COMMERCIAL LETTERS. Yours sincerely / Yours faithfully

‘Yours faithfully’ or ‘Yours sincerely’ in a business letter?

When the recipient’s name is unknown to you:

• Dear Sir … Yours faithfully
• Dear Madam … Yours faithfully
• Dear Sir or Madam … Yours faithfully

When you know the recipient’s name:

• Dear Mr Hanson … Yours sincerely
• Dear Mrs Hanson … Yours sincerely
• Dear Miss Hanson … Yours sincerely
• Dear Ms Hanson … Yours sincerely

When addressing a good friend or colleague:

• Dear Jack … Best wishes/Best regards

Addressing whole departments:

• Dear Sirs … Yours faithfully