How to start a formal email? (Greeting)?

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How do you write the opening address an email that is formal?I usually write "Dear X" but X is not one of my dears so how else can I start my email? I don't want to be rude by getting to the point but I don't want to sound so personal. Thanks
Paul, the person I'm writing to is not one of my dears!
 
Use "Dear." That's formal and expected for business correspondence. It doesn't mean you are enamored of the recipient. Anything else will draw attention to itself.
 
I understand that X is not one of your dears, but that is not the way that it is meant in formal correspondence.

If you looked in a very old etiquette book, you'd see that the norm used to be Dear Sir. That was before my time and yours, and that changed when women became more visible in the workplace in positions other than clerical. "Dear Sir" and "Gentleman" were standard.

If the email is formal, saying, "Dear Ms. Smith" is correct and impersonal.

You could be less formal and just say "Greetings" but it sounds as if you want to take a different tone.

You could also write it in memo form:

TO: X
FROM: You
RE: Subject

That way, you wouldn't have to Dear anyone.

Hope you find something that works for you.

good luck
 
"Dear Name/Sir/Madam" is almost always used to start a letter, regardless of the nature of your relationship to the addressee. If, however, you don't know his name, then "To Whom It May Concern" would be appropriate.
 
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