English is a tricky language, full of nuances and exceptions that can trip up even the most diligent learners. You’ve probably come across the word best countless times, but have you ever stopped to think if its plural form, bests, makes any sense? It’s a small detail that might not seem like much at first glance, but it’s these little things that can make or break your command of the language.
In professional settings, especially in emails where every word counts, using language correctly is as important as the message itself. So, when it comes to writing “best” or “bests,” you might be wondering which one will make your email shine and which could potentially dim its impact. We’re about to peel back the layers of this linguistic onion, but be warned: you might be surprised by what we find.
The correct word to use in most cases is best. “Best” acts as an adjective or adverb, meaning the highest quality or degree. You might say, “This is the best cake,” or, “She performs best under pressure.” The form bests, however, is less common. It’s a verb that means to outdo or defeat: “He bests his opponents in every debate.” In emails and most formal writing, you’ll likely use best more often. It’s suitable when wishing someone well, as in “Best regards” or when talking about superior quality. Reserve bests for specific contexts where competition or comparison is clear.
Understanding Email Sign-offs: Choosing Between Best and Bests
In professional email communication, the sign-off you choose plays a significant role in conveying the right tone and message to the recipient. While “Best” is a widely accepted and appropriate choice, “Bests” not only gives a grammatically incorrect impression but may also seem outdated. The right sign-off should match the context of the email and your relationship with the recipient.
Proper email farewell is essential in maintaining a positive impression and fostering solid professional relationships.
When it comes to understanding email sign-offs, it is crucial to know which ones to use and in which situations. A more formal sign-off such as “Best regards” or “Best wishes” could be suitable for professional contexts or when a level of formality is expected. On the other hand, “Best” alone offers a more casual, yet still respectful tone, making it an excellent choice for less formal email communication.
- Best regards: Ideal for a professional setting, adding an element of formality and courtesy to the message.
- Best wishes: Suitable for both professional and personal contexts, conveying warm and positive sentiments to the recipient.
| Email Sign-offs | Appropriateness |
|---|---|
| Best | Informal and casual, yet respectful and professional |
| Best regards | Formal and courteous, suitable for professional contexts |
| Best wishes | Warm and positive, suitable for both professional and personal contexts |
| Bests | Grammatically incorrect and outdated, best avoided |
By selecting the appropriate sign-off based on the context of an email and your relationship with the recipient, you can contribute to email best practices and ensure that your messages leave a positive and lasting impression.
The Etymology and Usage of “Best” in Email Communication
As email became a dominant form of communication and email history evolved, there has been a shift from formal to informal sign-offs. Initially, formal closings such as “Best regards” and “Yours faithfully” were commonly used in traditional letters. However, with the advent of emails, these longer sign-offs gradually gave way to the shorter and more ubiquitous “Best,” catering to the faster-paced and often less formal nature of email exchanges. Let’s explore how the usage of “Best” has changed over time and the importance of using it contextually.
The Evolution from Formal to Informal Sign-offs
In earlier times, formal sign-offs were the norm, with traditional printed letters and professional communication almost exclusively adhering to standard closings like “Best regards” or “Yours faithfully.” However, as digital communication grew prevalent and people turned to emails for both personal and professional exchanges, these formalities gave way to more casual sign-offs.
“Best,” which began as a shortened version of “Best regards” or “Best wishes,” has now become a widely accepted and versatile email closing.
This changing email customs can be attributed to the increasingly informal and rapid nature of digital communication. People began to require a faster and more efficient way of signing off, especially for less formal and frequent correspondences. As a result, “Best” gained popularity as an adaptable and concise email closing.
The Contextual Importance of Using “Best”
When deciding when to use “Best” in emails, it’s crucial to consider the context of the email, the tone, and the relationship between the sender and the recipient. The impression “Best” can convey ranges from warm and friendly to detached and impersonal, depending on the familiarity with the person to whom you’re addressing the email.
- If the email conversation is between close acquaintances, it’s appropriate to use “Best” for a casual, friendly tone.
- When communicating with a professional acquaintance for the first time, it is advisable to stick to a more formal sign-off like “Best regards” or “Kind regards.”
- For ongoing professional communication, “Best” might be suitable as it saves time and maintains a balance between formality and informality.
Ultimately, the appropriateness of using “Best” depends on the email’s content and the relationship between the sender and the recipient. Adapting email closings according to the context and the recipient’s own sign-off in their replies will help maintain a harmonious and respectful tone in email communication.
Why “Bests” Doesn’t Work as an Email Farewell
Inappropriate email sign-offs can leave an unfavorable impression on the recipient. “Bests” is an example of an incorrect email sign-off, as it is not grammatically accurate for closing an email. Using proper email sign-off etiquette can help you maintain a professional image and avoid common mistakes.
“Bests” is the third-person present tense form of the verb “best,” which means to outwit or outdo. Using “Bests” as an email closing incorrectly suggests a competitive advantage in various contexts, such as sports or academics. To avoid any miscommunication or grammatical errors in emails, it’s crucial to choose the right closing for your message.
Remember: “Best” is a short and versatile form of “Best regards” or “Best wishes,” whereas “Bests” is an incorrect and grammatically inappropriate email closing.
When planning to sign off an email, consider the following more suitable alternatives to “Bests”:
- Best
- Best regards
- Best wishes
Using the appropriate sign-off not only demonstrates your understanding of proper email etiquette but also conveys respect for the recipient’s time and attention.
| Incorrect Sign-off | Correct Alternative |
|---|---|
| Bests | Best |
| Bests regards | Best regards |
| Bests wishes | Best wishes |
By choosing the right email sign-off, you will project professionalism and respect for your recipient. Remember to always follow email sign-off etiquette and avoid grammatical errors in your messages.
Alternative Email Signatures to “Best” and When to Use Them
While “Best” is a widely used email sign-off, there are other alternative email signatures that fit various levels of formality and can be employed to suit different relationships and contexts. Depending on the nature of the email and the recipient, you may opt for formal email closings, friendly email closings, or casual email signatures.
Different Formalities: “Regards”, “Sincerely” and “Yours Faithfully”
For a more formal tone or professional context, consider using “Regards,” “Sincerely,” or “Yours Faithfully” as your email sign-off. These closings convey a sense of respect and courtesy, making them appropriate email etiquette for closing a message to a business associate or potential employer.
- Regards: This versatile closing can be modified with “Kind,” “Warm,” or “Best” to adjust the level of formality. It is suitable for most professional email communications.
- Sincerely: Traditionally used when you know the recipient’s name and have previous communication, “Sincerely” is a standard closing for formal correspondence.
- Yours Faithfully: This closing is reserved for when the recipient’s identity is unknown, which is common in job applications or other situations requiring formality and decorum.
The Informal Spectrum: “Thanks” and “Cheers”
If you’re looking for informal email sign-offs to convey a friendly or casual relationship between the parties, consider using “Thanks” or “Cheers.” However, it is crucial to employ these terms with consideration to how they might be received by the recipient, ensuring your message remains well-received and respectful.
- Thanks: This closing can be used to show gratitude or politely request a favor. It is suitable for more casual business interactions or when you have an established rapport with the recipient.
- Cheers: Highly informal and often used among close acquaintances in British or Australian contexts, “Cheers” signals a laid-back, friendly attitude. It should be reserved for situations where its casual tone is appropriate.
Maintaining appropriate email etiquette is essential for fostering strong professional relationships and ensuring effective communication. By selecting the right alternative email sign-offs for different situations, you can confidently navigate both formal and casual email exchanges.
Adapting Your Email Closings to the Correspondence and Relationship
Using tailored email sign-offs is crucial for maintaining strong professional and personal relationships in your email communications. Adapting email closings based on the nature of the correspondence and your rapport with the recipient can go a long way in demonstrating respect and leaving a positive impression.
Remember to choose a formal sign-off, such as “Sincerely” or “Yours Faithfully,” when engaging in professional settings or when addressing someone you’re not very familiar with. On the other hand, using casual email signatures like “Thanks” or “Cheers” can help create a sense of camaraderie among close friends or colleagues. In any case, recipient-specific email etiquette strengthens your connection with the person you are communicating with and reflects your attention to detail.
As a helpful tip, you can often gain insight into the most appropriate closing by observing the recipient’s own choices in their replies to you. By noting the tone and level of formality they use, you can adapt your sign-offs accordingly and maintain contextual coherence in your correspondence. This proactive approach ensures that both parties feel comfortable and respected in the conversation.
