Which closing phrase would be most appropriate for a formal business letter to a new external partner?

Which closing phrase would be most appropriate for a formal business letter to a new external partner?

• A. Best regards
• B. Kind regards
• C. Regards
• D. Best wishes

Answer: (A)

In formal business writing, the closing should preserve a professional tone and appropriate distance while sounding courteous. Best regards fits this balance for a formal letter to a new external partner because it is standard, respectful, and neutral—conveying goodwill without being overly familiar. It signals professionalism and a positive attitude toward future cooperation. Kind regards is polite and common in business, but it can feel slightly warmer, which might be less ideal when establishing a first impression with someone new. Regards is more abrupt and can come off as too curt for formal introductions. Best wishes is friendly and personal, making it better suited to informal messages rather than initial formal correspondence with a partner you’re just starting to work with.

In formal business writing, the closing should preserve a professional tone and appropriate distance while sounding courteous. Best regards fits this balance for a formal letter to a new external partner because it is standard, respectful, and neutral—conveying goodwill without being overly familiar. It signals professionalism and a positive attitude toward future cooperation.

Kind regards is polite and common in business, but it can feel slightly warmer, which might be less ideal when establishing a first impression with someone new. Regards is more abrupt and can come off as too curt for formal introductions. Best wishes is friendly and personal, making it better suited to informal messages rather than initial formal correspondence with a partner you’re just starting to work with.