Best wishes

You use Best wishes when you want to end a conversation or message on a positive note. It's perfect for signing off emails, cards, or even after a nice chat. It signals that you’ve enjoyed the interaction and want the other person to do well. It’s a gentle nudge of good luck. It’s like leaving a little sunshine behind you.

This phrase sits nicely in the middle. It's not super casual like Later! but it's also not stiffly formal like Yours sincerely. It works wonderfully in professional settings where you want to be polite but also friendly. It’s also great for personal notes or messages to friends you don't see every day. It’s the chameleon of closings!

• Sending an email to a colleague after a meeting: Best wishes for the rest of your week!
• Signing off a birthday card: Happy birthday, Sarah! Best wishes.
• Ending a message to a new acquaintance: It was great meeting you. Best wishes!
• A travel vlogger signing off a video: Alright folks, that's all for today! Best wishes until next time!

Use Best wishes when you're concluding a written communication like an email, letter, or card. It's also great for ending a phone call or a face-to-face conversation when you want to leave a positive impression. Think of it as a polite handshake for your words. It's ideal for situations where you want to convey warmth without being overly familiar. You can even use it when you're sending someone off on a new adventure, like a new job or a trip.

Avoid Best wishes if you're texting a close friend you see daily and have a very casual relationship with. Something like See ya! or Later! would be more appropriate. It can sound a bit too formal or distant for super casual, spontaneous interactions. Also, don't use it if you're upset or ending a disagreement – it's meant for positive closings! It’s not really a breakup phrase, unless you're wishing them well *after* the breakup, which is a whole other vibe.

Learners sometimes try to force it into situations where it sounds unnatural. For example, saying Best wishes immediately after someone tells you bad news isn't quite right. It’s for sending good fortune, not for expressing sympathy. Also, confusing it with Good luck can happen; Best wishes is broader and more about general well-being.

✗ I heard you lost your job. Best wishes.

✓ I heard you lost your job. I'm sorry to hear that. I hope you find something new soon.

✗ Best wishes for your exam!

✓ Good luck with your exam!

• Warm wishes: Slightly more personal and cozy.
• All the best: Very common, slightly more casual than Best wishes.
• Best regards: More formal, often used in business.
• Kind regards: Similar to Best regards, a touch softer.
• Best: Super casual, often used in texts or quick emails.

Is Best wishes formal or informal?

It's generally considered neutral to slightly formal. It's polite enough for professional emails but warm enough for personal notes. It bridges the gap nicely.

Can I use Best wishes in a text message?

Yes, you absolutely can! It works well in texts, especially if you want to sound a bit more thoughtful than just 'Ok'. It adds a nice touch of sincerity to your digital communication.

What's the difference between Best wishes and Good luck?

Good luck is usually for specific events where chance plays a role, like exams or interviews. Best wishes is a broader expression of hope for someone's general happiness and success in life or a project.