If you’ve ever paused before sending an email and wondered “Is it Yours sincerely or Your sincerely?”, you’re not alone. This tiny phrase causes confusion for students, professionals, job seekers, and even fluent English speakers.
This guide explains why one is right and the other is wrong, when to use each formal sign-off correctly, and how to avoid mistakes that quietly weaken your credibility. By the end, you’ll use this phrase with confidence every time.
Yours Sincerely or Your Sincerely: The Short Answer
Let’s clear it up immediately.
- Yours sincerely → ✅ Correct
- Your sincerely → ❌ Incorrect
Here’s a simple comparison table to lock it in:
| Phrase | Grammatically Correct | Accepted in Formal Writing |
| Yours sincerely | Yes | Yes |
| Your sincerely | No | Never |
Now let’s look at the real reason behind this rule.
The Grammar Rule Behind “Yours Sincerely”
The confusion comes from misunderstanding possessive forms in English.
Why “Yours” Is Correct
“Yours” is a possessive pronoun.
That means it can stand alone without a noun.
Examples:
- This responsibility is yours.
- The final decision is yours.
- That folder is yours, not mine.
When you write “Yours sincerely,” you’re using a shortened form of an older, complete sentence:
I am sincerely yours.
That meaning still exists, even though the sentence is shortened.
Why “Your” Is Wrong
“Your” is a possessive adjective.
It must be followed by a noun.
Examples:
- Your message helped a lot.
- Your application looks strong.
- Your explanation makes sense.
When you write “Your sincerely,” there’s no noun after your. The phrase is incomplete, which makes it grammatically incorrect every time.
That’s why “Your sincerely” can never be right, no matter how often you see it online.
Where “Yours Sincerely” Comes From
This sign-off has a long history rooted in formal letter writing.
In the past, letters often ended with full sentences such as:
I remain, yours sincerely.
Over time, writers shortened these closings to save space and sound more polished. The grammar stayed intact, even as the wording became simpler.
That history explains why “yours” still works as a complete closing today.
When to Use “Yours Sincerely”
“Yours sincerely” belongs in formal communication, especially when you know the recipient’s name.
Common Situations Where It’s Appropriate
- Job applications and cover letters
- Business emails to new contacts
- Legal or official correspondence
- Academic letters
- Formal complaints or requests
Example
Dear Mr. Thompson,
Thank you for taking the time to review my application.
Yours sincerely,
Sarah Lee
This closing sounds respectful, professional, and confident.
Yours Sincerely vs Yours Faithfully
These two phrases often confuse writers, but they serve different purposes.
The Simple Rule
- Yours sincerely → When you know the person’s name
- Yours faithfully → When you don’t know the person’s name
Comparison Table
| Letter Opening | Correct Sign-Off |
| Dear Ms. Carter | Yours sincerely |
| Dear Hiring Manager | Yours faithfully |
| Dear Dr. Ahmed | Yours sincerely |
| Dear Sir or Madam | Yours faithfully |
This rule is still standard in British English and formal international writing.
Read More:Is It Correct to Say “Well Said”? Meaning, Grammar Rules, and Better Alternatives
US vs UK Usage Explained
While usage differs slightly by region, grammar rules stay the same.
In British English
- “Yours sincerely” is very common
- “Yours faithfully” is still widely used
- Formal letter conventions remain strong
In American English
- “Sincerely” is more common
- “Yours sincerely” is still correct, just more formal
- “Yours faithfully” is rarely used
Important note:
Even in the US, “Your sincerely” is still incorrect.
Why People Keep Writing “Your Sincerely”
This mistake spreads for a few predictable reasons.
Common Causes
- Autocorrect suggesting “your”
- Seeing the mistake repeated online
- Memorizing phrases without learning grammar
- Assuming formality equals correctness
Unfortunately, repetition doesn’t make an error valid.
Common Sign-Off Mistakes to Avoid
Even strong writers make these errors.
Frequent Problems
- Writing Your sincerely instead of Yours sincerely
- Forgetting the comma after the sign-off
- Using casual closings in formal letters
- Mixing UK and US formats in one message
- Over-capitalizing sign-offs
Correct Formatting
Yours sincerely,
Michael Brown
That comma matters. Small details create strong impressions.
Formal vs Semi-Formal vs Informal Sign-Offs
Not every message needs “Yours sincerely.” Tone matters.
Formal
- Yours sincerely
- Yours faithfully
- Sincerely
Semi-Formal
- Kind regards
- Best regards
- Warm regards
Informal
- Best
- Thanks
- Take care
Using the right level of formality shows awareness and respect.
Correct and Incorrect Examples
Incorrect Example
Dear Ms. Rivera,
Thank you for your time.
Your sincerely,
James
This version fails grammatically.
Correct Example
Dear Ms. Rivera,
Thank you for your time.
Yours sincerely,
James
One missing “s” makes all the difference.
Case Study: When Small Errors Cost Big Opportunities
A hiring manager once compared two similar cover letters. Both candidates had strong qualifications. One letter ended with:
Your sincerely
The other ended with:
Yours sincerely
The manager later said:
“The mistake didn’t disqualify the candidate, but it raised concerns about attention to detail.”
That’s the quiet cost of grammar errors. They don’t always block you, but they slow you down.
Why Correct Sign-Offs Matter More Than You Think
Professional writing works like body language. You don’t notice it when it’s right. You notice it immediately when it’s wrong.
Using “Yours sincerely” correctly signals:
- Professional competence
- Attention to detail
- Respect for the reader
- Strong written communication skills
Those signals matter in hiring, business, and academia.
Quick Rules to Remember
Save these rules and you’ll never get stuck again.
- Yours is a pronoun and works alone
- Your needs a noun every time
- No noun means the phrase is broken
- Therefore, “Your sincerely” is always wrong
Simple. Clear. Reliable.
FAQs
Is “Yours sincerely” outdated?
No. It’s still widely used in formal writing worldwide.
Can I use it in emails?
Yes. It’s appropriate for formal emails.
Is “Sincerely yours” correct?
Yes, though it sounds more traditional.
What’s safest for international communication?
“Yours sincerely” or “Sincerely” both work well.
Do I need a comma after the sign-off?
Yes. Always use a comma.
Conclusion
Getting the ending of a letter right may seem like a small detail, but it plays a big role in how your message is received. “Yours sincerely” is grammatically correct, professionally accepted, and widely used in formal writing. “Your sincerely”, on the other hand, is always incorrect and should never appear in a polished email or letter.
When you understand the grammar behind the phrase, the confusion disappears. Yours works because it stands on its own as a possessive pronoun. Your fails because it needs a noun. That simple distinction removes all doubt.
In professional communication, clarity and accuracy build trust. Using the correct sign-off shows attention to detail, respect for the reader, and strong writing skills. Remember the rule, apply it consistently, and you’ll never hesitate again when closing a formal message.
