Rules, comparisons and data

Should you end an IELTS letter with Yours faithfully or Yours sincerely?

Match the closing to the greeting. IDP's rule is that 'Dear Sir or Madam' ends with 'Yours faithfully' and a first-name greeting such as 'Dear John' ends with 'Best wishes'. IDP lists Yours sincerely and Yours faithfully as formal closings, Best regards for semi-formal letters, and Best wishes or Love for informal ones. Put your name underneath.
  • Guide updated · 30 October 2026
  • 3 sections
  • IELTS
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Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 30 October 2026

Greeting and closing pairs

IDP says the greeting and the closing salutation must match the style of the letter (IDP). The table shows what IDP's pages say; the last row is the convention our own letter samples follow, because IDP does not spell out a pairing for a named formal reader.

GreetingClosingSource
Dear Sir or MadamYours faithfullyIDP; IDP Canada
Dear John (a first name)Best wishes (informal list also gives Love)IDP
Someone you know, semi-formalBest regardsIDP Canada
Dear Mr Smith (named, formal)Yours sincerelyBandLadder letter samples (IDP lists it as a formal closing)

Why the ending matters

IDP Canada says some candidates leave out the closing or start and end their letters wrongly, and that this lowers their score (IDP Canada). Format is part of Task Achievement: the key assessment criteria ask you to use an appropriate format for the letter.

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Your name under the closing

IDP's model letter ends with a rounding-off line, 'Best wishes' and then the writer's first name, with the note that the name makes the letter look realistic (IDP). Before the closing, add one short final sentence; see how to finish the last paragraph.

Frequently asked questions

Is 'Yours faithfully' wrong in a letter to a friend?+

It does not match. IDP pairs a first-name greeting with an informal closing such as 'Best wishes', and says greeting and closing must match the style.

Can I leave out the closing?+

IDP Canada says leaving out the closing, or starting and ending the letter wrongly, lowers the score.

Is 'Kind regards' acceptable?+

IDP includes 'Kind regards' in its list of closings for a correctly formatted letter, without tying it to one tone.

Do I sign with my real name?+

IDP only says to add your name to make the letter look realistic; its model uses a first name.

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Related

Guide updated on 30 October 2026. Individual prices and policies may have earlier observation dates. Confirm current details on the linked official pages before you book or apply.

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