For many of us, the phrase ‘Yours sincerely’ evokes memories of writing thank-you cards and letters to family or our days as students being taught letter-writing rules.

However, research says that such phrases could soon be a thing of the past as language trends change in response to the rise of instant messaging.

A study into workplace emails suggests that starting with 'Dear' and ending with 'Yours sincerely' will soon become obsolete.

A study on workplace emails showed that phrases like 'Dear' and 'Yours sincerely' may soon disappear. Image source: Freepik.

In its place, phrases such as 'Kind regards' and 'Many thanks' are on the rise, with younger employees choosing ‘Cheers’, ‘Ta’, ‘Speak soon’ and even 'TY' (an abbreviation of thank you).

Barclays LifeSkills surveyed 2000 people, and 37 per cent described 'Yours sincerely' as 'old fashioned', while 10 per cent said it was 'boring'. Six per cent of 18 to 24-year-olds found the phrase 'intimidating'.

On the other hand, 'Best wishes' is considered 'friendly' by 41 per cent and 'warm' by 24 per cent.

Moreover, starting an email with 'Dear' is described as 'old fashioned' by 35 per cent of the participants, while 9 per cent said it’s 'boring'.

This shift in language norms is apparent as 71 per cent say 'the younger generation [is] changing the formality of language in the workplace', and 69 per cent believe that the phrases we use have evolved over the past five years.

Four out of ten participants are convinced 'Yours truly' will turn 'extinct', and 36 per cent believe 'Yours sincerely' will follow suit within the next ten years.

The traditional phrases like 'To whom it may concern', 'With compliments' and even the use of 'Dear' might soon find themselves in the language museum.

'Kind regards' also seems to be the best and safest option to bridge the gap between different generations and levels of seniority in the workplace, as 51 per cent considered it formal, 34 per cent said it sounded 'friendly', and 20 per cent said it was 'warm'.

Exclamation marks, on the other hand, should be used with caution as more than half—54 per cent—said that overusing them is 'unprofessional', and 41 per cent said that those who use them in email comes off as 'too enthusiastic'.

So, what’s driving this change in the way we communicate? At 34 per cent, reliance on technology, specifically on instant messaging platforms at work, is seen as the biggest factor.

Moreover, according to Kirstie Mackey, Head of Barclays LifeSkills, 'Our research shows the next generation [is] clearly going to make their mark on the workforce when it comes to how we communicate.'

'The shift to more personable language is a positive one. However, it's important to demonstrate an understanding of social etiquette in the workplace, which does differ from school or university.'

'Striking the right balance whilst still displaying your personality through your communications is key,' Ms Mackey concluded.

Furthermore, Dr Laura Bailey, Senior Lecturer in English Language and Linguistics at the University of Kent, added: 'Changing norms in the workplace are reflected in the language younger employees use, and the way communication has changed in general.'

'Email threads and instant messaging platforms have become blended into “conversations” where formal openings and sign-offs might feel out of place.'

'For the older generation, letter-writing etiquette might be drilled in enough that it is instinctive in any written communication, whereas for Gen Z, social media has driven linguistic change and sped up the spread of language trends.'

Key Takeaways

• Phrases such as 'Yours sincerely' and starting emails with 'Dear' are on the brink of becoming obsolete due to the rise of instant messaging and less formal language in the workplace.
  
• A study by Barclays LifeSkills found that 37 per cent of the 2,000 people surveyed considered 'Yours sincerely' as 'old fashioned', and many preferred to finish emails with 'Kind regards' or 'Many thanks'.
  
• The study found that 71 per cent of respondents believe that younger generations are changing the formality of language in the workplace, with 69 per cent noticing phrases have evolved over the past five years.
  
• Despite this shift towards more informal language, the study suggests that email sign-offs like 'Kind regards' are still considered to strike the right balance between formal and friendly, making them safe options for workplace communications.
  

Members, how do you feel about these changes? Have you also noticed the changes? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!

 

[Lord Garton]

Ｉ　ｈａｖｅ　ｗｒｉｔｔｅｎ　ｌｅｔｔｅｒｓ　ｆｏｒ　６８　ｙｅａｒｓ，　
ａｎｄ　Ｉ　ｄｅｆｉｎｉｔｅｌｙ　ａｍ　ｎｏｔ　ｇｏｉｎｇ　ｔｏ　ｍａｋｅ
ａｎｙ　ｃｈａｎｇｅｓ　ｔｏ　ｔｈｅ　ｗａｙ　Ｉ　ｃｏｍｐｏｓｅ　ｍｙ
ｌｅｔｔｅｒｓ　ａｎｄ　ｎｏｔｅｓ　ｔｏ　ｆａｍｉｌｙ　ａｎｄ　friends。

 

[Suzanne rose]

Ｉ　ｈａｖｅ　ｗｒｉｔｔｅｎ　ｌｅｔｔｅｒｓ　ｆｏｒ　６８　ｙｅａｒｓ，　
ａｎｄ　Ｉ　ｄｅｆｉｎｉｔｅｌｙ　ａｍ　ｎｏｔ　ｇｏｉｎｇ　ｔｏ　ｍａｋｅ
ａｎｙ　ｃｈａｎｇｅｓ　ｔｏ　ｔｈｅ　ｗａｙ　Ｉ　ｃｏｍｐｏｓｅ　ｍｙ
ｌｅｔｔｅｒｓ　ａｎｄ　ｎｏｔｅｓ　ｔｏ　ｆａｍｉｌｙ　ａｎｄ　friends。

Haha loud and clear

 

[Pommyoz]

I imagine Lawyers, Solicitors, Government, Doctors, Specialists etc., would still use this form of letter writing, because you are dealing with a higher level of educated people. Apologies if this sounds crass, but being of age where this was the norm for all people, society has slipped well below that now, except maybe the aforementioned.

 

[Suzanne rose]

If I'm writing a formal email I start with , To Whom it may concern or Attention ...name of person.
I never start it anymore with Dear .

I always end with Yours sincerely or mostly with ,Warmest Regards.

I never send letters anymore , it's all through email , it's so instant

 

[Suzanne rose]

I imagine Lawyers, Solicitors, Government, Doctors, Specialists etc., would still use this form of letter writing, because you are dealing with a higher level of educated people. Apologies if this sounds crass, but being of age where this was the norm for all people, society has slipped well below that now, except maybe the aforementioned.

I receive Emails from my solicitor. It's been 2 years that I've been dealing with them I have never received snail mail.

I just checked , they address is Dear Suzanne, and end it Regards and thank you, then their name

 

[anne2162]

For many of us, the phrase ‘Yours sincerely’ evokes memories of writing thank-you cards and letters to family or our days as students being taught letter-writing rules.

However, research says that such phrases could soon be a thing of the past as language trends change in response to the rise of instant messaging.

A study into workplace emails suggests that starting with 'Dear' and ending with 'Yours sincerely' will soon become obsolete.

View attachment 29838

A study on workplace emails showed that phrases like 'Dear' and 'Yours sincerely' may soon disappear. Image source: Freepik.

In its place, phrases such as 'Kind regards' and 'Many thanks' are on the rise, with younger employees choosing ‘Cheers’, ‘Ta’, ‘Speak soon’ and even 'TY' (an abbreviation of thank you).

Barclays LifeSkills surveyed 2000 people, and 37 per cent described 'Yours sincerely' as 'old fashioned', while 10 per cent said it was 'boring'. Six per cent of 18 to 24-year-olds found the phrase 'intimidating'.

On the other hand, 'Best wishes' is considered 'friendly' by 41 per cent and 'warm' by 24 per cent.

Moreover, starting an email with 'Dear' is described as 'old fashioned' by 35 per cent of the participants, while 9 per cent said it’s 'boring'.

This shift in language norms is apparent as 71 per cent say 'the younger generation [is] changing the formality of language in the workplace', and 69 per cent believe that the phrases we use have evolved over the past five years.

Four out of ten participants are convinced 'Yours truly' will turn 'extinct', and 36 per cent believe 'Yours sincerely' will follow suit within the next ten years.

The traditional phrases like 'To whom it may concern', 'With compliments' and even the use of 'Dear' might soon find themselves in the language museum.

'Kind regards' also seems to be the best and safest option to bridge the gap between different generations and levels of seniority in the workplace, as 51 per cent considered it formal, 34 per cent said it sounded 'friendly', and 20 per cent said it was 'warm'.

Exclamation marks, on the other hand, should be used with caution as more than half—54 per cent—said that overusing them is 'unprofessional', and 41 per cent said that those who use them in email comes off as 'too enthusiastic'.

So, what’s driving this change in the way we communicate? At 34 per cent, reliance on technology, specifically on instant messaging platforms at work, is seen as the biggest factor.

Moreover, according to Kirstie Mackey, Head of Barclays LifeSkills, 'Our research shows the next generation [is] clearly going to make their mark on the workforce when it comes to how we communicate.'

'The shift to more personable language is a positive one. However, it's important to demonstrate an understanding of social etiquette in the workplace, which does differ from school or university.'

'Striking the right balance whilst still displaying your personality through your communications is key,' Ms Mackey concluded.

Furthermore, Dr Laura Bailey, Senior Lecturer in English Language and Linguistics at the University of Kent, added: 'Changing norms in the workplace are reflected in the language younger employees use, and the way communication has changed in general.'

'Email threads and instant messaging platforms have become blended into “conversations” where formal openings and sign-offs might feel out of place.'

'For the older generation, letter-writing etiquette might be drilled in enough that it is instinctive in any written communication, whereas for Gen Z, social media has driven linguistic change and sped up the spread of language trends.'

Key Takeaways

• Phrases such as 'Yours sincerely' and starting emails with 'Dear' are on the brink of becoming obsolete due to the rise of instant messaging and less formal language in the workplace.
• A study by Barclays LifeSkills found that 37 per cent of the 2,000 people surveyed considered 'Yours sincerely' as 'old fashioned', and many preferred to finish emails with 'Kind regards' or 'Many thanks'.
• The study found that 71 per cent of respondents believe that younger generations are changing the formality of language in the workplace, with 69 per cent noticing phrases have evolved over the past five years.
• Despite this shift towards more informal language, the study suggests that email sign-offs like 'Kind regards' are still considered to strike the right balance between formal and friendly, making them safe options for workplace communications.

Members, how do you feel about these changes? Have you also noticed the changes? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!

The way people speak these days is absolutely outrageous, baby goats are called kids, humans are now birthing goats not children, not only that it should be said Joe Bow and I, NOT me and Joe Blow, the older generation not only the older ones spoke the Queen's English, these days its YANKEE talk, they ask how you doing and I reply why do you want to know how I do anything, why use an extra word unnecessarily. Yes many people are upset over the way the younger generation express themselves, parents need to keep an ear open when their child speak.

For many of us, the phrase ‘Yours sincerely’ evokes memories of writing thank-you cards and letters to family or our days as students being taught letter-writing rules.

However, research says that such phrases could soon be a thing of the past as language trends change in response to the rise of instant messaging.

A study into workplace emails suggests that starting with 'Dear' and ending with 'Yours sincerely' will soon become obsolete.

View attachment 29838

A study on workplace emails showed that phrases like 'Dear' and 'Yours sincerely' may soon disappear. Image source: Freepik.

In its place, phrases such as 'Kind regards' and 'Many thanks' are on the rise, with younger employees choosing ‘Cheers’, ‘Ta’, ‘Speak soon’ and even 'TY' (an abbreviation of thank you).

Barclays LifeSkills surveyed 2000 people, and 37 per cent described 'Yours sincerely' as 'old fashioned', while 10 per cent said it was 'boring'. Six per cent of 18 to 24-year-olds found the phrase 'intimidating'.

On the other hand, 'Best wishes' is considered 'friendly' by 41 per cent and 'warm' by 24 per cent.

Moreover, starting an email with 'Dear' is described as 'old fashioned' by 35 per cent of the participants, while 9 per cent said it’s 'boring'.

This shift in language norms is apparent as 71 per cent say 'the younger generation [is] changing the formality of language in the workplace', and 69 per cent believe that the phrases we use have evolved over the past five years.

Four out of ten participants are convinced 'Yours truly' will turn 'extinct', and 36 per cent believe 'Yours sincerely' will follow suit within the next ten years.

The traditional phrases like 'To whom it may concern', 'With compliments' and even the use of 'Dear' might soon find themselves in the language museum.

'Kind regards' also seems to be the best and safest option to bridge the gap between different generations and levels of seniority in the workplace, as 51 per cent considered it formal, 34 per cent said it sounded 'friendly', and 20 per cent said it was 'warm'.

Exclamation marks, on the other hand, should be used with caution as more than half—54 per cent—said that overusing them is 'unprofessional', and 41 per cent said that those who use them in email comes off as 'too enthusiastic'.

So, what’s driving this change in the way we communicate? At 34 per cent, reliance on technology, specifically on instant messaging platforms at work, is seen as the biggest factor.

Moreover, according to Kirstie Mackey, Head of Barclays LifeSkills, 'Our research shows the next generation [is] clearly going to make their mark on the workforce when it comes to how we communicate.'

'The shift to more personable language is a positive one. However, it's important to demonstrate an understanding of social etiquette in the workplace, which does differ from school or university.'

'Striking the right balance whilst still displaying your personality through your communications is key,' Ms Mackey concluded.

Furthermore, Dr Laura Bailey, Senior Lecturer in English Language and Linguistics at the University of Kent, added: 'Changing norms in the workplace are reflected in the language younger employees use, and the way communication has changed in general.'

'Email threads and instant messaging platforms have become blended into “conversations” where formal openings and sign-offs might feel out of place.'

'For the older generation, letter-writing etiquette might be drilled in enough that it is instinctive in any written communication, whereas for Gen Z, social media has driven linguistic change and sped up the spread of language trends.'

Key Takeaways

• Phrases such as 'Yours sincerely' and starting emails with 'Dear' are on the brink of becoming obsolete due to the rise of instant messaging and less formal language in the workplace.
• A study by Barclays LifeSkills found that 37 per cent of the 2,000 people surveyed considered 'Yours sincerely' as 'old fashioned', and many preferred to finish emails with 'Kind regards' or 'Many thanks'.
• The study found that 71 per cent of respondents believe that younger generations are changing the formality of language in the workplace, with 69 per cent noticing phrases have evolved over the past five years.
• Despite this shift towards more informal language, the study suggests that email sign-offs like 'Kind regards' are still considered to strike the right balance between formal and friendly, making them safe options for workplace communications.

Members, how do you feel about these changes? Have you also noticed the changes? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!

 

[Keswickian]

The suggested alternatives are fine for personal letters between friends and family but the so-called 'old fashioned' terms are still expected and appropriate for business purposes. Furthermore, 'Yours faithfully' is correct for business letters. 'Yours sincerely' is more personal.

 

[Jest]

For many of us, the phrase ‘Yours sincerely’ evokes memories of writing thank-you cards and letters to family or our days as students being taught letter-writing rules.

However, research says that such phrases could soon be a thing of the past as language trends change in response to the rise of instant messaging.

A study into workplace emails suggests that starting with 'Dear' and ending with 'Yours sincerely' will soon become obsolete.

View attachment 29838

A study on workplace emails showed that phrases like 'Dear' and 'Yours sincerely' may soon disappear. Image source: Freepik.

In its place, phrases such as 'Kind regards' and 'Many thanks' are on the rise, with younger employees choosing ‘Cheers’, ‘Ta’, ‘Speak soon’ and even 'TY' (an abbreviation of thank you).

Barclays LifeSkills surveyed 2000 people, and 37 per cent described 'Yours sincerely' as 'old fashioned', while 10 per cent said it was 'boring'. Six per cent of 18 to 24-year-olds found the phrase 'intimidating'.

On the other hand, 'Best wishes' is considered 'friendly' by 41 per cent and 'warm' by 24 per cent.

Moreover, starting an email with 'Dear' is described as 'old fashioned' by 35 per cent of the participants, while 9 per cent said it’s 'boring'.

This shift in language norms is apparent as 71 per cent say 'the younger generation [is] changing the formality of language in the workplace', and 69 per cent believe that the phrases we use have evolved over the past five years.

Four out of ten participants are convinced 'Yours truly' will turn 'extinct', and 36 per cent believe 'Yours sincerely' will follow suit within the next ten years.

The traditional phrases like 'To whom it may concern', 'With compliments' and even the use of 'Dear' might soon find themselves in the language museum.

'Kind regards' also seems to be the best and safest option to bridge the gap between different generations and levels of seniority in the workplace, as 51 per cent considered it formal, 34 per cent said it sounded 'friendly', and 20 per cent said it was 'warm'.

Exclamation marks, on the other hand, should be used with caution as more than half—54 per cent—said that overusing them is 'unprofessional', and 41 per cent said that those who use them in email comes off as 'too enthusiastic'.

So, what’s driving this change in the way we communicate? At 34 per cent, reliance on technology, specifically on instant messaging platforms at work, is seen as the biggest factor.

Moreover, according to Kirstie Mackey, Head of Barclays LifeSkills, 'Our research shows the next generation [is] clearly going to make their mark on the workforce when it comes to how we communicate.'

'The shift to more personable language is a positive one. However, it's important to demonstrate an understanding of social etiquette in the workplace, which does differ from school or university.'

'Striking the right balance whilst still displaying your personality through your communications is key,' Ms Mackey concluded.

Furthermore, Dr Laura Bailey, Senior Lecturer in English Language and Linguistics at the University of Kent, added: 'Changing norms in the workplace are reflected in the language younger employees use, and the way communication has changed in general.'

'Email threads and instant messaging platforms have become blended into “conversations” where formal openings and sign-offs might feel out of place.'

'For the older generation, letter-writing etiquette might be drilled in enough that it is instinctive in any written communication, whereas for Gen Z, social media has driven linguistic change and sped up the spread of language trends.'

Key Takeaways

• Phrases such as 'Yours sincerely' and starting emails with 'Dear' are on the brink of becoming obsolete due to the rise of instant messaging and less formal language in the workplace.
• A study by Barclays LifeSkills found that 37 per cent of the 2,000 people surveyed considered 'Yours sincerely' as 'old fashioned', and many preferred to finish emails with 'Kind regards' or 'Many thanks'.
• The study found that 71 per cent of respondents believe that younger generations are changing the formality of language in the workplace, with 69 per cent noticing phrases have evolved over the past five years.
• Despite this shift towards more informal language, the study suggests that email sign-offs like 'Kind regards' are still considered to strike the right balance between formal and friendly, making them safe options for workplace communications.

Members, how do you feel about these changes? Have you also noticed the changes? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!

there is not one thing that is sincere any longer. even the word sorry in insincere. I am so glad i was in the 50's 60's life was great, now it is just a heap of shit.

 

[Jest]

The way people speak these days is absolutely outrageous, baby goats are called kids, humans are now birthing goats not children, not only that it should be said Joe Bow and I, NOT me and Joe Blow, the older generation not only the older ones spoke the Queen's English, these days its YANKEE talk, they ask how you doing and I reply why do you want to know how I do anything, why use an extra word unnecessarily. Yes many people are upset over the way the younger generation express themselves, parents need to keep an ear open when their child speak.

the one that i find yuck is "How are we" I can only speak for myself, not someone else. GET IT.

 

[Jest]

Ｉ　ｈａｖｅ　ｗｒｉｔｔｅｎ　ｌｅｔｔｅｒｓ　ｆｏｒ　６８　ｙｅａｒｓ，　
ａｎｄ　Ｉ　ｄｅｆｉｎｉｔｅｌｙ　ａｍ　ｎｏｔ　ｇｏｉｎｇ　ｔｏ　ｍａｋｅ
ａｎｙ　ｃｈａｎｇｅｓ　ｔｏ　ｔｈｅ　ｗａｙ　Ｉ　ｃｏｍｐｏｓｅ　ｍｙ
ｌｅｔｔｅｒｓ　ａｎｄ　ｎｏｔｅｓ　ｔｏ　ｆａｍｉｌｙ　ａｎｄ　friends。

clicked on the wrong one. thank goodness for common sense and keep it up. us oldies need to bond to gether

 

[Barbara V]

For many of us, the phrase ‘Yours sincerely’ evokes memories of writing thank-you cards and letters to family or our days as students being taught letter-writing rules.

However, research says that such phrases could soon be a thing of the past as language trends change in response to the rise of instant messaging.

A study into workplace emails suggests that starting with 'Dear' and ending with 'Yours sincerely' will soon become obsolete.

View attachment 29838

A study on workplace emails showed that phrases like 'Dear' and 'Yours sincerely' may soon disappear. Image source: Freepik.

In its place, phrases such as 'Kind regards' and 'Many thanks' are on the rise, with younger employees choosing ‘Cheers’, ‘Ta’, ‘Speak soon’ and even 'TY' (an abbreviation of thank you).

Barclays LifeSkills surveyed 2000 people, and 37 per cent described 'Yours sincerely' as 'old fashioned', while 10 per cent said it was 'boring'. Six per cent of 18 to 24-year-olds found the phrase 'intimidating'.

On the other hand, 'Best wishes' is considered 'friendly' by 41 per cent and 'warm' by 24 per cent.

Moreover, starting an email with 'Dear' is described as 'old fashioned' by 35 per cent of the participants, while 9 per cent said it’s 'boring'.

This shift in language norms is apparent as 71 per cent say 'the younger generation [is] changing the formality of language in the workplace', and 69 per cent believe that the phrases we use have evolved over the past five years.

Four out of ten participants are convinced 'Yours truly' will turn 'extinct', and 36 per cent believe 'Yours sincerely' will follow suit within the next ten years.

The traditional phrases like 'To whom it may concern', 'With compliments' and even the use of 'Dear' might soon find themselves in the language museum.

'Kind regards' also seems to be the best and safest option to bridge the gap between different generations and levels of seniority in the workplace, as 51 per cent considered it formal, 34 per cent said it sounded 'friendly', and 20 per cent said it was 'warm'.

Exclamation marks, on the other hand, should be used with caution as more than half—54 per cent—said that overusing them is 'unprofessional', and 41 per cent said that those who use them in email comes off as 'too enthusiastic'.

So, what’s driving this change in the way we communicate? At 34 per cent, reliance on technology, specifically on instant messaging platforms at work, is seen as the biggest factor.

Moreover, according to Kirstie Mackey, Head of Barclays LifeSkills, 'Our research shows the next generation [is] clearly going to make their mark on the workforce when it comes to how we communicate.'

'The shift to more personable language is a positive one. However, it's important to demonstrate an understanding of social etiquette in the workplace, which does differ from school or university.'

'Striking the right balance whilst still displaying your personality through your communications is key,' Ms Mackey concluded.

Furthermore, Dr Laura Bailey, Senior Lecturer in English Language and Linguistics at the University of Kent, added: 'Changing norms in the workplace are reflected in the language younger employees use, and the way communication has changed in general.'

'Email threads and instant messaging platforms have become blended into “conversations” where formal openings and sign-offs might feel out of place.'

'For the older generation, letter-writing etiquette might be drilled in enough that it is instinctive in any written communication, whereas for Gen Z, social media has driven linguistic change and sped up the spread of language trends.'

Key Takeaways

• Phrases such as 'Yours sincerely' and starting emails with 'Dear' are on the brink of becoming obsolete due to the rise of instant messaging and less formal language in the workplace.
• A study by Barclays LifeSkills found that 37 per cent of the 2,000 people surveyed considered 'Yours sincerely' as 'old fashioned', and many preferred to finish emails with 'Kind regards' or 'Many thanks'.
• The study found that 71 per cent of respondents believe that younger generations are changing the formality of language in the workplace, with 69 per cent noticing phrases have evolved over the past five years.
• Despite this shift towards more informal language, the study suggests that email sign-offs like 'Kind regards' are still considered to strike the right balance between formal and friendly, making them safe options for workplace communications.

Members, how do you feel about these changes? Have you also noticed the changes? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!

Don't write so many letters a few emails now mostly I use thank you then Regards and my name

 

[Gsr]

I still write letters to family and friends and grandkids. It is so nice to get a handwritten letter. I still use all the above terms and more in my letters. I mostly use emails for business contacts, depending who and what business they are what terms I use in the emails.

 

[Trudi]

When I write a formal letter - which is rare these days, I open it with "Dear Sir, Dear Madam or Dear Sir/Madam. I never address people by their first name which I, as a European, find extremely disrespectful.
I close formal letters with Yours Sincerely.

 

[Suzanne rose]

The way people speak these days is absolutely outrageous, baby goats are called kids, humans are now birthing goats not children, not only that it should be said Joe Bow and I, NOT me and Joe Blow, the older generation not only the older ones spoke the Queen's English, these days its YANKEE talk, they ask how you doing and I reply why do you want to know how I do anything, why use an extra word unnecessarily. Yes many people are upset over the way the younger generation express themselves, parents need to keep an ear open when their child speak.

What was the language before the Queens Language and before that. If you go back to 200 years, 300 year it has changed drastically.
So what is correct English language because it had evolved over time . Shakespeare would have be horrified with the so called formal language

A good example is Shakespeare

 

[starrysnan]

A lot of people (young and old) have never been taught to write letters properly. With emails and especially text messages there are so many abbreviations that proper spelling is a thing of the past. Apparently this is progress - like other members receiving a letter or card from a friend is still a delight.

 

[Eleanor Inness]

For many of us, the phrase ‘Yours sincerely’ evokes memories of writing thank-you cards and letters to family or our days as students being taught letter-writing rules.

However, research says that such phrases could soon be a thing of the past as language trends change in response to the rise of instant messaging.

A study into workplace emails suggests that starting with 'Dear' and ending with 'Yours sincerely' will soon become obsolete.

View attachment 29838

A study on workplace emails showed that phrases like 'Dear' and 'Yours sincerely' may soon disappear. Image source: Freepik.

In its place, phrases such as 'Kind regards' and 'Many thanks' are on the rise, with younger employees choosing ‘Cheers’, ‘Ta’, ‘Speak soon’ and even 'TY' (an abbreviation of thank you).

Barclays LifeSkills surveyed 2000 people, and 37 per cent described 'Yours sincerely' as 'old fashioned', while 10 per cent said it was 'boring'. Six per cent of 18 to 24-year-olds found the phrase 'intimidating'.

On the other hand, 'Best wishes' is considered 'friendly' by 41 per cent and 'warm' by 24 per cent.

Moreover, starting an email with 'Dear' is described as 'old fashioned' by 35 per cent of the participants, while 9 per cent said it’s 'boring'.

This shift in language norms is apparent as 71 per cent say 'the younger generation [is] changing the formality of language in the workplace', and 69 per cent believe that the phrases we use have evolved over the past five years.

Four out of ten participants are convinced 'Yours truly' will turn 'extinct', and 36 per cent believe 'Yours sincerely' will follow suit within the next ten years.

The traditional phrases like 'To whom it may concern', 'With compliments' and even the use of 'Dear' might soon find themselves in the language museum.

'Kind regards' also seems to be the best and safest option to bridge the gap between different generations and levels of seniority in the workplace, as 51 per cent considered it formal, 34 per cent said it sounded 'friendly', and 20 per cent said it was 'warm'.

Exclamation marks, on the other hand, should be used with caution as more than half—54 per cent—said that overusing them is 'unprofessional', and 41 per cent said that those who use them in email comes off as 'too enthusiastic'.

So, what’s driving this change in the way we communicate? At 34 per cent, reliance on technology, specifically on instant messaging platforms at work, is seen as the biggest factor.

Moreover, according to Kirstie Mackey, Head of Barclays LifeSkills, 'Our research shows the next generation [is] clearly going to make their mark on the workforce when it comes to how we communicate.'

'The shift to more personable language is a positive one. However, it's important to demonstrate an understanding of social etiquette in the workplace, which does differ from school or university.'

'Striking the right balance whilst still displaying your personality through your communications is key,' Ms Mackey concluded.

Furthermore, Dr Laura Bailey, Senior Lecturer in English Language and Linguistics at the University of Kent, added: 'Changing norms in the workplace are reflected in the language younger employees use, and the way communication has changed in general.'

'Email threads and instant messaging platforms have become blended into “conversations” where formal openings and sign-offs might feel out of place.'

'For the older generation, letter-writing etiquette might be drilled in enough that it is instinctive in any written communication, whereas for Gen Z, social media has driven linguistic change and sped up the spread of language trends.'

Key Takeaways

• Phrases such as 'Yours sincerely' and starting emails with 'Dear' are on the brink of becoming obsolete due to the rise of instant messaging and less formal language in the workplace.
• A study by Barclays LifeSkills found that 37 per cent of the 2,000 people surveyed considered 'Yours sincerely' as 'old fashioned', and many preferred to finish emails with 'Kind regards' or 'Many thanks'.
• The study found that 71 per cent of respondents believe that younger generations are changing the formality of language in the workplace, with 69 per cent noticing phrases have evolved over the past five years.
• Despite this shift towards more informal language, the study suggests that email sign-offs like 'Kind regards' are still considered to strike the right balance between formal and friendly, making them safe options for workplace communications.

Members, how do you feel about these changes? Have you also noticed the changes? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!

 

[Eleanor Inness]

Hector Inness asks:
What about the "To Whom It May Concern",
not knowing to whom to address in authority.

 

[DLHM]

What was the language before the Queens Language and before that. If you go back to 200 years, 300 year it has changed drastically.
So what is correct English language because it had evolved over time . Shakespeare would have be horrified with the so called formal language

A good example is Shakespeare

View attachment 30016

Well said Suzanne rose. I agree that the English language is always evolving and will continue to do so.

 

[freedy50]

Dear SDC

The youngsters can write everything how they want to and the oldies can do the same.

Yours sincerely
Freedy 50