Yours Robotically

500 ways to end a letter, according to our AI overlords

Mar 28, 2023

I’ve been playing with ChatGPT, which, for the uninitiated, is an artificial intelligence-powered chatbot that’s been fed huge amounts of data from a variety of sources and is now open for questioning. That’s about as much complexity as my poor brain can handle, so thankfully the upshot is simple: you type a question about pretty much anything, and it quickly gives you an answer in human-like language. I’ve described it terribly, but trust me when I say it’s mind-blowing and only faintly worrying.

Very quickly, because I’m a nerd with a one-track mind, I began to ask questions related to letters, and after an initial period of disappointment1 I told it to come up with some unique ways to end a letter or email:

I’m interested in valediction at the end of letters and emails, e.g. “Best wishes, Shaun”, “Kind regards, Shaun” and “Yours sincerely, Shaun.” I want you to devise some new ones. They must be unique but not so ridiculous that I wouldn’t be able to sign off a letter or email with them. They can be of any length. Humour is allowed but not necessary. Give me 50 sign-offs for each of the following types of letters…

Now, not all of them are good; some, in fact, are terrible. But many are genuinely great and useful, and quite a few are very funny—and so, because there’s a real possibility that you’re a nerd just like me, I thought I’d share them with you. I haven’t edited them at all. None have been removed or added. They’re straight from the bot. Scroll down or click on the relevant letter type to (hopefully) be taken to those sign-offs.

With a flourish of adieus2,
Shaun

POSITIVE

With sunny smiles, Shaun
Brightest beams, Shaun
Yours in adventure, Shaun
With a wink and a nod, Shaun
In caffeinated spirit, Shaun
Optimistically yours, Shaun
Humbly at your service, Shaun
With a touch of whimsy, Shaun
Galactic greetings, Shaun
From my keyboard to yours, Shaun
With a dash of pizzazz, Shaun
Yours in wanderlust, Shaun
Cheerful farewells, Shaun
Timelessly, Shaun
With a sprinkle of stardust, Shaun
Until we type again, Shaun
Fondly and fearlessly, Shaun
Sealed with a smile, Shaun
Toasting to our correspondence, Shaun
Exuding enthusiasm, Shaun
Yours in pixels and prose, Shaun
With a hint of intrigue, Shaun
Onward and upward, Shaun
Carpe diem, Shaun
With gratitude and gusto, Shaun
Beyond the horizon, Shaun
In good spirits, Shaun
Savouring the moment, Shaun
Just around the bend, Shaun
With a flourish, Shaun
Until our next rendezvous, Shaun
One step at a time, Shaun
With the wind at our backs, Shaun
Wishing you tranquility, Shaun
Enthusiastically signing off, Shaun
With a heart full of hope, Shaun
In the company of words, Shaun
With a pocketful of dreams, Shaun
Until the next chapter, Shaun
Borne on digital wings, Shaun
From my screen to your heart, Shaun
With a zest for life, Shaun
Pen in hand, Shaun
Navigating the seas of communication, Shaun
With a bouquet of thoughts, Shaun
Ever so charmed, Shaun
Yours from afar, Shaun
In pursuit of the extraordinary, Shaun
With the warmth of friendship, Shaun
Until our paths cross again, Shaun

ANGRY

Displeased and disheartened, Shaun
With a frown, Shaun
In deep frustration, Shaun
Outraged and outspoken, Shaun
Ticked off and typing, Shaun
Yours in discontent, Shaun
With a heavy sigh, Shaun
Begrudgingly, Shaun
Fed up and flustered, Shaun
Unimpressed and unsatisfied, Shaun
Steaming with anger, Shaun
With a clenched fist, Shaun
In utter disbelief, Shaun
Irate and irked, Shaun
With a stormy countenance, Shaun
Yours in protest, Shaun
Angrily signing off, Shaun
Boiling with indignation, Shaun
With a scowl, Shaun
Not-so-warm regards, Shaun
From the end of my rope, Shaun
Fuming and frustrated, Shaun
Feeling shortchanged, Shaun
In a tempestuous mood, Shaun
Vexed and vehement, Shaun
With a raised eyebrow, Shaun
Through gritted teeth, Shaun
Exasperated, Shaun
Aggravated and annoyed, Shaun
Disappointed and dismayed, Shaun
Rolling my eyes, Shaun
With a bitter taste, Shaun
Perturbed and perplexed, Shaun
In a huff, Shaun
Scornfully, Shaun
In a state of unrest, Shaun
Steeped in irritation, Shaun
With a furrowed brow, Shaun
Resentfully, Shaun
Letting off steam, Shaun
Incensed and incredulous, Shaun
Yours in a foul mood, Shaun
With a storm brewing, Shaun
Feeling wronged, Shaun
Riled up and ready, Shaun
Chagrined and charged, Shaun
In a fit of pique, Shaun
Sizzling with annoyance, Shaun
With my hackles raised, Shaun
Stewing in my own juices, Shaun

APOLOGETIC

With deepest regrets, Shaun
Sincerely sorry, Shaun
Remorsefully, Shaun
With heartfelt apologies, Shaun
Humbly seeking forgiveness, Shaun
Apologetically, Shaun
Hoping for your understanding, Shaun
In the spirit of reconciliation, Shaun
With my sincerest apologies, Shaun
Contritely, Shaun
Ashamed and apologetic, Shaun
Seeking your pardon, Shaun
Regretfully yours, Shaun
With profound apologies, Shaun
Pained and penitent, Shaun
Yours in contrition, Shaun
Heavy-hearted, Shaun
Atoning for my actions, Shaun
Wishing to make amends, Shaun
In the shadow of my mistake, Shaun
Repentantly, Shaun
With a heavy conscience, Shaun
In pursuit of forgiveness, Shaun
Accepting my responsibility, Shaun
Hoping for your grace, Shaun
With a bowed head, Shaun
Desiring to set things right, Shaun
With genuine remorse, Shaun
From a place of penitence, Shaun
With a sorrowful heart, Shaun
Beseeching your pardon, Shaun
With my humblest apologies, Shaun
In the aftermath of my error, Shaun
Learning from my mistakes, Shaun
With the utmost sincerity, Shaun
Awaiting your benevolence, Shaun
Filled with regret, Shaun
Apologies from the heart, Shaun
Hoping for absolution, Shaun
Acknowledging my wrongdoing, Shaun
With sincere contrition, Shaun
Rueful and repentant, Shaun
Asking for your patience, Shaun
With a plea for forgiveness, Shaun
Mending my ways, Shaun
In the spirit of atonement, Shaun
With an earnest apology, Shaun
Recognising my transgression, Shaun
Wishing to turn the page, Shaun
With my apologies and respect, Shaun

CONGRATULATORY

Celebrating your success, Shaun
With warmest congratulations, Shaun
Proud of you, Shaun
Heartfelt congratulations, Shaun
Toasting to your triumph, Shaun
Sincerely happy for you, Shaun
Cheers to your achievements, Shaun
In awe of your accomplishments, Shaun
With joy and admiration, Shaun
Basking in your glory, Shaun
Delighted for you, Shaun
Yours in celebration, Shaun
Raising a glass to you, Shaun
With enthusiastic applause, Shaun
Soaking up your success, Shaun
With a standing ovation, Shaun
Grinning from ear to ear, Shaun
Commending your efforts, Shaun
Revelling in your victory, Shaun
With hats off to you, Shaun
Beaming with pride, Shaun
Extending my warmest felicitations, Shaun
With a hearty congratulations, Shaun
In the spirit of festivity, Shaun
With a burst of confetti, Shaun
Triumphantly, Shaun
Showering you with praise, Shaun
With a chorus of cheers, Shaun
In the glow of your achievement, Shaun
Feeling inspired by you, Shaun
Saluting your success, Shaun
With sincerest admiration, Shaun
Applauding your accomplishments, Shaun
Kudos and congratulations, Shaun
Bubbling with excitement, Shaun
With a burst of fireworks, Shaun
Sharing in your joy, Shaun
In the company of greatness, Shaun
Savouring your victory, Shaun
With the highest commendation, Shaun
Exuberantly, Shaun
Sending a round of applause, Shaun
With admiration and awe, Shaun
Congratulating you wholeheartedly, Shaun
Thrilled for your achievement, Shaun
With the warmest of wishes, Shaun
Feeling elated for you, Shaun
In the spotlight of success, Shaun
Joining in the celebration, Shaun
With pride and pleasure, Shaun

ROMANTIC

With all my love, Shaun
Forever yours, Shaun
Yours, now and always, Shaun
Tenderly, Shaun
Lost in your eyes, Shaun
Enchanted by you, Shaun
Wrapped in your embrace, Shaun
Kisses and caresses, Shaun
Dreaming of us, Shaun
With every beat of my heart, Shaun
Passionately yours, Shaun
In the warmth of our love, Shaun
Intertwined, Shaun
With a touch of romance, Shaun
My love, my life, Shaun
Yours under the moonlight, Shaun
In the language of love, Shaun
United by love, Shaun
Whispering sweet nothings, Shaun
Your loving admirer, Shaun
Longing for your touch, Shaun
With the fire of our passion, Shaun
Yours in the dance of love, Shaun
Head over heels, Shaun
Lost in your love, Shaun
With love's sweet embrace, Shaun
Eternally smitten, Shaun
With a lover's sigh, Shaun
Yours in a heartbeat, Shaun
Awaiting our next rendezvous, Shaun
Love-struck, Shaun
With the poetry of love, Shaun
Your devoted lover, Shaun
Counting the moments, Shaun
Forever entwined, Shaun
Breathlessly yours, Shaun
In the glow of our love, Shaun
With the stars as our witness, Shaun
Wrapped in your warmth, Shaun
With the melody of our love, Shaun
From the depths of my soul, Shaun
Blissfully in love, Shaun
Embraced by your love, Shaun
Endlessly devoted, Shaun
With the scent of roses, Shaun
Love's eternal flame, Shaun
By the light of our love, Shaun
Your love's sweet treasure, Shaun
With my heart in your hands, Shaun
Adoringly yours, Shaun

HOT

Lustfully yours, Shaun
Aching for your touch, Shaun
With sultry desires, Shaun
Drenched in passion, Shaun
Your sensual seducer, Shaun
Burning with desire, Shaun
Craving your caress, Shaun
Entwined in ecstasy, Shaun
Lost in our passions, Shaun
With a wicked grin, Shaun
Feverishly longing, Shaun
Hungrily awaiting, Shaun
Your passionate playmate, Shaun
Teasingly, Shaun
With a trail of kisses, Shaun
Devouring you with my eyes, Shaun
Sinfully seductive, Shaun
Intoxicated by your allure, Shaun
Consumed by our chemistry, Shaun
With a playful bite, Shaun
Unquenchable thirst, Shaun
Whispers of temptation, Shaun
Enveloped in desire, Shaun
Your erotic enchantress, Shaun
Sizzling with anticipation, Shaun
With a lustful sigh, Shaun
Enticingly, Shaun
Drowning in desire, Shaun
With a heated embrace, Shaun
Your carnal companion, Shaun
Wrapped in temptation, Shaun
Irresistibly drawn, Shaun
With a sultry whisper, Shaun
Breathlessly awaiting, Shaun
Sensuously, Shaun
With the pulse of passion, Shaun
Awaiting our rendezvous, Shaun
Lost in temptation, Shaun
Your willing captive, Shaun
With the fire of passion, Shaun
Tantalisingly, Shaun
Yearning for your taste, Shaun
The flame of our passion, Shaun
Quivering with excitement, Shaun
With every sultry thought, Shaun
Wild with desire, Shaun
Unleashing our fantasies, Shaun
Yours in decadence, Shaun
With unbridled passion, Shaun
In the throes of desire, Shaun

RECONCILIATORY

In the spirit of healing, Shaun
With open arms, Shaun
Mending bridges, Shaun
Seeking harmony, Shaun
With a forgiving heart, Shaun
Walking towards peace, Shaun
Rebuilding our bond, Shaun
United in understanding, Shaun
Hoping for renewal, Shaun
With the olive branch extended, Shaun
In the pursuit of reconciliation, Shaun
Healing our rift, Shaun
With a renewed connection, Shaun
Embracing unity, Shaun
With hope for a brighter future, Shaun
Striving for understanding, Shaun
Extending the hand of friendship, Shaun
Looking forward together, Shaun
In the spirit of forgiveness, Shaun
Moving past our differences, Shaun
Rekindling our friendship, Shaun
With a commitment to change, Shaun
In search of common ground, Shaun
Your steadfast friend, Shaun
Toward renewed trust, Shaun
Bridging the gap, Shaun
Seeking amends, Shaun
Nurturing our bond, Shaun
With a sincere wish for peace, Shaun
With open dialogue, Shaun
With newfound understanding, Shaun
Cherishing our history, Shaun
Together in healing, Shaun
With a hope for resolution, Shaun
Reconciling our hearts, Shaun
In the name of love, Shaun
Regaining our balance, Shaun
With renewed optimism, Shaun
A step closer to harmony, Shaun
With a second chance, Shaun
Turning over a new leaf, Shaun
Reaffirming our bond, Shaun
Embracing our journey, Shaun
With a humble heart, Shaun
Mending fences, Shaun
Restoring our connection, Shaun
In pursuit of a fresh start, Shaun
Holding out an olive branch, Shaun
With the warmth of reconciliation, Shaun
Committed to our friendship, Shaun

JOB SEEKING

Eager to contribute, Shaun
With great enthusiasm, Shaun
Driven to succeed, Shaun
Your dedicated applicant, Shaun
Looking forward to an opportunity, Shaun
Awaiting your positive response, Shaun
With a passion for excellence, Shaun
Confident in my abilities, Shaun
Ready to make a difference, Shaun
Your future team member, Shaun
With anticipation, Shaun
Eager to join your team, Shaun
Diligently seeking an opportunity, Shaun
Committed to professional growth, Shaun
Aspiring to excel, Shaun
In pursuit of a new challenge, Shaun
Driven by ambition, Shaun
Passionate about my career, Shaun
Excited for a new venture, Shaun
With a keen interest, Shaun
Focused on success, Shaun
Determined to contribute, Shaun
Optimistic and prepared, Shaun
With a strong work ethic, Shaun
Seeking to add value, Shaun
Enthusiastically applying, Shaun
Aiming to impress, Shaun
Ready to embark on this journey, Shaun
Motivated and skilled, Shaun
With a zest for achievement, Shaun
Eager to learn and grow, Shaun
A passionate candidate, Shaun
Poised for success, Shaun
Hoping to join your ranks, Shaun
Your potential employee, Shaun
Striving to be part of your team, Shaun
Committed to making an impact, Shaun
With sincere interest, Shaun
Ready to excel, Shaun
Bringing my expertise, Shaun
Eagerly awaiting your response, Shaun
Aiming to thrive, Shaun
With high hopes, Shaun
Seeking a fulfilling opportunity, Shaun
Excited to collaborate, Shaun
Envisioning success, Shaun
A dedicated applicant, Shaun
Prepared to contribute, Shaun
Ready for a new challenge, Shaun
Optimistic about the future, Shaun

HOLIDAYING

Sending sunshine, Shaun
From paradise, Shaun
With a sea breeze, Shaun
Exploring new horizons, Shaun
Your globetrotting friend, Shaun
Soaking up the sun, Shaun
Island vibes, Shaun
Collecting memories, Shaun
With sand between my toes, Shaun
Living the dream, Shaun
Wishing you were here, Shaun
With a tropical smile, Shaun
Underneath the palm trees, Shaun
Riding the waves, Shaun
Your adventurous companion, Shaun
With a traveler's spirit, Shaun
Enjoying the getaway, Shaun
Basking in the adventure, Shaun
Savouring the journey, Shaun
From a world away, Shaun
Experiencing the wonders, Shaun
Wanderlust filled, Shaun
Across the miles, Shaun
Embracing the culture, Shaun
With a suitcase full of memories, Shaun
From the land of beauty, Shaun
Relishing the escape, Shaun
Sun-kissed regards, Shaun
With a touch of wanderlust, Shaun
In the spirit of adventure, Shaun
Your postcard pal, Shaun
With the taste of new cuisines, Shaun
From the road less traveled, Shaun
Discovering hidden gems, Shaun
From my temporary paradise, Shaun
With a traveler's tale, Shaun
Sipping on a tropical drink, Shaun
Greetings from afar, Shaun
Soaking in the sights, Shaun
Lost in a new city, Shaun
With a pocketful of adventures, Shaun
Breathing in the fresh air, Shaun
Your roaming writer, Shaun
Chasing sunsets, Shaun
Savouring the local flavour, Shaun
From a far-off land, Shaun
With my feet in the sand, Shaun
Capturing moments, Shaun
Strolling the streets, Shaun
Under foreign skies, Shaun

CORPORATE

In professional partnership, Shaun
Pursuing excellence together, Shaun
With focused determination, Shaun
Committed to collaboration, Shaun
Advancing our goals, Shaun
Yours in business, Shaun
Strategically aligned, Shaun
Driven by success, Shaun
Onward and upward, Shaun
With innovative spirit, Shaun
Progressively, Shaun
United in growth, Shaun
Cultivating success, Shaun
With unwavering dedication, Shaun
In pursuit of excellence, Shaun
Strengthening connections, Shaun
Yours in enterprise, Shaun
Business-minded, Shaun
Engaged and energised, Shaun
Sincerely in service, Shaun
Diligently, Shaun
Yours in leadership, Shaun
With shared aspirations, Shaun
Results-driven, Shaun
Committed to advancement, Shaun
Your business ally, Shaun
With a growth mindset, Shaun
Visionary regards, Shaun
Supporting your endeavours, Shaun
Collaboratively, Shaun
With a proactive approach, Shaun
Building bridges, Shaun
With the spirit of innovation, Shaun
Your dedicated partner, Shaun
Expanding horizons, Shaun
Propelling progress, Shaun
In the realm of success, Shaun
Fostering partnerships, Shaun
Towards a brighter future, Shaun
Respectfully at your service, Shaun
With a keen eye, Shaun
Navigating the business landscape, Shaun
Cultivating opportunities, Shaun
Achieving together, Shaun
In the pursuit of greatness, Shaun
With a shared vision, Shaun
Energised for success, Shaun
Driven by passion, Shaun
Committed to collaboration, Shaun
Steadfast in partnership, Shaun

I can only afford to spend time researching and writing the Letters of Note newsletter because of its readers’ generosity. If you’re able, these are the ways you can support this project…

Thank you.

Don’t ask ChatGPT about a specific letter from history. It will simply lie and make one up, breezily quoting from a supposedly genuinely piece of correspondence that sounds fascinating but turns out to be a hallucination. It’s cruel, it’s a tease, and I refuse to be duped again.

That was the bot’s suggestion.

Mar 30, 2023Liked by Shaun Usher

It reads so much like a poem, Shaun. As a poet who has been learning AI for the past few months to see its effect in my life and creativity in general, and as someone who thinks AI is a game-changer but still distrusts it a little, and as someone who has been wondering how AI can be used in a literary sense—for the first time, I think, this one works.

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