E-mails and letters

How to start an e-mail:

Very formal: "Dear Mr. Smith,"

Formal: "Dear Mr. Smith,"
 
Unknown person: "Dear Sir/Madam,"
 
Known person: "Dear John,"
 
Friend: "Dear John," / "Hey John," / "Hi John,"

 
Avoid: "Hello John," / "Dear honourable Mr. Smith," / "Dear respected Sir,"


How to end an e-mail:

Very formal: "Yours sincerely,"
 
Formal: "Kind regards," / "Best wishes,"
 
Unknown person: "Yours sincerely," / "Kind regards," / "Best wishes,"
 
Known person (starting with most formal): "Kind regards," / "Best wishes," / "Regards," / nothing / "Love,"
 
Friend: "Love," / "Kisses," / "Lots of love,"


Avoid: Greetings


Note that these is no very very formal start to an e-mail in English!


"Thanks," or "Thank you," can also be used at the end of an e-mail if you are asking for a favour in the e-mail.

"Cheers," can be used at the end of an e-mail in an informal situation in place of "Thanks,".