A two-letter sign-off can say a lot about the person behind an email. While “V/R” may look like a simple abbreviation, it carries a long history of professionalism, hierarchy, and respect.
But is it the right choice for every workplace? Understanding what V/R means and when to use it can help you choose an email ending that matches the situation.
V/R is a shortened form of “Very Respectfully.” It is used at the end of an email or written message to show courtesy and professionalism.
Although many people think of V/R as part of an email signature, it is technically an email closing (also called a complimentary close). It appears immediately before the sender's signature, which typically includes their name, job title, company, and contact details.
The abbreviation is particularly common in environments where communication follows established traditions, such as military organizations, government agencies, and workplaces with clear professional structures. For example, a service member may use V/R when communicating with a superior officer or within a formal chain of command.
The phrase reflects a long-standing tradition of showing respect through written communication. While “Very Respectfully” and “Respectfully” have similar meanings, V/R generally carries a stronger sense of formality and is often used when acknowledging the recipient’s position or authority.
To know more about different phrases for signing off, have a look at our guide on formal email!
V/R is mainly used by organizations where professional etiquette and communication standards are important. However, its use depends less on the industry itself and more on the workplace culture.
Some professional environments use V/R to maintain a consistent and respectful tone, especially when employees communicate with senior leaders, officials, clients, or external partners.
Common examples include:
The right choice depends on whether the recipient understands the abbreviation and whether it fits the organization’s communication style. In a workplace with a more casual culture, a simpler closing may feel more natural.
Choosing the right email closing depends on your audience, the purpose of the message, and the tone you want to create.
V/R is one of the most formal email sign-offs. It is best suited for situations where professionalism, tradition, or hierarchy are important.
Use V/R when:
For example, V/R may be appropriate in military, government, or protocol-driven environments. However, it may feel too formal in everyday workplace conversations.
“Warm Regards” creates a professional but open tone. It is useful when you want to maintain a friendly relationship while remaining respectful.
This closing works well for:
“Best Regards” is one of the most widely used professional email closings. It is neutral, polite, and suitable for most business situations.
It works well for:
Because it is balanced between formal and friendly, it is often a safe option when you are unsure which closing to choose.
Other common alternatives include:
The best email ending is not necessarily the most formal one. It should match the context, the relationship with the recipient, and the overall tone of the message.
A good email ending reinforces your message and helps create the right impression. Whether you are writing to colleagues, clients, or potential clients, these tips can help you choose the right closing.
Consider who you are writing to and why you are contacting them. A formal message may require V/R or “Respectfully,” while a regular business email may be better suited to “Best Regards” or “Kind Regards.”
The sign-off should reflect the expectations of your industry and relationship with the recipient.
Some expressions may be familiar in certain professions but confusing to others. For example, V/R may be immediately understood by someone with military experience but unfamiliar to another reader.
Choosing a clear and recognizable closing helps your message feel professional and approachable, just like creating the right professional email signature!
Your closing should match the rest of your email. A casual message followed by an extremely formal sign-off can feel unnatural.
For example, a marketing email designed to build relationships with potential clients may benefit from a warmer closing rather than a highly formal one.
Professional does not always mean formal. Using V/R in every email may create unnecessary distance, especially in workplaces with a more conversational culture.
Reserve highly formal closings for situations where they add value. If you have worked with someone for a long time, a simpler and more personal sign-off may be more appropriate.
Your email signature represents you and your organization. The closing you choose should reinforce the impression you want to create.
For example:
To better understand this important touchpoint, take some time to explore our email signature glossary.
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The right email sign-off depends on your audience, workplace culture, and the message you want to convey. Whether it is "V/R", "Warm Regards" or "Best Regards", choosing a closing that feels natural and appropriate helps create clearer, more professional communication.
Want to improve your email communication skills? Learn more about email etiquette and discover how to use the right practices for every situation.
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