complimentary close: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal, business, technical.
Quick answer
What does “complimentary close” mean?
The polite phrase used to end a formal letter or email, just before the writer's signature.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The polite phrase used to end a formal letter or email, just before the writer's signature.
A conventional expression of politeness or respect signaling the conclusion of a written communication; a standard part of a letter's or email's structure.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Few structural differences. Some traditional British closes like "Yours faithfully" (with unknown recipient) are less common in US usage, which favors "Sincerely" or "Yours truly" more universally. Punctuation style may differ: US often uses a comma after the close (e.g., Sincerely,), while UK may use a comma or no punctuation.
Connotations
In both varieties, the choice of close carries connotations of formality, familiarity, or the specific relationship (e.g., "Yours sincerely" vs. "Best regards" vs. "Cheers").
Frequency
Equally frequent in formal writing contexts in both dialects. The term itself is more common in instructional materials (e.g., business English, secretarial guides) than in everyday speech.
Grammar
How to Use “complimentary close” in a Sentence
The [adjective] complimentary close was followed by her signature.Remember to include a complimentary close in your formal letter.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “complimentary close” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Remember to properly close your formal letter with a complimentary close.
American English
- She forgot to close her email with a complimentary close.
adjective
British English
- The complimentary-close section of the letter is crucial for tone.
American English
- He studied the complimentary-close etiquette for business emails.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Essential. Must be chosen carefully to reflect the correct level of formality and relationship with the recipient (e.g., 'Yours sincerely', 'Kind regards', 'Best').
Academic
Used in formal correspondence with journal editors, supervisors, or administrators. Typically standard closes like 'Sincerely' or 'Yours faithfully'.
Everyday
Rarely discussed as a term. The concept is used when writing formal emails or letters, but the phrase 'complimentary close' is technical.
Technical
A standard term in business communication, secretarial studies, and linguistics (pragmatics of written discourse).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “complimentary close”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “complimentary close”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “complimentary close”
- Misspelling as 'complementary close' (which would imply a closing that completes something).
- Using an overly informal close (e.g., 'Cheers', 'Bye') in a formal letter where 'Sincerely' is required.
- Omitting the comma after the close in American English conventions.
- Capitalizing only the first word of the close (should be: 'Yours sincerely', not 'Yours Sincerely', though practices vary).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. The complimentary close is the polite phrase (e.g., 'Sincerely'). The signature is the handwritten or digital name written *after* the close.
In informal emails, 'Thanks' or 'Many thanks' is acceptable. In formal letters, it is considered too casual. Use 'Sincerely' or 'Yours truly' instead.
Traditionally (especially in British English), 'Yours faithfully' is used when the letter begins with a generic salutation like 'Dear Sir/Madam'. 'Yours sincerely' is used when you know the recipient's name (e.g., 'Dear Mr. Smith').
In American English, a comma is standard (e.g., Sincerely,). In British English, usage varies; a comma is common, but it can also be omitted, especially in very formal settings.
The polite phrase used to end a formal letter or email, just before the writer's signature.
Complimentary close is usually formal, business, technical. in register.
Complimentary close: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkɒmplɪˈment(ə)ri kləʊz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌkɑːmplɪˈment(ə)ri kloʊz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None directly associated.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a letter CLOSING with a COMPLIMENT (a polite phrase) to the reader.
Conceptual Metaphor
A WRITTEN COMMUNICATION IS A JOURNEY (the close is the destination/stop). POLITENESS IS A SOCIAL LUBRICANT (the close oils the end of the interaction).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of a complimentary close?