To whom it May/Might concern.

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Jackson6612

#326449 Thu, 08 Feb 07 07:01 PM

Many times we start letter by writing, to whom it may concern. Can't we write to whom it might concern? If can't, then what's the reason?

Jackson6612

Joined on Wed, Dec 27 2006

Advanced Member (2,605)

NOTE: When you reply to my post, please look for mistakes in grammar, syntax or punctuation, and let me know of any suggestions you have. Thank you.

Whom

Lil' Ruby Rose

#326451 Thu, 08 Feb 07 07:03 PM

This is a commonly-used expression which has been in use for very many years - the phrasing is a bit old-fashioned, but it just stands as it is.

Lil' Ruby Rose

Joined on Wed, Dec 20 2006

West of England

Full Member (850)

Enlightenment is always preceded by confusion.

Expressions, Whom

CalifJim

#326453 Thu, 08 Feb 07 07:06 PM

It's an idiom, that is, a fixed formula of words. Idioms cannot be changed without seeming wrong to native speakers.

Consider for example the idiom kicked the bucket, which means died. Even though another word for bucket is pail, we can't change this to kicked the pail without seeming quite ridiculous to anyone who hears us speaking this way!!! I'm sure you can find examples of this sort of thing in your own language.

CJ

CalifJim

Joined on Mon, Aug 2 2004

California

Forum Guru (15,629)

"There are no facts, only interpretations" - Nietzsche

Idioms, Whom

Clive

#326525 Thu, 08 Feb 07 10:25 PM

Hi Jackson,

Many times we start letter by writing, to whom it may concern. This is not an accurate statement. I would say that we rarely start a letter with those words. I don't even remember the last time in my life that I did that.

If you search the Forum with this expression, you'll find information on the rare and special occasions that this may be appropriate. However, my advice to you is not to even consider using this form of address.

I think you are probably wondering how to start a letter to someone if you don't know their name. That's a very different question. Possible choices include 'Dear Sir or Madam', among others.

Best wishes, Clive

Clive

Joined on Thu, Oct 28 2004

Canada

Forum Guru (19,223)

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

Expressions, Start a letter, Whom

Jackson6612

#326755 Fri, 09 Feb 07 09:28 AM

CalifJim wrote:
It's an idiom, that is, a fixed formula of words. Idioms cannot be changed without seeming wrong to native speakers.

Consider for example the idiom kicked the bucket, which means died. Even though another word for bucket is pail, we can't change this to kicked the pail without seeming quite ridiculous to anyone who hears us speaking this way!!! I'm sure you can find examples of this sort of thing in your own language.

CJ

CJ, for the time being forget that it's an idiom, then I think you will find the use of might more appropriate. Right?

In the last post Clive said:

''I would say that we rarely start a letter with those words.''

Why is he using would? Shouldn't he say:

''I will/shall say that we rarely start a letter with those words.''?

Jackson6612

Idioms, Start a letter, Whom

CalifJim

#326760 Fri, 09 Feb 07 09:37 AM

To me, may and might have virtually the same meaning, so I don't find either may or might more appropriate.

would shows an implied condition.

If you asked me to make an educated guess, I would say ...

I would say therefore shows that a person is giving an opinion, an estimate. What is said is not necessarily something which has been scientifically researched.

Clive is saying it now, so the future will say doesn't make sense.

CJ