Salutation (greeting)

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A salutation is a greeting, in particular a formal greeting used in a letter. Salutations usually take the form "Dear X", or sometimes simply "X", followed by either a colon or a comma.

According to Wilbers[1]:

  • Salutations in formal letters end with a colon; salutations in informal letters end in a comma.
  • Professional titles ("Professor", "Doctor") are preferred over social titles ("Mister", "Miss").
  • Dignitaries are addressed by their titles. (e.g. "Dear Lord Mayor:")

When the recipient of the letter is unknown—for example, in a letter of recommendation, or when writing to a company—the salutations "Dear Sir or Madam" or "To Whom It May Concern" are used.

For each style of salutation there is an accompanying style of valediction.

[edit] References

  1. ^ Stephen Wilbers. Frequently asked questions concerning salutations. Writing for business and pleasure. Retrieved on 2006-01-24.

[edit] Further reading

[edit] See also