Beyond Sincerely: Mastering Alternative Closing Remarks

The word “sincerely” is a staple in formal correspondence, but relying on it exclusively can make your writing sound repetitive and uninspired. Understanding a variety of alternative closing remarks is crucial for effective and engaging communication.

This article explores numerous ways to conclude your emails, letters, and other professional or personal communications with style and precision. Whether you’re aiming for warmth, professionalism, or a touch of personality, this guide will equip you with the vocabulary and understanding you need to choose the perfect closing.

This comprehensive guide is designed for English language learners of all levels, as well as native speakers seeking to refine their writing skills. By delving into the nuances of different closing remarks, you’ll enhance your ability to convey the appropriate tone and build stronger connections with your audience.

Mastering these alternatives will not only improve your communication but also demonstrate your attention to detail and linguistic versatility.

Table of Contents

Definition and Overview

Closing remarks, also known as complimentary closings, are brief phrases used at the end of a letter, email, or other written communication to signal the end of the message and express goodwill towards the recipient. They serve as a polite and customary way to conclude a conversation, leaving a positive final impression.

The choice of closing remark depends heavily on the relationship between the sender and recipient, the context of the communication, and the desired tone.

Closing remarks typically follow the body of the message and precede the sender’s signature. While “Sincerely” is a common and widely recognized option, it’s often perceived as somewhat generic and impersonal.

Exploring alternative closings allows you to tailor your message more effectively, creating a more meaningful and impactful connection with your reader. The effectiveness of a closing remark lies in its ability to complement the overall tone and purpose of the communication, reinforcing the message and strengthening the relationship.

Understanding the different types and nuances of closing remarks is essential for effective communication. A well-chosen closing can enhance your professionalism, demonstrate respect, and express genuine appreciation.

Conversely, an inappropriate or poorly chosen closing can undermine your message and create a negative impression. Therefore, it’s crucial to carefully consider the context and your relationship with the recipient when selecting the most suitable closing remark.

Structural Breakdown of Closing Remarks

The structure of a closing remark is relatively simple, but adhering to correct punctuation and formatting is crucial for maintaining professionalism. A typical closing remark consists of the phrase itself, followed by a comma.

The first word of the closing remark is always capitalized, while the remaining words are typically lowercase, unless they are proper nouns.

After the closing remark and comma, leave a blank line. This blank line provides visual separation between the closing and your typed signature.

Below the blank line, include your full name or the name you wish to be known by in the given context. In formal settings, it is standard to include your professional title or affiliation beneath your name.

In digital communication, your email client may automatically append a signature block, which can include additional contact information.

Here’s a breakdown of the structural elements:

  1. Closing Remark: The chosen phrase (e.g., “Sincerely,” “Best regards,” “Warmly,”)
  2. Comma: A comma immediately follows the closing remark.
  3. Blank Line: A blank line separates the closing remark from the signature.
  4. Signature: Your typed name.
  5. Optional Title/Affiliation: Your professional title or affiliation, if relevant.

Example:

Best regards,

John Smith

Marketing Manager

Types and Categories of Closing Remarks

Closing remarks can be categorized based on their level of formality, the context in which they are used, and the relationship between the sender and recipient. Understanding these categories will help you choose the most appropriate closing for any given situation.

Formal Closings

Formal closings are reserved for professional correspondence, official documents, and communications with individuals you don’t know well or with whom you have a strictly professional relationship. They convey respect and maintain a detached, business-like tone.

Examples of formal closings include:

  • Sincerely,
  • Respectfully,
  • Yours faithfully, (Used when you don’t know the recipient’s name)
  • Yours truly,

Semi-Formal Closings

Semi-formal closings are suitable for communications with colleagues, acquaintances, or individuals with whom you have a somewhat established professional relationship. They strike a balance between formality and warmth, conveying respect while also fostering a sense of connection.

Examples of semi-formal closings include:

  • Best regards,
  • Kind regards,
  • Best,
  • Regards,

Informal Closings

Informal closings are appropriate for communications with friends, family members, and close colleagues. They convey warmth, familiarity, and a relaxed tone.

Examples of informal closings include:

  • Best,
  • Cheers,
  • Take care,
  • Warmly,
  • All the best,

Professional Closings

Professional closings are suitable for business communications where maintaining professionalism is of utmost importance. These closings also reflect the industry standards and the company’s culture.

Examples of professional closings include:

  • Sincerely,
  • Best regards,
  • Thank you,
  • Respectfully,
  • Looking forward,

Personal Closings

Personal closings are best used in communications with friends, family, or anyone with whom you have a close, personal relationship. These closings convey warmth and personal connection.

Examples of personal closings include:

  • Love,
  • Warmly,
  • Thinking of you,
  • Best,
  • Take care,

Examples of Alternative Closing Remarks

Choosing the right closing remark can significantly impact how your message is received. The following tables provide various examples categorized by formality level, allowing you to select the most appropriate closing for different situations.

Formal Closing Examples

In formal correspondence, it’s crucial to maintain a professional and respectful tone. The following table provides examples of formal closing remarks suitable for business letters, official documents, and communications with individuals you don’t know well.

Closing Remark Context Example Sentence
Sincerely, General formal correspondence Sincerely, I appreciate your time and consideration.
Respectfully, Addressing authority figures or expressing deference Respectfully, I submit my application for your review.
Yours faithfully, When you don’t know the recipient’s name Yours faithfully, I await your prompt response.
Yours truly, Formal business letters Yours truly, I have enclosed the requested documents.
Very truly yours, A more emphatic version of “Yours truly” Very truly yours, I am confident this proposal will meet your needs.
Cordially, Formal but slightly warmer than “Sincerely” Cordially, I extend my best wishes for your continued success.
I remain, Highly formal, somewhat archaic I remain, sir, your obedient servant.
Faithfully yours, Similar to ‘Yours faithfully’ Faithfully yours, I look forward to hearing from you soon.
With great respect, Expressing a high degree of respect With great respect, I acknowledge your contributions to the field.
In anticipation, When expecting a specific action In anticipation, I thank you for your cooperation.
By order, Used when writing on behalf of an organization By order, the meeting is adjourned.
On behalf of, Similar to ‘By order’ but more general On behalf of the board, I extend our gratitude.
I am, Short and very formal I am, your most humble servant.
Awaiting your reply, Expressing anticipation Awaiting your reply, I remain available for further discussion.
Humbly, Expressing humility Humbly, I offer my sincere apologies.
Esteemed, Showing high regard Esteemed colleague, I value your insights.
Most respectfully, An even stronger expression of respect Most respectfully, I defer to your expertise.
Under advisement, When submitting something for consideration Under advisement, I present my findings for your review.
Pursuant to, Formal, indicating compliance Pursuant to our agreement, I have completed the task.
With due respect, Showing respect while possibly disagreeing With due respect, I must express a different opinion.
I remain available, Offering further assistance I remain available for any additional questions.
In compliance, Confirming adherence to rules In compliance with regulations, I submit this report.
As requested, Referring to a prior request As requested, I have attached the necessary documents.
Per your instructions, Similar to ‘As requested’ Per your instructions, I have made the required changes.
Noted accordingly, Acknowledging instructions have been received Noted accordingly, I will proceed as directed.
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Semi-Formal Closing Examples

Semi-formal closing remarks are suitable for professional communications where a slightly warmer tone is desired. These closings are appropriate for colleagues, acquaintances, or individuals with whom you have an established working relationship.

Closing Remark Context Example Sentence
Best regards, General professional correspondence Best regards, I look forward to our next collaboration.
Kind regards, Similar to “Best regards,” slightly more personal Kind regards, I hope you have a pleasant week.
Best, A concise and versatile semi-formal closing Best, let me know if you have any questions.
Regards, A slightly less formal version of “Best regards” Regards, I appreciate your assistance.
Sincerely yours, A more personal version of “Yours truly” Sincerely yours, I am eager to discuss this further.
With appreciation, Expressing gratitude With appreciation, I thank you for your support.
Thank you, Directly expressing gratitude Thank you, I value your contribution to the project.
Looking forward, Expressing anticipation for future interactions Looking forward, I hope to see you at the conference.
Respectfully yours, A softer version of “Respectfully” Respectfully yours, I hope this meets your satisfaction.
Many thanks, Expressing gratitude Many thanks, your help was invaluable.
All my best, A warm and friendly semi-formal closing All my best, I hope you have a great weekend.
Warm regards, Similar to ‘Kind regards’ with a touch more warmth Warm regards, it was a pleasure speaking with you.
Best wishes, Expressing good wishes Best wishes, I hope everything goes well with your presentation.
With gratitude, Expressing a high degree of thankfulness With gratitude, I acknowledge your unwavering support.
Appreciatively, Short and direct expression of gratitude Appreciatively, your insights were very helpful.
Enthusiastically, Expressing excitement or support Enthusiastically, I endorse this proposal.
Eagerly, Expressing anticipation Eagerly, I await your feedback.
Gratefully, Another way of expressing gratitude Gratefully, I accept your kind offer.
Hopefully, Expressing hopefulness Hopefully, we can collaborate again soon.
Expectantly, Expressing anticipation Expectantly, I look forward to your response.
With kindest regards, A more emphatic version of ‘Kind regards’ With kindest regards, I hope to see you soon.
Until next time, Suggesting a future meeting or interaction Until next time, I enjoyed our conversation.
As always, Expressing consistency or reliability As always, I am here to help.
Looking forward to hearing from you, Expressing anticipation for a response Looking forward to hearing from you, I remain available for any questions.
I am at your service, Offering assistance I am at your service should you require any further assistance.

Informal Closing Examples

Informal closing remarks are perfect for communications with friends, family, and close colleagues. These closings convey warmth, familiarity, and a relaxed tone.

Closing Remark Context Example Sentence
Best, General informal correspondence Best, hope you’re doing well.
Cheers, Friendly and casual Cheers, see you later!
Take care, Expressing concern for the recipient’s well-being Take care, drive safely.
Warmly, Conveying warmth and affection Warmly, thinking of you.
All the best, Wishing the recipient well All the best, hope you have a great trip.
Love, For close friends and family Love, miss you tons!
Talk soon, Expressing an intention to communicate again Talk soon, I’ll call you later.
See you soon, Expressing an intention to meet again See you soon, looking forward to our lunch.
Later, Very casual Later, have a good one!
Bye for now, A friendly farewell Bye for now, catch you later this week.
Hugs, For close friends and family Hugs, sending you lots of love.
Thinking of you, Expressing care and concern Thinking of you, hope you’re feeling better.
Best wishes, Friendly and informal Best wishes, have a wonderful birthday.
Much love, For close friends and family Much love, miss you dearly.
Yours, Intimate and personal Yours, always and forever.
Be well, Wishing good health Be well, take care of yourself.
Ciao, Italian for ‘goodbye’ Ciao, see you around!
Peace out, Very informal and casual Peace out, have a great day.
Miss you, Expressing longing for someone Miss you, can’t wait to see you again.
With love, For close friends and family With love, sending you my best.
Take it easy, Suggesting relaxation Take it easy, enjoy your vacation.
All my love, A stronger expression of ‘Love’ All my love, always thinking of you.
Until then, Suggesting a future meeting or interaction Until then, take care and stay safe.
See ya, Very informal contraction of ‘See you’ See ya, later!
Keep in touch, Encouraging continued communication Keep in touch, I’d love to hear from you soon.

Professional Closing Examples

Professional closing remarks are tailored for business communications, emphasizing competence, efficiency, and a constructive approach. These closings are suitable for project updates, client interactions, and internal team communications.

Closing Remark Context Example Sentence
Sincerely, Formal business correspondence Sincerely, I look forward to your feedback on this matter.
Best regards, General professional correspondence Best regards, please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.
Thank you, Expressing gratitude for assistance or consideration Thank you, your prompt attention to this issue is greatly appreciated.
Respectfully, When addressing superiors or clients Respectfully, I submit this report for your review and approval.
Looking forward, Expressing anticipation for future collaboration Looking forward, I am excited about the possibilities of this partnership.
With anticipation, When expecting a specific action or response With anticipation, I await your decision on the proposed budget.
Thank you for your time, Expressing gratitude for the recipient’s time Thank you for your time, I appreciate you considering my application.
Awaiting your response, When expecting a reply Awaiting your response, I am available to discuss this matter further.
In closing, Formal and concise In closing, I reiterate my commitment to this project.
For further assistance, Offering additional support For further assistance, please contact my team at your convenience.
Your attention is appreciated, Expressing gratitude for the recipient’s focus Your attention is appreciated, I thank you for considering this proposal.
Hoping for a favorable outcome, Expressing hope for a positive result Hoping for a favorable outcome, I trust this proposal meets your requirements.
With best wishes, A professional and courteous closing With best wishes, I hope your business continues to thrive.
In appreciation, Expressing gratitude In appreciation, I acknowledge your contributions to our company.
As per our discussion, Referencing a prior conversation As per our discussion, I have attached the updated documents.
Pursuant to our agreement, Referencing a formal agreement Pursuant to our agreement, I have completed the assigned tasks.
Dedicated to your success, Emphasizing commitment to the recipient’s goals Dedicated to your success, we are committed to providing exceptional service.
Committed to excellence, Highlighting a dedication to high standards Committed to excellence, we continually strive to exceed your expectations.
At your convenience, Offering flexibility At your convenience, please schedule a meeting to discuss this further.
Ready to assist, Offering immediate support Ready to assist, I am available to address any concerns you may have.
Looking forward to collaborating, Expressing enthusiasm for future teamwork Looking forward to collaborating, I am excited about the possibilities of this partnership.
Seeking your approval, When requesting a formal endorsement Seeking your approval, I submit this proposal for your consideration.
Anticipating your feedback, When expecting constructive comments Anticipating your feedback, I welcome your insights on this project.
Eager to work with you, Expressing enthusiasm for future cooperation Eager to work with you, I am excited about the potential of this collaboration.
Available for consultation, Offering expert advice Available for consultation, please do not hesitate to reach out.
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Personal Closing Examples

Personal closing remarks are reserved for communications with close friends, family members, and loved ones. These closings convey warmth, affection, and a personal connection.

Closing Remark Context Example Sentence
Love, For close friends and family Love, I miss you so much!
Warmly, Conveying warmth and affection Warmly, thinking of you always.
Thinking of you, Expressing care and concern Thinking of you, hope you’re feeling better.
Best, A versatile informal closing Best, hope you have a great day.
Take care, Expressing concern for well-being Take care, drive safely!
Hugs, For close friends and family Hugs, sending you lots of love.
Miss you, Expressing longing for someone Miss you, can’t wait to see you again.
All my love, A stronger expression of “Love” All my love, always and forever.
With love, For close friends and family With love, sending you my best wishes.
Yours always, Expressing unwavering affection Yours always, I’ll be here for you.
Much love, A heartfelt expression of affection Much love, I’m so grateful to have you in my life.
Lots of love, Similar to “Much love” Lots of love, sending you all my best.
Affectionately, Expressing fondness Affectionately, I cherish our memories together.
Forever yours, Expressing eternal love Forever yours, my heart belongs to you.
Lovingly, Expressing deep affection Lovingly, I will always be there for you.
XOXO, Hugs and kisses XOXO, see you soon!
Warmest wishes, Expressing heartfelt good wishes Warmest wishes, I hope all your dreams come true.
Thinking of you always, Expressing constant care Thinking of you always, you’re always in my heart.
With deepest affection, Expressing profound love With deepest affection, I cherish our bond.
Forever and always, Expressing enduring commitment Forever and always, my love for you is eternal.
Blessings, Wishing divine favor Blessings, may your life be filled with joy.
Hoping to see you soon, Expressing anticipation for a reunion Hoping to see you soon, I miss our time together.
Can’t wait to see you, Expressing strong desire for a reunion Can’t wait to see you, I’m counting down the days.
Always and forever, Expressing enduring commitment Always and forever, my love for you will never fade.
Dreaming of you, Expressing affectionate thoughts Dreaming of you, I can’t wait until we’re together again.

Usage Rules and Guidelines

Choosing the appropriate closing remark is crucial for conveying the right tone and maintaining professionalism. Here are some key usage rules and guidelines to consider:

  • Consider Your Relationship: The most important factor is your relationship with the recipient. Use formal closings for people you don’t know well or with whom you have a strictly professional relationship. Opt for semi-formal or informal closings for colleagues, acquaintances, friends, and family.
  • Match the Tone: The closing remark should align with the overall tone of your message. If your message is serious or formal, choose a formal closing. If your message is friendly and casual, choose an informal closing.
  • Be Consistent: Maintain consistency in your closing remarks. If you use a particular closing with a colleague, continue to use it unless your relationship changes.
  • Avoid Overuse: Avoid using the same closing remark repeatedly. Vary your closings to keep your writing fresh and engaging.
  • Punctuation Matters: Always follow the closing remark with a comma.
  • Capitalization: Capitalize the first word of the closing remark, but not the subsequent words unless they are proper nouns.
  • Signature Placement: Leave a blank line between the closing remark and your typed signature.
  • Consider the Medium: While many rules apply to both email and letters, email communication often allows for slightly more informality.
  • Cultural Sensitivity: Be aware of cultural differences in communication styles. What is considered formal in one culture may be considered informal in another.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your closing remarks are appropriate, effective, and contribute to a positive overall impression.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even experienced writers can make mistakes when choosing closing remarks. Here are some common errors to avoid:

  • Using “Sincerely” in Informal Contexts: Using “Sincerely” in a casual email to a friend can sound overly formal and insincere.
  • Omitting the Comma: Forgetting the comma after the closing remark is a common punctuation error.
  • Using Incorrect Capitalization: Failing to capitalize the first word of the closing remark or capitalizing subsequent words unnecessarily.
  • Choosing an Inappropriate Closing: Selecting a closing that doesn’t match the tone of your message or your relationship with the recipient.
  • Overusing the Same Closing: Relying on the same closing remark repeatedly, making your writing sound repetitive and uninspired.
  • Using an Overly Familiar Closing Too Early: Using a very informal closing with someone you don’t know well can be perceived as disrespectful or presumptuous.

Here are some examples of common mistakes and their corrections:

Incorrect Correct Explanation
Sincerely I appreciate your help. Sincerely, I appreciate your help. Missing comma after “Sincerely.”
Best regards I hope to hear from you soon. Best regards, I hope to hear from you soon. Missing comma after “Best regards.”
Best Regards, I look forward to our meeting. Best regards, I look forward to our meeting. Incorrect capitalization of “Regards.”
Love, Mr. Smith Sincerely, Mr. Smith “Love” is inappropriate for formal correspondence.
Sincerely,

John Smith

Sincerely,

John Smith
Sincerely,

John Smith
Repeating the closing remark is unnecessary.
Warmly I hope you are well. Warmly, I hope you are well. Missing comma after “Warmly.”
Yours Truly, Mary Jones Yours truly, Mary Jones Incorrect capitalization of “Truly.”
Cheers, Dr. Lee Best regards, Dr. Lee “Cheers” is too informal for addressing a doctor in a professional context.
Best,

John Doe

Best,

John Doe
Best,

John Doe
Redundant repetition of the closing.
Respectfully, I am looking forward to hearing from you! Respectfully, I am looking forward to hearing from you. Exclamation point is too informal for a formal closing.
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Practice Exercises

Test your understanding of alternative closing remarks with these practice exercises. Choose the most appropriate closing remark for each scenario.

Exercise 1: Choose the best closing remark.

Question Possible Answers Correct Answer
1. You

are writing a formal letter to a potential client, introducing your company’s services.

a) Cheers, b) Sincerely, c) Love,
2. You are sending a thank-you email to a colleague who helped you with a project. You have a good working relationship. a) Respectfully, b) Best regards, c) Hugs,
3. You are writing a casual email to a close friend, sharing some personal news. a) Yours faithfully, b) Warmly, c) Regards,
4. You are writing to a professor to ask a question about an assignment. a) See you later, b) Sincerely, c) Take care,
5. You are sending a follow-up email to a potential employer after an interview. a) Peace out, b) Best, c) Respectfully,

Exercise 2: Fill in the blank with an appropriate closing remark.

  1. Dear Mr. Johnson,

    I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to follow up on our previous conversation regarding the proposed partnership.

    ________________,
    John Smith

  2. Hi Sarah,

    It was great catching up with you last weekend! Let’s plan another get-together soon.

    ________________,
    Emily

  3. Dear Professor Davis,

    Thank you for your time and consideration. I have attached my final project for your review.

    ________________,
    Michael Brown

  4. Hi Team,

    Please find attached the updated project timeline. Let me know if you have any questions.

    ________________,
    David Lee

  5. Dear Grandma,

    I hope you’re doing well. I’m looking forward to seeing you next month!

    ________________,
    Jessica

Exercise 3: Identify the inappropriate closing remark in each scenario.

  1. Scenario: A cover letter for a job application.
    Closing Remarks: Sincerely, Best regards, Cheers, Respectfully.
  2. Scenario: An email to a close friend.
    Closing Remarks: Love, Warmly, Yours faithfully, Take care.
  3. Scenario: An email to a colleague regarding a project update.
    Closing Remarks: Best, Regards, Sincerely, Hugs.
  4. Scenario: A formal complaint letter.
    Closing Remarks: Respectfully, Yours truly, Peace out, Sincerely.
  5. Scenario: A thank-you note to a distant relative.
    Closing Remarks: Kind regards, Best wishes, Love, Sincerely.

Advanced Topics: Nuances and Subtleties

Mastering alternative closing remarks involves understanding subtle nuances and contextual factors that can further refine your communication. Here are some advanced topics to consider:

  • Cultural Context: Different cultures have varying expectations regarding formality and personal expression in written communication. Research and adapt your closing remarks accordingly when communicating with individuals from different cultural backgrounds.
  • Industry Standards: Certain industries may have preferred or customary closing remarks. For example, legal professionals may favor more formal closings, while creative professionals may opt for more relaxed and expressive options.
  • Personal Branding: Your choice of closing remarks can contribute to your personal brand. Consider how you want to be perceived and select closings that align with your desired image.
  • Emotional Intelligence: Pay attention to the emotional cues in your communication and choose closing remarks that reflect and validate those emotions. For example, if you are expressing sympathy, a closing like “With heartfelt condolences” may be appropriate.
  • Subtleties of Tone: Even within the same category of formality, there can be subtle differences in tone. For example, “Kind regards” is slightly warmer than “Best regards.” Consider these nuances when selecting the most appropriate closing.
  • The Power of Personalization: When appropriate, personalize your closing remark to reflect the specific content of your message or your relationship with the recipient. For example, “Looking forward to our next meeting” is more personal than a generic closing.

By considering these advanced topics, you can elevate your communication skills and use closing remarks to create a lasting positive impression.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about alternative closing remarks:

Q: Is it okay to use “Sincerely” in all situations?
A: While “Sincerely” is generally acceptable in formal contexts, it can sound generic and impersonal in other situations. Exploring alternative closings allows you to tailor your message more effectively.
Q: What is the difference between “Yours faithfully” and “Yours sincerely”?
A: “Yours faithfully” is used when you don’t know the recipient’s name (e.g., “Dear Sir or Madam”), while “Yours sincerely” is used when you do know the recipient’s name (e.g., “Dear Mr. Smith”).
Q: Can I use a closing remark without a comma?
A: No, you should always include a comma after the closing remark.
Q: Is it appropriate to use “Love” in a business email?
A: No, “Love” is generally inappropriate for business emails unless you have a very close personal relationship with the recipient.
Q: How do I choose the right closing remark for a specific situation?
A: Consider your relationship with the recipient, the tone of your message, and the context of the communication. Refer to the categories and examples provided in this article for guidance.
Q: Can I use an exclamation point after a closing remark?
A: In most formal or semi-formal situations, an exclamation point is too informal. It is best to stick to a comma.
Q: Should I include my title after my name in the signature?
A: In formal business communication, including your title is generally a good practice.
Q: What’s the best closing if I’m not sure what to use?
A: “Best regards” is often a safe and versatile choice for semi-formal to formal situations.

Conclusion

Mastering alternative closing remarks is an essential skill for effective communication. By understanding the different types and nuances of closing remarks, you can tailor your messages to convey the appropriate tone, build stronger relationships, and leave a positive lasting impression.

Whether you’re writing a formal business letter, a casual email to a friend, or anything in between, the tips and examples provided in this article will help you choose the perfect closing remark for any situation. So, go beyond “Sincerely” and unlock the power of alternative closing remarks to enhance your writing and communication skills.

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