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English 1b3 Posted 16 years ago
Grammar

Dear x:

Which is correct in a formal letter, if any?

1a. Dear Mr Smith,

b. Dear Mr. Smith,

c. Dear Mr Smith:

d. Dear Mr Smith,

Which is correct in a formal letter, if any?

2a. Dear Mrs Smith,

b. Dear Mrs. Smith,

Thanks
  

Top answer

All are used. Using a full stop/period after Mr and Mrs makes the style look decidedly dated in British English but not using one in American English would be very uncommon. The Brits stopped placing a comma after Smith long ago: Dear Mr Smith CB

— Cool Breeze

  • All are used.
  • Using a full stop/period after Mr and Mrs makes the style look decidedly dated in British English but not using one in American English would be very uncommon.
  • The Brits stopped placing a comma after Smith long ago: Dear Mr Smith CB
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8 Answers
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All are used. Using a full stop/period after Mr and Mrs makes the style look decidedly dated in British English but not using one in American English would be very uncommon. The Brits stopped placing a comma after Smith long ago:

Dear Mr Smith

CB
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What are your thoughts on the semicolon?

Also, what about a comma before the name, since we are addressing someone?(Dear, Mr Smith; Hi, Jim; etc)?
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English 1b3What are your thoughts on the semicolon?
There are no semicolons in your original post.
A comma after Dear is impossible and after Hi it is used less and less frequently.

CB
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Cool BreezeA comma after Dear is impossible and after Hi it is used less and less frequently.
hi,

I just thought the comma was always used before you address someone.
Cool BreezeThere are no semicolons in your original post.
I forgot to add this one. I just remember reading an example where the semicolon was used.
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No, no semicolons are possible.
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In the US, the formal letter would begin

Dear Mr. Smith:

That's a full colon, not a semi-colon.
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Apologies to all. I mean the colon. And GG has answered my question. Thanks.
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But please do note that I said "In the US" -- not elsewhere.
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