Meaning
A general expression of hope for someone's happiness or success.
Cultural Background
In the UK, 'Best wishes' is a very safe 'middle-ground' closing. It avoids the perceived stuffiness of 'Yours sincerely' while remaining more polite than the ubiquitous 'Cheers.' Americans often shorten this to just 'Best' in emails. However, 'Best wishes' is still preferred for formal cards (weddings, graduations) to show more effort and sincerity. In Indian English, 'Best wishes' is extremely common and often used in very formal contexts where a British or American speaker might use 'Sincerely.' It is seen as highly respectful. Australians are generally more casual, often using 'Cheers' or 'No worries.' 'Best wishes' is reserved for more significant life events or formal correspondence with people outside of Australia.
The Preposition Rule
Use 'for' for general things (future, life) and 'on' for specific events (wedding, promotion).
Don't be too cold
Avoid using this with your romantic partner; it sounds like you are breaking up with them!
Meaning
A general expression of hope for someone's happiness or success.
The Preposition Rule
Use 'for' for general things (future, life) and 'on' for specific events (wedding, promotion).
Don't be too cold
Avoid using this with your romantic partner; it sounds like you are breaking up with them!
The 'With' trick
Adding 'With' before 'best wishes' (With best wishes,) makes you sound slightly more elegant and traditional.
Test Yourself
Complete the email closing with the correct phrase.
I hope you have a great time in Italy. ____ ____, Mark.
The phrase must be plural ('wishes') and does not take an article ('the').
Match the phrase to the correct situation.
Which situation is 'Best wishes' NOT appropriate for?
'Best wishes' is too cheerful for a funeral; you should use 'Deepest sympathy' or 'Condolences' instead.
Choose the correct preposition to follow the phrase.
Best wishes ____ your new house!
We use 'on' for specific life events or achievements like buying a house or getting a promotion.
Complete the dialogue between two colleagues.
A: I'm leaving for my honeymoon tomorrow! B: Oh, how exciting! ____ ____ for a wonderful trip!
'Best wishes' is the most natural way to wish someone well for a personal trip.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
When to use Best Wishes
Events
- • Weddings
- • Birthdays
- • Graduations
Work
- • New Job
- • Retirement
- • Friendly Email
Practice Bank
4 exercisesI hope you have a great time in Italy. ____ ____, Mark.
The phrase must be plural ('wishes') and does not take an article ('the').
Which situation is 'Best wishes' NOT appropriate for?
'Best wishes' is too cheerful for a funeral; you should use 'Deepest sympathy' or 'Condolences' instead.
Best wishes ____ your new house!
We use 'on' for specific life events or achievements like buying a house or getting a promotion.
A: I'm leaving for my honeymoon tomorrow! B: Oh, how exciting! ____ ____ for a wonderful trip!
'Best wishes' is the most natural way to wish someone well for a personal trip.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt is neutral. It works in both professional and personal settings, making it one of the most versatile phrases in English.
Yes, in emails it is very common to just use 'Best,' but 'Best wishes' is more polite and complete.
Yes, if you are using it as a closing in a letter or email, always put a comma before your name on the next line.
No, it is too positive. Use 'With deepest sympathy' instead.
'All the best' is slightly more casual and common in spoken English, while 'Best wishes' is more common in writing.
Both are okay, but 'Best wishes to you' is more common when speaking directly to someone.
Yes, but it might feel a bit formal for a quick text. 'Good luck' or 'Congrats' is more common in texting.
It is used equally in both, though the British tend to use 'All the best' slightly more often in casual speech.
Yes, this is a 'warmer' version used for friends or colleagues you like very much.
It's okay for an email to a recruiter, but 'Sincerely' is better for a formal cover letter.
Related Phrases
All the best
similarA slightly more casual version of best wishes.
Best regards
similarA professional closing for business emails.
Good luck
specialized formWishing someone success in a specific challenge.
Warmest regards
builds onA warmer, more personal version of professional closings.
