Part 45 (2/2)

It is considered more formal to prefix _My_ to the salutation

It is over formal to use simply _Sir_ or _Madam_ in any letter, or to use _Dear Sir_ or _Dear Mada to a familiar friend

If one uses a very familiar salutation, such as _Dear Brown, Dear John,_ etc, it is better to put the inside address at the close of the letter, or to omit it

161 PUNCTUATION OF SALUTATION Punctuate the salutation with a colon, except in informal letters, when a comma may be used

162 FAULTS TO BE AVOIDED IN THE SALUTATION Use no abbreviations except _Dr, Mr, Mrs_ Do not use the abbreviation _Dr_, when that title is used as a final word in a salutation

Wrong: My dear Maj Wren:

Right: My dear Major Wren:

Wrong: My dear Dr:

Right: My dear Doctor:

Do not use a na: Mr W W Braker: Will you please inforht: Mr W W Braker, Muncy, Pennsylvania

Dear Sir: Will you please inform

In the salutation capitalize only the important nouns and the first word of the salutation

Wrong: My Dear Sir:

Right: My dear Sir:

Wrong: My very Dear Friend:

Right: My very dear Friend:

Wrong: Dear sir:

Right: Dear Sir:

THE BODY OF THE LETTER