If you have ever received a formal email or letter that ends with the words “my regards,” you may have wondered what the expression actually means and whether it sounds natural in modern communication. Understanding what does my regards mean can help you choose the right closing for professional emails, formal letters, business messages, and polite conversations.
“My regards” is a courteous expression used to communicate respect, good wishes, or polite acknowledgment toward another person. The word “regards” refers to feelings of respect, consideration, or good wishes. When someone says or writes “my regards,” they are essentially sending their respectful thoughts or good wishes to another person.
The phrase is generally associated with polite communication rather than casual conversation. It can appear at the end of written communication, particularly when the writer wants to maintain a respectful and professional tone. However, the exact naturalness of “my regards” can depend on the context, relationship between the people communicating, and the type of English being used.
In modern professional communication, expressions such as “Best regards,” “Kind regards,” and simply “Regards” are often more common as email closings. “My regards” is understandable and polite, but it may sound slightly more traditional or less natural in some contexts. This distinction is important when choosing a professional email sign-off.
Understanding the meaning is only the first step. It is also useful to know when the phrase is appropriate, how it differs from “best regards,” how formal it sounds, and what alternatives may work better in different situations.
What Does “My Regards” Mean?
The simplest answer to what does my regards mean is that it expresses respectful or friendly good wishes toward someone. “Regards” can refer to respect, attention, consideration, or good wishes, depending on the context in which it is used.
When used as a communication closing, “my regards” generally carries the idea of sending respectful thoughts or good wishes. It does not usually express strong emotion. Instead, it creates a courteous and controlled tone that can work in situations where the writer wants to remain respectful without sounding overly personal.
The phrase is closely related to other expressions containing the word “regards.” “Best regards” sends the writer’s best wishes, while “kind regards” emphasizes kindness and courtesy. “Warm regards” generally carries a warmer and more personal feeling. “Regards” is shorter and more neutral.
“My regards” places emphasis on the writer personally sending their regards. Grammatically, the possessive adjective “my” indicates that the regards belong to or come from the person writing or speaking. In other words, the writer is offering their own respectful thoughts or good wishes.
The expression can also appear in spoken communication. A person might ask someone to “give my regards” to another person. In that situation, the phrase clearly means to communicate the speaker’s good wishes or respect to someone else.
The important point is that “my regards” is not normally used to express gratitude, apology, congratulations, or affection by itself. Its primary function is to communicate respectful goodwill.
Understanding the Word “Regards”
To understand the phrase properly, it helps to understand the word “regards” itself. “Regards” has several related meanings in English, and its meaning changes slightly according to context.
As a noun, “regards” can refer to respect, attention, consideration, or good wishes. In written communication, especially at the end of a letter or email, it commonly refers to polite good wishes.
The word also appears in expressions such as “with regard to,” which means concerning or relating to something. That usage is different from the “regards” used in an email closing. Therefore, readers should not assume that every use of “regards” has the same meaning.
In interpersonal communication, “regards” often suggests a respectful but emotionally moderate attitude. It is not usually as intimate as “love” or as casual as “take care.” This makes it useful for situations where the relationship is professional, formal, or not particularly close.
Because the word is relatively neutral, it can fit many different communication styles. However, the phrase surrounding it determines how it feels. “Warm regards” feels more personal, while “kind regards” feels courteous and friendly. “Best regards” is widely used in professional communication and usually feels polished and neutral.
When Is “My Regards” Used?
“My regards” can be used when you want to communicate respect or good wishes without creating an overly emotional tone. It can appear in formal correspondence, professional communication, business-related writing, and messages involving people with whom you maintain a respectful relationship.
The phrase is particularly associated with written communication. Letters, emails, formal notes, and professional correspondence may use language involving “regards” because the expression provides a polite way to close a message.
In business communication, the choice of closing can influence the overall tone of an email. A very casual ending may feel inappropriate when communicating with a client, manager, organization, or unfamiliar professional contact. At the same time, an extremely formal closing can sometimes feel unnecessarily distant. “Regards” and related expressions occupy a useful middle ground.
“My regards” may also be used when communicating good wishes indirectly. Someone may ask another person to pass their regards to a third person. In that context, the expression is not necessarily a formal email closing. Instead, it is a way of sending respectful greetings or good wishes through another person.
The phrase is less common in casual digital communication. When people communicate with close friends or family members, they usually choose more natural and conversational expressions. The appropriateness of “my regards” therefore depends heavily on the relationship and purpose of the communication.
How to Use “My Regards” in an Email
When used as an email closing, “my regards” generally appears near the end of the message, after the main content and before the sender’s name. It functions as a sign-off and separates the body of the message from the sender’s name.
The closing should normally be placed on its own line. The writer can then place their name underneath it. Consistent formatting helps the email look professional and organized.
Capitalization can vary slightly depending on style. In most professional email writing, the first word of the closing is capitalized, while the second word remains lowercase. Therefore, a standard presentation would use “My regards” rather than capitalizing every word.
Punctuation can also vary. Some professional writing styles use a comma after the closing, while others omit it. The most important point is consistency. If you are following a particular business or organizational style guide, that guide should take priority.
The closing should also match the overall tone of the email. If the message is highly formal, the sign-off should maintain that level of professionalism. If the email is friendly and semi-formal, a warmer closing may be more natural.
It is also important not to treat “my regards” as a replacement for the main purpose of the email. The closing communicates courtesy, but the actual message should clearly explain the request, information, update, or response.
“My Regards” in Formal vs. Informal Communication
The phrase “my regards” generally fits formal or semi-formal communication better than informal conversation. Its respectful tone can be useful when the writer wants to maintain professional distance.
Formal communication often requires language that is clear, respectful, and appropriately restrained. A professional email to someone you do not know well may benefit from a neutral closing. In such circumstances, “regards” or “best regards” is commonly understood and widely accepted.
Semi-formal communication allows somewhat more flexibility. If you already know the recipient but still communicate within a professional setting, a polite closing can preserve friendliness while maintaining professionalism.
Informal communication is different. When communicating with a close friend, sibling, or someone with whom you have a relaxed relationship, “my regards” may sound unnecessarily formal. Casual expressions tend to feel more natural in those situations.
This does not mean that “my regards” is always wrong in informal communication. Language is flexible, and people may use formal expressions intentionally. However, the phrase can create more distance than the writer intends.
The relationship between the sender and recipient should therefore guide the choice. The same expression can feel appropriate in one situation and slightly unnatural in another.
“Best Regards” vs. “My Regards”
“My regards” and “best regards” are closely related, but they are not identical in tone.
“My regards” communicates the writer’s respectful thoughts or good wishes. The phrase can sound somewhat traditional and personal because of the possessive word “my.”
“Best regards,” on the other hand, is one of the most common professional email closings in modern English. It communicates goodwill and politeness while remaining relatively neutral. Because of its widespread use, it often feels natural in business and workplace communication.
The word “best” adds a positive quality to the closing. It suggests that the writer is sending their best wishes to the recipient. “My regards” does not include that additional word, so its tone can feel more restrained.
Another difference is frequency. “Best regards” is much more familiar to many English speakers as an email sign-off. “My regards” is understandable, but it may sound less conventional depending on the variety of English and the communication context.
Neither expression is automatically correct for every situation. The choice should depend on the level of formality, the relationship between the writer and recipient, and the overall tone of the message.
For many modern professional emails, “Best regards” is a familiar and natural option. “My regards” can still communicate respect, particularly when the writer wants a slightly traditional or personal tone.
Email Examples Using “My Regards”
“My regards” can appear in different types of written communication when the writer wants to close a message respectfully. The expression may be suitable in professional correspondence where the relationship is courteous but not highly personal.
In a professional email, the closing can reinforce a respectful tone after the writer has communicated information, requested assistance, or responded to a previous message. The phrase should remain visually separate from the main body so that the email is easy to read.
Business communication may also use “my regards” when the writer wants to maintain a polite relationship with a client, colleague, partner, or professional contact. The expression does not need to be overly emotional. Its main purpose is to provide a courteous ending.
A thank-you email can also have a respectful closing, especially when the communication is professional. However, the words expressing gratitude should appear in the body of the email rather than relying on “my regards” to communicate thanks.
A follow-up email may use a respectful sign-off when the sender is checking on a previous conversation, request, meeting, or discussion. In such situations, the closing helps maintain a professional tone while the main message provides the relevant details.
A formal request email can also use a respectful closing. The writer should focus on making the request clear and polite in the body of the message, while the closing provides a final courteous touch.
The key principle is that “my regards” should support the tone of the email rather than become the main source of politeness. The entire message should be respectful, clear, and appropriately structured.
Alternative Phrases to “My Regards”
There are several alternatives to “my regards,” and each can create a slightly different impression.
“Best regards” is one of the most common choices for professional emails. It is polite, familiar, and suitable for many workplace situations.
“Kind regards” is another widely used closing. It can sound courteous and slightly warmer than a simple “Regards.” It is frequently used in professional correspondence where the writer wants to remain friendly without becoming overly personal.
“Warm regards” generally feels more personal. It may be suitable when the relationship is friendly or when the writer wants the communication to feel warmer.
“Regards” is short and neutral. It can work well when the email is professional and the writer prefers a concise closing.
“With regards” can be found in formal communication, although it is less common as an email sign-off in some varieties of modern English. The expression may appear more naturally in certain regional or traditional forms of correspondence.
“Sincerely” is a traditional formal closing. It is often associated with letters and official communication, particularly when the message is addressed directly to a recipient.
“Respectfully” communicates a stronger sense of formality and respect. It may be appropriate in official or highly formal communication, although it can feel too formal for everyday business emails.
The best alternative depends on the context. A professional email does not always need the most formal possible closing. Instead, the goal should be to choose an expression that naturally matches the relationship and purpose of the message.
Is “My Regards” Formal or Polite?
“My regards” is generally polite and can be considered formal or semi-formal depending on the context. It communicates respect without being strongly emotional.
The expression is not normally associated with casual conversation. Its presence can make a message feel more deliberate and respectful. This is why it may appear in professional correspondence and formal written communication.
However, “formal” does not always mean “more appropriate.” In modern communication, naturalness matters as much as formality. An expression that is technically polite may still sound unusual if it does not fit the communication style of the people involved.
For professional emails, the most natural closing often depends on the industry, organization, country, and personal communication style. “Best regards” and “Kind regards” are common choices because they balance professionalism with accessibility.
“My regards” can therefore be described as polite and respectful, with a somewhat traditional quality in some contexts.
Common Mistakes When Using “My Regards”
One common mistake is using “my regards” in a context that is too casual. While the expression is not grammatically inappropriate in every informal situation, it may create unnecessary distance between the sender and recipient.
Another mistake is placing the closing incorrectly. A sign-off should normally come after the main body of the message and before the sender’s name. Separating it clearly from the message makes the email easier to understand and more professional.
Capitalization is another area where writers sometimes become inconsistent. The usual presentation is “My regards,” with the first word capitalized and the second word lowercase. The exact style can vary, but consistency is important.
Some writers also use “my regards” repeatedly in every email. Repetition can make communication feel mechanical. It is useful to have several appropriate professional closings available so that the language remains natural.
Another mistake is assuming that “my regards” means exactly the same thing as “best regards.” Although the two expressions are related, their tone and frequency can differ. Understanding that difference can help writers choose a more natural closing.
It is also important not to confuse “regards” with expressions such as “with regard to.” The grammatical structures and meanings are different. “With regard to” introduces a subject or topic, while “regards” in an email closing communicates goodwill or respect.
Can You Say “My Regards” in a Business Email?
Yes, “my regards” can be used in a business email when the context supports a respectful and professional tone. The expression communicates goodwill and courtesy and can function as a closing.
However, writers should consider whether it sounds natural for their particular audience. Modern business communication often favors simple and familiar expressions. “Best regards,” “Kind regards,” and “Regards” are commonly recognized professional closings.
The goal of a business email is usually to communicate clearly and efficiently. A closing should therefore complement the message without drawing unnecessary attention to itself.
When communicating with international audiences, familiar expressions can sometimes reduce ambiguity. English is used globally, and professional communication styles vary across countries and industries. A phrase that sounds completely natural in one region may sound slightly unusual in another.
This is why context is more important than simply memorizing a rule. If your workplace has a preferred email style, following that style can provide consistency. If there is no established preference, a widely recognized professional closing may be a safe choice.
Why Email Closings Matter
An email closing may contain only a few words, but it contributes to the overall impression created by a message. The opening, body, closing, punctuation, formatting, and tone all work together.
A professional email should make the recipient understand not only what the sender wants to communicate but also how the sender approaches the relationship. A respectful closing can help create a sense of courtesy and professionalism.
At the same time, the closing should not compensate for poor communication in the body of the email. Clear organization, appropriate grammar, concise wording, and respectful language are more important than the final two words.
The closing should also reflect the relationship. A message to a senior professional may require a more formal tone than a quick message to a close colleague. A long-term business relationship may allow a warmer closing than an initial introduction.
Choosing an email sign-off is therefore a small but useful part of professional writing.
How Tone Changes With Different Regards Closings
Different “regards” expressions can communicate subtle differences in tone.
“Regards” is concise and neutral. It does not strongly communicate warmth or distance, which makes it flexible.
“Best regards” adds a positive and friendly quality while remaining professional. It is widely recognized in workplace communication.
“Kind regards” emphasizes courtesy and can sound slightly softer. It is particularly common in professional emails where the sender wants to sound respectful and approachable.
“Warm regards” creates a more personal feeling. It may be more suitable when the sender has an established relationship with the recipient.
“My regards” emphasizes that the good wishes are coming personally from the writer. It can feel somewhat traditional, but it remains understandable and polite.
Understanding these subtle differences allows writers to select a closing based on the emotional and professional distance they want to maintain.
“My Regards” and Professional Email Etiquette
Professional email etiquette is not simply about using formal vocabulary. It is about communicating clearly, respectfully, and efficiently.
A good email closing should match the message. If the email is short and routine, a concise closing may be appropriate. If the message involves a sensitive professional matter, the writer may prefer a more respectful and formal sign-off.
The recipient should also influence the choice. A customer, manager, recruiter, client, academic contact, colleague, or close professional friend may each have different expectations.
Consistency is another important part of email etiquette. If an organization has a particular style, employees may choose to follow it. Consistent communication helps establish a recognizable professional standard.
Writers should also avoid using a closing that feels dramatically more formal than the rest of the email. A highly casual message followed by an extremely formal sign-off can create an inconsistent tone.
The strongest professional emails generally maintain the same level of formality from beginning to end.
When “My Regards” May Sound Less Natural
Although “my regards” is understandable, there are situations where another expression may sound more natural to a modern English speaker.
One reason is frequency. English speakers are exposed to “Best regards,” “Kind regards,” and “Regards” very frequently in professional email communication. These expressions have become established email conventions.
“My regards” may therefore feel slightly old-fashioned or unusual to some readers. This does not make it incorrect, but it can affect the overall impression of the message.
Regional differences can also influence how natural the phrase sounds. English is spoken and written differently across countries, and professional conventions are not identical everywhere.
The writer’s personal style matters as well. Some people naturally use traditional expressions, while others prefer short, modern, conversational language.
If your goal is to sound broadly natural in contemporary professional English, choosing a commonly used closing can reduce the chance that the sign-off attracts unnecessary attention.
When writing professional emails, it is helpful to follow established business-writing conventions rather than relying only on literal translations of phrases. The Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL) provides useful guidance on professional and academic writing, including tone, clarity, organization, and formal communication. These resources can help you make your email language more natural and appropriate for your audience.
How to Choose the Right Email Closing
Choosing the right closing begins with understanding the relationship. Consider how well you know the recipient and whether the communication is professional, semi-formal, or personal.
Next, consider the purpose of the email. A routine business update may need a neutral closing, while a message involving appreciation or a long-standing relationship may support a warmer expression.
The degree of formality is also important. If the email is being sent to someone you have never contacted before, a professional and neutral sign-off may be appropriate. If you communicate regularly with the person, a slightly warmer closing may feel more natural.
You should also consider the overall style of the email. A concise email should generally have a concise closing. A highly formal message may benefit from a traditional professional sign-off.
Finally, consider what sounds natural to you. Professional writing should not feel like a collection of memorized phrases. The best closing is one that accurately represents the relationship and tone of the message.
FAQ
What does “my regards” mean?
“My regards” means that the writer is sending respectful thoughts, greetings, or good wishes to another person. It is generally used as a polite expression, particularly in written or professional communication.
Is “my regards” formal?
“My regards” is generally formal or semi-formal. It is more commonly associated with respectful written communication than casual conversation. Depending on the context, it can sound traditional.
Is “my regards” correct in an email?
Yes, “my regards” can be used in an email as a polite closing. However, “Best regards,” “Kind regards,” and “Regards” are often more familiar and natural in contemporary professional emails.
What is the difference between “my regards” and “best regards”?
“My regards” communicates the writer’s respectful thoughts or good wishes. “Best regards” also communicates goodwill but adds the word “best,” giving it a slightly more positive and conventional professional tone. “Best regards” is generally more common in modern business emails.
Can I use “my regards” in a professional email?
Yes. “My regards” can function as a professional email closing. The suitability depends on the recipient, context, relationship, and overall tone of the email.
What can I say instead of “my regards”?
Common alternatives include “Best regards,” “Kind regards,” “Warm regards,” “Regards,” “Sincerely,” and “Respectfully.” The appropriate choice depends on the level of formality and relationship with the recipient.
Is “my regards” polite?
Yes. “My regards” is generally a polite expression that communicates respect and goodwill. It is not normally associated with rude or dismissive communication.
Is “best regards” better than “my regards”?
The answer depends on context rather than one expression being universally better. “Best regards” is more common in contemporary professional email communication, while “my regards” can sound more traditional or personal.
Can “my regards” be used in casual messages?
It can, but it may sound more formal than necessary in a casual conversation. For informal communication, a more conversational closing may feel natural.
Does “my regards” show respect?
Yes. The word “regards” carries a sense of respect, consideration, or goodwill. In a closing, “my regards” communicates that the writer is ending the message courteously.
Is “my regards” old-fashioned?
It can sound somewhat traditional to some modern English speakers, particularly when compared with very common email closings such as “Best regards” and “Kind regards.” However, the expression remains understandable and can still be appropriate in certain contexts.
Should “my regards” be capitalized?
In a standard email closing, “My regards” is normally written with the first word capitalized and the second word lowercase. Formatting conventions can vary, so consistency with the rest of the communication is important.
Is “my regards” appropriate for a client?
It can be appropriate for a client when the overall communication is professional and respectful. However, a more familiar professional closing such as “Best regards” or “Kind regards” may sound more natural in many client communications.
Can I use “my regards” with a colleague?
Yes. Whether it sounds natural depends on your relationship with the colleague and your workplace communication style. In a very casual workplace conversation, it may feel unnecessarily formal.
Conclusion:
Understanding what does my regards mean is useful for anyone who wants to communicate naturally and professionally in English. The phrase generally expresses respectful thoughts, greetings, or good wishes and is most commonly associated with formal or semi-formal communication.
“My regards” can be used in professional emails, formal letters, business correspondence, and other respectful communication. It is polite and understandable, although it may sound somewhat traditional in some modern contexts.
The phrase is closely related to “Best regards,” “Kind regards,” “Warm regards,” and “Regards,” but these expressions are not completely identical in tone. “Best regards” is particularly common in contemporary professional email communication, while “my regards” places more emphasis on the writer personally sending their regards.
The most important factor is context. A good email closing should match the relationship between the sender and recipient, the purpose of the message, and the overall level of formality. Choosing a familiar and natural sign-off can help the message feel polished without sounding unnecessarily formal.
Ultimately, “my regards” is a respectful expression that communicates goodwill. Knowing its meaning, tone, and appropriate usage gives you more control over how your emails and written communication sound. When you understand the subtle differences between common professional closings, you can choose the expression that best fits the situation while keeping your communication clear, courteous, and natural.
