posted
I'm having trouble deciding an appropriate way to begin a formal letter where I don't know the name or gender of the person I'm addressing. I do not like "Dear sir/madam" or "To whom it may concern"; and I'm sure there's a better way, I just can't think of it!
posted
I've seen either used. Nobody likes using those salutations, but they have the benefit of being commonly accepted. The recipient will likely not judge you harshly for being addressed so.
Posts: 10397 | Registered: Jun 2005
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posted
I would stay away from "To whom it may concern." If I got a letter addressed that way I would be inclined to say "Huh, well, it doesn't concern me" and toss it.
Is there any way you can do some research and find out the name or at least title of the person you're writing? If you can say "Attention Purchasing Director" even, or whatever, it's better than being completely clueless.
Posts: 7954 | Registered: Mar 2004
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posted
I would leave off the "dear" and just write "Sir or Madam:" (or "Madam or Sir:".) Or, if you really don't like that, "To the party responsible for all the lights on my street turning purple last night:"
(Of course, that's more for a business-like letter than a formal invitation or the like.)
Posts: 21182 | Registered: Sep 2004
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posted
I wish I had seen this thread before last week, when I had to write a letter to the parent of a student. I could have used that idea then!
Posts: 13680 | Registered: Mar 2002
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posted
That's hardly a salutation. That would more properly be the leading part of a signature, neh?
Posts: 32919 | Registered: Mar 2003
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To the Nurse who Took Care of My Husband George who is Now Dead:
The letter went on to praise the care I rendered, and concluded with a plea that if I had her dead husband's dentures, to please return them to the family.
I sure hated parting with those dentures.
Posts: 10397 | Registered: Jun 2005
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posted
I kinda like Gentlepersons. In combination with "I Hate You All;" as the closing, it's even better.
Posts: 7954 | Registered: Mar 2004
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I would like to apply for a job. I have a law degree, a large variety of short-term part-time work experience, and not much else.
I hate you all,
Kiwi.
__
(I actually went with Recruitment Officer, since it turns out that's who I'm meant to be addressing - thanks ElJay, don't know why I didn't think of that!! )
Posts: 69 | Registered: May 2005
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posted
I like signing with your screen name instead of your real name. After all, you want to preserve your privacy! Posts: 13680 | Registered: Mar 2002
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