What is a proper salutation when sending an email?

Asked by: Prof. Jack Bartell V  |  Last update: October 22, 2023
Score: 4.2/5 (5 votes)

Dear (name) - “Dear (name)” is appropriate for all formal emails, but has a slightly old-fashioned feel that makes it less suitable for informal messages. Greetings - This is a common and polite salutation for an email sent to a group – or a single recipient when you are not sure how to spell their name.

What salutation to use in a professional email?

Salutation: The salutation of a formal email is similar to the salutation of a letter. When writing to someone you do not know by name, you put “To Whom it May Concern.” When applying for a job, you would address the person by, “Dear Hiring Manager.” If you do know the recipient's name, you put “Dear Mr./Ms.

What is an example of a professional salutation?

Salutations for business letters

The most formal salutation is Dear, [title], then the last name. If you're unsure of the person's pronouns, it's a good idea to use Dear [First and last name] or Dear [First name]. When you don't know the recipient's name, you can use Hello or Greetings.

What is the best professional salutation?

The standard salutation for a business letter is the salutation Dear, followed by the person's name and sometimes a title, closing with a colon. Hint: Use Dear when addressing a cover letter.

What is salutation in formal email examples?

How do you greet someone professionally?
  • "Dear Sir/Madam"
  • "To [title/designation]"
  • "To whom it may concern"
  • "Dear Mr/Ms"
  • "Dear [first name]"
  • "Hi, [first name]"
  • "Hello/Hello, [name]"
  • "Greetings"

How to greet people in emails!

36 related questions found

How do you start a formal salutation?

The Salutation

The salutation (or greeting) in a business letter is always formal. It often begins with “Dear {Person's name}.” Once again, be sure to include the person's title if you know it (such as Ms., Mrs., Mr., or Dr). If you're unsure about the person's title or gender then just use their first name.

How to begin an email?

Example email opening lines
  1. Allow me to introduce myself.
  2. Good afternoon.
  3. Good morning.
  4. How are you?
  5. Hope this email finds you well.
  6. I hope you enjoyed your weekend.
  7. I hope you're doing well.
  8. I hope you're having a great week.

What salutation can I use instead of dear?

On This Page
  • Dear [First Name]
  • Hello, [Insert Team Name]
  • Hello, [Insert Company Name]
  • To Whom It May Concern.
  • Hi There.
  • Good Morning.
  • Dear Customer Service Team.

Which are acceptable salutations?

Salutation
  • To Whom It May Concern: Use only when you do not know to whom you must address the letter, for example, when writing to an institution. ...
  • Dear colleagues, Use when writing to a group of people. ...
  • Hello guys, Use when writing to a group of people you know very well. ...
  • Your sincerely, ...
  • Kind regards, ...
  • Best,

What is preferred salutation?

English. The salutation "Dear" in combination with a name or a title is by far the most commonly used salutation in both British and US English, in both formal and informal correspondence. It is commonly followed either by an honorific and a surname, such as "Dear Mr.

What are 5 salutation examples?

Some examples of casual salutations are:
  • “Good morning / afternoon / evening”
  • “Hello” / “Hi” / “Hey”
  • “How are you?” / “How are you doing?” / “How is it going?” / “How's everything?”
  • “Greetings”

What is a simple salutation?

If you're writing to someone whose name you don't know or to a group, a good option is a generic salutation such as “Dear Customer Service Manager” or “Dear Colleagues.” “Hello” and “Hi” are also common salutations. They're more likely to be used in less formal correspondence, such as emails.

What are two examples of a salutation?

The following are some appropriate salutations for various circumstances:
  • Sir or Dear Sir. Madam or Dear Madam. (for very formal correspondence, when receiver's gender identity is known)
  • Dear Mr. or Mrs. or Ms. Jones. ...
  • Dear C. Jones, Dear Chris Jones. ...
  • Dear Customer Service Manager. Dear Occupant.

What is the best salutation to end a business email?

Nine email sign-offs that never fail
  • 1 Regards.
  • 2 Sincerely.
  • 3 Best wishes.
  • 4 Cheers.
  • 5 Best.
  • 6 As ever.
  • 7 Thanks in advance.
  • 8 Thank you.

Which salutations are not used in email?

4 salutations to avoid

Dear Sir or Madam (impersonal) To Whom It May Concern, (overly formal, impersonal) Hey! or Hi [Name]! (Overly enthusiastic)

What is closing salutation?

A salutation is the way you greet, or say hello to, the person you are writing to. A closing is the way you say goodbye to the person you are writing to. There are some standard words and phrases used for salutations and closings in formal letters. Salutations (Greetings)

Is it rude not to use a salutation?

Although salutations are not required, they are highly recommended. This is especially true when you are writing an email to someone for the first time, writing the first email in what is likely to become a string, or dealing with a difficult or awkward situation.

How do you address an email without saying dear?

"Dear Sir or Madam" Alternatives
  1. "Hello, [Insert team name]"
  2. "Hello, [Insert company name]"
  3. "Dear, Hiring Manager"
  4. "Dear, [First name]"
  5. "To Whom it May Concern"
  6. "Hello"
  7. "Hi there"
  8. "I hope this email finds you well"

Is saying dear unprofessional?

In pretty much all situations, bar talking to loved ones, pet names are not OK at work and that includes 'dear' or 'darling' all the way through to the 'babe', 'honey' or 'sweetheart'. This is particularly so when it comes to male colleagues talking to female colleagues, when it can quickly...

How do you start an email to an unknown person?

If you don't know the person's name, use 'Dear Sir/Madam', or 'To whom it may concern'. Top Tip: Remember to always include a comma after 'Dear [Name]'! If you have a more casual or informal relationship with the person you're emailing, something like 'Hi [First Name]' or 'Hello [First Name]' is perfectly acceptable.

What is the best sentence to start an email?

Polite email openings
  • I hope this email finds you well.
  • I hope your week has been great so far.
  • Good morning/afternoon/evening.
  • I hope your week started well.
  • Thank you for the timely response.
  • Thank you for getting in touch with...
  • I'd be eager to get your advice on...
  • I'm writing to...

How should I start and end an email?

To start and end on the right foot, follow this five-step guide:
  1. Even with someone you know, use a salutation. If you know Bob well, there's nothing wrong with 'Hi Bob' or 'Morning, Bob'. ...
  2. In a formal situation, go old-school. ...
  3. Be careful with thanks. ...
  4. Do sign off. ...
  5. Don't abbreviate.

What is the neutral opening line for an email?

[Hi [Name], (informal)

“Hi” + the first name is the most universal salutation. Today it is appropriate in almost every context. It works great in business emails and gives an immediate sense of friendliness. At the same time, it is perceived as a neutral option by most internet users.

How do you start and end salutation?

In most business correspondence, you can start with “Dear Mr / Dear Ms” + surname. You should end the letter with “Yours sincerely”.

What is an example of a formal greeting?

The most respectful greetings are formal ones like "hello," or time-related greetings like "good morning" or "good evening." To make it even more respectful, add the listener's formal title afterwards, like "hello, Mr. or Mrs. ______," or even "hello, sir or ma'am."