When a comma or colon is used after the complimentary close it is referred to as?
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The colon is used chiefly to introduce a list, quotation, or explanation following an independent clause (complete sentence). Show
SemicolonThe semicolon indicates a stronger division than the comma. It's main use is to join two or more independent clauses (complete sentences), but it is also used in some cases to separate items in a list. It is never correct to end a letter greeting with a semicolon. Instead, use a comma after the greeting and a period after name: Hello, Mr. Reader. The ConfusionSemicolons often evoke semi confusion, let’s take a look at the below greeting:
What do you think? Is a semicolon correct after the greeting? How about a comma or a colon? The semicolon is dead wrong. It is NEVER correct after a greeting. Never in a letter and never in an email.  Kathryn said she started using the semicolon unconsciously, and hers is the only explanation I can imagine for the widespread incorrect use of the semicolon in salutations. The ConfusionHere’s the correct punctuation: a comma for a personal letter, a colon for a business letter, and either punctuation mark in an email. (The colon is formal.) But remember: Dear isn’t required in email, even when writing to a stranger. Try one of these two openings if you want to sound professional without using Dear:
If you want to sound friendly with a stranger, try these:
I’ve written a lot about greetings and salutations. If you want more examples, here’s a piece on salutations that I hope is helpful! And now I’ve written enough for someone on vacation. The lightning has passed, the pavement is dry, and the pool is open again! Share Previous articleHow to Slow Down Email: Ignore Lists Next articleShe Didn’t Hear My Comma Lynn Gaertner-Johnston Lynn Gaertner-Johnston has helped thousands of employees and managers improve their business writing skills and confidence through her company, Syntax Training. In her corporate training career of more than 20 years, she has worked with executives, engineers, scientists, sales staff, and many other professionals, helping them get their messages across with clarity and tact. A gifted teacher, Lynn has led writing classes at more than 100 companies and organizations such as MasterCard, Microsoft, Boeing, Nintendo, REI, AARP, Ledcor, and Kaiser Permanente. Near her home in Seattle, Washington, she has taught managerial communications in the MBA programs of the University of Washington and UW Bothell. She has created a communications course, Business Writing That Builds Relationships, and provides the curriculum at no cost to college instructors. A recognized expert in business writing etiquette, Lynn has been quoted in "The Wall Street Journal," "The Atlantic," "Vanity Fair," and other media. Lynn sharpened her business writing skills at the University of Notre Dame, where she earned a master's degree in communication, and at Bradley University, with a bachelor's degree in English. She grew up in suburban Chicago, Illinois. What is the correct punctuation to use after the complimentary ending or closing?Most professionals in the United States and Canada use a comma after the complimentary close. In other parts of the world, many people use no punctuation after the close. (They also use no punctuation after the salutation.) The use of no punctuation after the greeting and close is called "open punctuation."
What punctuation mark follows the complimentary closing of a business letter?Terminal punctuation refers to the commas and colons you typically use at the end of phrases, such as the colon after the salutation and a comma after the complimentary close. With open punctuation, you simply leave these nonessential punctuation marks out.
When moving sections of a text in a letter using word processing software the following text editing feature should be used?keyboarding class. Which type of style omits the salutation and complimentary close?Simplified style. All parts of the letter start at the left margin, but this untraditional format omits both the salutation and the complimentary close, believing that they serve no real purpose. The reader's name, however, is often included in the body of the letter.
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