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", usually followed by a comma or a colon.
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[edit] American English
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
- ^ Stephen Wilbers. Frequently asked questions concerning salutations. "Writing for business and pleasure". Retrieved on 2006-01-24.
[edit] Further reading
- Forms of Address & Salutations to Federal & State Officials. Daniel J. Evans Library, Government Documents/Maps. The Evergreen State College. Retrieved on 2006-01-24.
- Styles of address. Canadian Heritage. Retrieved on 2006-01-24.
