sincerely if you follow British English, and Sincerely yours if you follow American English. The meaning is identical. Only the word order changes.
Simple Difference
- Yours sincerely is the traditional British closing. It is used when you address the reader by name, such as “Dear Mrs Patel.”
- Sincerely yours is the American version. In the US, the shorter “Sincerely” is even more common.
- Both are formal enough for business letters, cover letters, and professional emails.
- If you do not know the reader’s name, British English prefers “Yours faithfully” instead.
What Does “Yours Sincerely” Mean?
Meaning
“Yours sincerely” is a complimentary close, also called a valediction. It tells the reader that you write honestly and respectfully. The word “sincerely” is an adverb meaning “in a genuine way.” The word “yours” is a polite formula that expresses goodwill toward the reader.
In modern usage, the phrase is a courteous convention rather than a literal statement. It signals that the letter is complete and that your tone is professional.
Example
Dear Ms Thompson,
Thank you for meeting with me on Tuesday. I look forward to hearing about the next steps.
Yours sincerely,
Daniel Reed
Here the writer knows the recipient’s name, so “Yours sincerely” is the correct British choice.
What Does “Sincerely Yours” Mean?
Meaning
“Sincerely yours” has the same meaning as “yours sincerely.” It is the same closing with the two words reversed. The adverb comes first, which feels natural to most American readers.
Because American letter style is less strict, “Sincerely yours” and plain “Sincerely” are often used with people you have never met, as long as you have addressed them by name.
Example
Dear Dr. Alvarez,
I am writing to confirm our appointment for Friday at 10 a.m. Please let me know if the time needs to change.
Sincerely yours,
Maria Lopez
Main Difference Between Yours Sincerely vs Sincerely Yours
The difference is regional and stylistic, not grammatical. Both phrases are correct, and neither changes the meaning of your message.
| Feature | Yours sincerely | Sincerely yours |
| Region | British English and most Commonwealth countries | American English |
| Word order | “Yours” first | “Sincerely” first |
| Typical greeting | Dear Mr Brown | Dear Mr. Brown |
| Shorter form | Rarely shortened | Often shortened to “Sincerely” |
| Companion phrase | Yours faithfully | Yours truly |
A second difference lies in how strictly the rules are followed. British guides usually pair “Yours sincerely” with a named recipient and “Yours faithfully” with “Dear Sir or Madam.” American writers are more relaxed and often choose one closing for every formal letter.
When to Use Yours Sincerely
Use “Yours sincerely” when you write in British English and you know the name of the person you are addressing. It suits job applications, complaint letters, school correspondence, and formal emails.
Use it if your greeting looks like “Dear Mr Khan,” “Dear Dr Evans,” or “Dear Sarah.” Because you have named the reader, a personal closing fits.
Avoid it when the greeting is “Dear Sir or Madam.” British convention prefers “Yours faithfully” in that situation.
Example Sentences
- Dear Mr Hughes, I enclose my CV for your consideration. Yours sincerely, Anna Clarke
- Dear Ms Roberts, Thank you for your prompt reply. Yours sincerely, Omar Siddiqui
- Dear Professor Allen, I would be grateful for a short reference letter. Yours sincerely, Priya Nair
When to Use Sincerely Yours
Use “Sincerely yours” when you write in American English, particularly in a formal or traditional letter. It works well for business correspondence, recommendation letters, and official notices.
It fits letters that open with a named greeting such as “Dear Ms. Carter.” For everyday professional emails, many Americans simply write “Sincerely,” which is shorter and equally acceptable.
For an unnamed recipient, American writers often choose “Yours truly” or “Sincerely.” The old British-style split is not strictly enforced in the US.
Example Sentences
- Dear Ms. Carter, Please find my application attached. Sincerely yours, Jason Miller
- Dear Mr. Young, We appreciate your continued business. Sincerely yours, Laura Bennett
- Dear Dr. Lee, I am pleased to recommend Ms. Gomez for this role. Sincerely yours, Robert Hall
Letter Writing Format (Professional Structure)
A formal letter follows a predictable order. The closing sits just before your signature, so its placement matters as much as its wording.
- Write your address and the date at the top.
- Add the recipient’s name and address.
- Write the greeting, such as “Dear Mr Lewis,” followed by a comma.
- Write the body in short, clear paragraphs.
- Leave one blank line, then type the closing, such as “Yours sincerely,”.
- Leave space for a handwritten signature in printed letters.
- Type your full name below the signature space.
Capitalize only the first word of the closing, and always follow it with a comma. In email, you can skip the address blocks and place your name and contact details in your signature.
Yours Sincerely vs Sincerely Yours in Real Examples
Real messages show how the closings work in context. The examples below use the same message in both styles.
Business Email Example
British style
Subject: Follow-up on our meeting
Dear Ms Fraser,
Thank you for your time today. I have attached the project proposal for your review.
Yours sincerely,
Tom Henderson Project Manager
American style
Subject: Follow-up on our meeting
Dear Ms. Fraser,
Thank you for your time today. I have attached the project proposal for your review.
Sincerely yours,
Tom Henderson Project Manager
The two versions are equally polished. Only the spelling conventions, the title punctuation, and the closing differ.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Most errors with these closings are small, but they can make a message look careless.
Mixing Styles
Do not blend British and American conventions in one message.
- Incorrect: Dear Mr. Brown, … Yours sincerely
- Better: Dear Mr. Brown, … Sincerely yours (American)
- Also correct: Dear Mr Brown, … Yours sincerely (British)
Also avoid “Your sincerely,” which is a common typo. The correct form is “Yours.”
Wrong Capitalization
Capitalize only the first word of the closing.
- Incorrect: Yours Sincerely,
- Correct: Yours sincerely,
- Incorrect: Sincerely Yours,
- Correct: Sincerely yours,
Some writers capitalize both words, and you may see this in print. Standard style guides recommend capitalizing only the first word.
Using in Informal Messages
These closings can feel stiff in a quick text or a chat with a friend.
- Too formal: Hey Sam, see you at 6! Yours sincerely, Jake
- Better: Hey Sam, see you at 6! Cheers, Jake
Choose a warmer sign-off, such as “Best wishes” or “Thanks,” for casual messages.
Which One Is More Professional?
Neither is more professional than the other. Both are respectful and correct. The best choice is the one that matches your audience’s variety of English.
Write “Yours sincerely” for readers in the UK, Ireland, Australia, or other regions that follow British conventions. Write “Sincerely yours” or “Sincerely” for readers in the United States.
Other options also exist. “Yours faithfully” is the traditional British closing for “Dear Sir or Madam.” “Kind regards” is slightly warmer and works well in everyday business email, though it is less traditional for a formal letter. “Yours truly” is common in American correspondence when you have not met the reader.
Memory Trick to Remember
Two short tricks can help you choose quickly.
First, match the word order to the region. “Sincerely” begins with S, like the States, so American English puts it first. “Yours” comes first in British English.
Second, remember the British pairing rule: you are sincere to people you know and faithful to people you do not.
Easy Rule:
- Know the name, writing in British English: Yours sincerely.
- Do not know the name, writing in British English: Yours faithfully.
- Writing in American English: Sincerely yours or Sincerely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is “yours sincerely” correct?
Yes. It is a standard, correct closing in British English and is widely understood elsewhere.
Is it “your sincerely” or “yours sincerely”?
The correct form is “yours sincerely.” “Your sincerely” is a spelling error.
What does “yours sincerely” mean in a letter?
It is a polite, formal closing that shows respect and honest goodwill. It does not carry a literal personal message.
Can I use “yours sincerely” in an email?
Yes. It works well in formal emails, such as job applications or messages to senior contacts. For routine work emails, “Kind regards” is usually enough.
Should I use “yours sincerely,” “yours faithfully,” or “kind regards”?
In British English, use “Yours sincerely” when you know the recipient’s name and “Yours faithfully” when you write “Dear Sir or Madam.” Use “Kind regards” for less formal professional emails.
Is “sincerely yours” American or British?
It is mainly American. British writers tend to prefer “yours sincerely,” though both are understood everywhere.
Do I put a comma after “yours sincerely”?
Yes. Place a comma after the closing and capitalize only its first word, as in “Yours sincerely,”.
Conclusion
Yours sincerely and sincerely yours are two correct versions of the same polite closing. Use “yours sincerely” for British English and “sincerely yours” or “sincerely” for American English. Match the closing to your greeting, capitalize only the first word, add a comma, and keep your style consistent from start to finish.
