Here are some other ways you can open a letter today:Įach of these could be perceived as more directed and engaging than To Whom It May Concern. Often when people begin a letter or email with To Whom It May Concern, they do so because they cannot think of a more appropriate greeting. The good news is that there are other approaches to suit contemporary preferences. Beginning correspondence with To Whom It May Concern could give the impression that we did not make the effort to find out who would want to read the letter when such information is available. We also live in a time when finding names and other contact details is easier than ever. For one thing, many people consider it to be too old-fashioned. In recent years this has become less preferred. Another common salutation in the same spirit was Dear Sir or Dear Madam.
For instance, if you had been writing to the manufacturer of your favorite product, this could have been a proper opening to your letter. This greeting used to be frequent because it was a formal, respectful way to approach written communication with people whose identity or familiarity might not be known. We will address that topic and more in this discussion. You might be seeing it used less often these days, which might lead you to wonder when the salutation is proper to include in a letter or email.
The classic letter opening To Whom It May Concern was once incredibly common and popular. When Should You Use To Whom It May Concern?