Editor's Corner

Every now and then I receive an email complaining about people forgetting commas in salutations or asking if a comma is needed at all in a salutation. Here are some general rules when sending a letter or email.

Formal Correspondence

When you are writing a cover letter, an email, or something else you would consider formal to clients, you stick with a straightforward greeting and a colon. Some examples:

• Dear Mr. Sandbottom:
• To Whom It May Concern:
• To Ms. Colette Browning:

Less Formal Correspondence

Most other items fall in this category. Generally, you use a greeting, a comma, and then whatever ending punctuation seems most appropriate. For example:

• Hello, Monica.
• Happy Birthday, Brian!
• Hi, Sandy,
• Good Morning, Fuzzy!
• Can’t wait to see you tomorrow, brother!
• Hey there, Donna,

I hope this helps!

Kara Church

Technical Editor, Advisory

Symitar Documentation Services