Bests or Best? Can you use Bests in an Email?

Vocabulary / By

Bests is not a common way to finish an email. Some people do finish an email with “Best” as a shortened form of “Best Regards” or “Best wishes”.

Example email

Hello David,

Your work is an inspiration to us all.

Best,

Karl

Is it correct to say Bests?

No, it is not correct to close an email with “bests”. It is certainly not a common practice. People do sometimes close an email with “best”. This is just a short form that people use when they are in a hurry. It gets the point across that you want to say something like “Best wishes” or “Best regards”.

How do you end a professional email?

You can end a professional email in many ways including:

  • Sincerely
  • Regards
  • Warmest regards
  • Kind regards
  • Thank you
  • Best wishes
  • Best regards

Best Regards/Best wishes

Best wishes and Best regards are two very common ways to end an email. They are both perfectly acceptable in almost any situation.  

Bests vs Best

In English grammar,” bests” is not a form of the adjective “best”. The word “best” is the superlative form of the word “good”. 

“Bests” is the third person singular form of the verb “to best” someone. The verb “to best” someone means to get the better of someone. It is not very common to use “best” as a verb as people usually use the verb “to beat someone” or “to get the better of someone”.

Understanding ‘Best’ and ‘Bests’ in English Language

Best as an Adjective

In English, ‘best’ is commonly used as an adjective to describe something that is of the highest quality or excellence. For example, “This is the best pizza I have ever had.” It is a superlative form of ‘good’, which means it is the highest degree of goodness.

Best as a Verb

‘Best’ can also be used as a verb to mean to outdo or outwit someone. For example, “She bested her competitors in the chess game.” In this context, ‘best’ is a third-person present form of the verb. It means to do better than others or to defeat them.

Best as a Noun

‘Best’ can also be used as a noun. It refers to the person or thing that is the most excellent or the highest quality. For example, “He is considered the best in his field.” In this context, ‘best’ is a noun that refers to the person who is the most excellent in his field.

Nominalization of ‘Best’

Nominalization is a process where a verb or an adjective is turned into a noun. In English, ‘best’ can be nominalized to refer to the highest degree of quality or excellence. For example, “The best is yet to come.” In this context, ‘best’ is a noun that refers to the highest degree of quality or excellence.

According to Merriam-Webster, ‘best’ is a word that has been used in the English language since the 12th century. It has evolved over time to take on different forms and meanings. In modern English, ‘best’ is a versatile word that can be used as an adjective, verb, noun, and nominalization.

Usage of ‘Best’ in Formal and Informal Communication

Best in Salutations

In both formal and informal communication, ‘Best’ is a common salutation used to greet the recipient. It is a shortened form of ‘Best regards’ or ‘All the best’ and is often used in emails or letters. The use of ‘Best’ is considered appropriate for both formal and informal communication, although it is more commonly used in informal settings.

When using ‘Best’ as a salutation, it is important to consider the context of the message. In formal communication, it may be more appropriate to use a more formal salutation such as ‘Dear’ or ‘Hello’. In informal communication, ‘Best’ can be used as a friendly and casual greeting.

Best in Letter Closings

Similar to its use in salutations, ‘Best’ is also commonly used in letter closings. It is a shortened form of ‘Best regards’ or ‘All the best’ and is often used to close emails or letters. The use of ‘Best’ is considered appropriate for both formal and informal communication, although it is more commonly used in informal settings.

When using ‘Best’ as a letter closing, it is important to consider the context of the message. In formal communication, it may be more appropriate to use a more formal closing such as ‘Sincerely’ or ‘Yours faithfully’. In informal communication, ‘Best’ can be used as a friendly and casual closing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the plural of ‘best’?

The plural of ‘best’ is simply ‘best’. It is a superlative adjective and does not change form in the plural.

Is ‘bests’ a word?

While ‘bests’ is not commonly used, it is a word that can be used in certain contexts. It can be used as a verb to mean ‘to outdo or surpass in excellence’, or as a noun to refer to the best performances or achievements of someone or something.

What does ‘best regards’ mean?

‘Best regards’ is a common closing for formal or professional emails, letters, or other written correspondence. It is a polite way to express goodwill or good wishes towards the recipient.

Can you end an email with ‘bests’?

It is not recommended to end an email with ‘bests’. While it is a word, it is not commonly used in this context and may come across as unprofessional or awkward.

Is it ‘one of the bests’ or ‘one of the best’?

The correct phrase is ‘one of the best’. ‘Best’ is already a superlative and does not require the addition of ‘-s’ to indicate plurality.

What does ‘the best of all bests’ mean?

‘The best of all bests’ is a phrase used to indicate the ultimate or most superior example of something. It is an exaggerated expression used for emphasis or to convey enthusiasm.

 

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