How to End an Email to a Professor

Best Sign-Offs for Professors

When emailing a professor, err on the side of formality. You can always become more casual over time, but starting too casually can damage their impression of you. Here are the best options from our complete email endings guide:

Recommended Sign-Offs

• Respectfully — The most appropriate for first emails to a professor. Shows deference without being stuffy.
• Sincerely — Classic formal sign-off. Always safe for academic communication.
• Best regards — Professional and warm. Works well for ongoing email exchanges with professors.
• Thank you — Perfect when you have made a request (office hours, extension, recommendation).
• Thank you for your time — Shows appreciation for their busy schedule.

Sign-Offs to Avoid

• Cheers — Too casual for most professor-student relationships.
• Thanks! — The exclamation mark can seem overly casual or immature.
• Best — Acceptable once you have an established relationship, not for first emails.
• No sign-off — Always include a closing. Ending abruptly is rude.
• Sent from my iPhone — Remove auto-signatures that suggest carelessness.

Closing Lines Before Your Sign-Off

When Asking for Something

• "I appreciate your guidance on this matter."
• "Thank you for considering my request."
• "I would be grateful for any advice you can offer."
• "Please let me know if you need any additional information from me."

When Providing Information

• "Please let me know if you have any questions about my submission."
• "I hope this addresses your feedback. I am happy to revise further."
• "I look forward to hearing your thoughts."

When Following Up

• "I understand you are busy and appreciate any time you can spare."
• "I wanted to follow up on my previous email regarding [topic]."
• "Thank you for your patience and guidance throughout this process."

Complete Email Closing Examples

Requesting Office Hours

I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss this topic further during your office hours. Please let me know a time that works best for you. Thank you for your time, [Full Name] [Course Name/Number] [Student ID]

Requesting a Recommendation Letter

I understand this is a significant ask, and I truly appreciate your consideration. I have attached my resume and the relevant details for your reference. Please let me know if you need any additional information. Respectfully, [Full Name] [Program/Major] [Student ID]

Submitting an Assignment

Please find my assignment attached. I welcome any feedback you may have. Sincerely, [Full Name] [Course Name/Number]

Always Include Your Student Information

Professors teach hundreds of students. Always include your full name, course name and number, and student ID in your email signature. This helps them quickly identify who you are and which class you are in.

For starting your emails, see how to start an email to a professor. Also explore email endings for teachers, professional email endings, and endings that require a response.

Need help drafting emails? AI email tools like Monssot generate polished, appropriate emails in seconds. Also explore writing emails faster.

Explore all guides in this series: how to end an email, end professionally, end to a teacher, end requiring response, end in Spanish.