To Whom It May Concern

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Jenda

#419130 Sat, 15 Sep 07 05:25 PM

While I hate this phrase myself, I've frequently seen it being used when addressing an organisation of some sort, where you aren't actually addressing an individual (and therefore logically shouldn't use "Dear Sir or Madam,"). The person who actually reads the letter is usually a person who is paid to handle requests like yours - this could be when filing a formal complaint to the local telephone company or trying to retrieve some information from a government office.

Jenda

Joined on Sat, Jun 16 2007

New Member (06)

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Clive

#419137 Sat, 15 Sep 07 05:32 PM

Hi,

I disagree that this is appropriate, for the reasons I gave earlier. Smile [:)]

There's nothing wrong with beginning the kind of letter you describe simply by saying 'Dear Sir', or 'Dear Sir or Madam' if you prefer.

Clive

Joined on Thu, Oct 28 2004

Canada

Veteran Member (21,180)

El tango argentino es un pensamiento triste que se puede bailar (The tango argentino is a sad thought which can be danced) Enrique Santos Discépolo

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Jenda

#419231 Sat, 15 Sep 07 11:10 PM

A matter of opinion, I suppose. I still don't like it, and wouldn't use it - just saying I have seen it used in that manner.

Jenda

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Anonymous

#424103 Thu, 27 Sep 07 01:59 AM

"to whom this may concern" is not a typical greeting line. "to whom it may concern" is what is used in this case.

Anonymous

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Anonymous

#438067 Fri, 02 Nov 07 08:33 PM

When using "to whom it may concern" in writing a letter are the first letters all capitalized?

Anonymous

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Clive

#438081 Fri, 02 Nov 07 09:29 PM

Hi,

I wouldn't.

However, I don't remember the last time in my life that I used this phrase in a letter, and I wouldn't be surprised if I never use it on any future occasion. In other words, I never use it, and I strongly suspect that it is not a suitable phrase for you to consider using. Smile [:)]

I hope you take the time to read the earlier posts in this thread, where this is discussed in more detail.

Best wishes, Clive

Clive

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Anonymous

#442250 Tue, 13 Nov 07 08:20 PM

You clearly don't read or write many letters. People in North America and the UK use 'Yours faithfully' when ending a letter that has been started with 'Dear Sir/Madame' - that's the rule!

Anonymous

Whom, Yours faithfully

Grammar Geek

#442256 Tue, 13 Nov 07 08:51 PM

Hello Anon,

I not only have read a great many letters, but I have written a great many as well. In North American, you are far more likely to find a letter ending "Sincerely," than anything else.

Perhaps you didn't mean it to be so, but the tone of your post is quite rude and hostile. I hope you'll take the time to read though other posts here.

Grammar Geek

Joined on Tue, Jan 10 2006

Pennsylvania, USA

Veteran Member (15,577)

Barbara, who answers in American English.

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Anonymous

#499940 Sun, 13 Apr 08 01:59 AM

I most certainly agree with this statement. In addition, if it is likely that multiple people will read the letter, and the letter is impersonal, I think that the phrase is perfectly legitimate. "Dear Sir or Madam" is just a bit too personal for certain letters.

That said, situations in which this phrase must be used are undoubtedly rare. Still, in some cases, "To Whom It May Concern" is the best alternative.

As for "Yours faithfully," I might have seen this closing used once in my lifetime. The phrase "Sincerely" is much more common, at least in the U.S. (Or at least in Massachusetts.)

Anonymous

Whom, Yours faithfully

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