Is "To Whom It May Concern" Capitalized?

April 11, 2023 Post a Comment

To Whom It May Concern Capitalization / In A Letter Is To Whom It May from joannjordan.blogspot.com

When it comes to writing professional documents, one of the most common phrases used is "To Whom It May Concern." This phrase is often used as a salutation in cover letters, recommendation letters, and other formal correspondences. However, many people are unsure whether or not to capitalize the phrase. In this article, we will explore whether "To Whom It May Concern" should be capitalized or not.

Capitalization Rules for Titles and Headings

Before we dive into the specifics of whether "To Whom It May Concern" should be capitalized, let's first review some basic capitalization rules. In general, titles and headings should be capitalized according to the following guidelines:

The first word of the title or heading should always be capitalized.
All other words in the title or heading should be capitalized, except for articles (a, an, the), coordinating conjunctions (and, or, but), and prepositions (in, on, at, etc.) unless they are the first or last word of the title or heading.
If the title or heading includes a proper noun (such as a name), it should be capitalized as well.

Capitalization of "To Whom It May Concern"

Now that we understand the basic capitalization rules, let's take a closer look at "To Whom It May Concern." The short answer is that it depends on the context in which the phrase is used.

If "To Whom It May Concern" is used as the opening salutation in a letter or email, then it should be capitalized. This is because it is being used as part of the greeting, which is considered a heading or title.

For example:

Dear Sir or Madam:

To Whom It May Concern:

On the other hand, if "To Whom It May Concern" is used within the body of the letter or email, then it should not be capitalized. This is because it is not being used as part of a title or heading.

For example:

I am writing to inquire about your available positions. To whom it may concern, I have several years of experience in customer service and would be a strong candidate for any open roles.

Other Considerations

While the capitalization of "To Whom It May Concern" is important, there are other considerations to keep in mind when writing professional documents. For example:

Always use proper grammar and punctuation.
Be clear and concise in your writing.
Use a professional tone and avoid slang or informal language.
Proofread your documents carefully before sending them.

Conclusion

In summary, whether or not "To Whom It May Concern" should be capitalized depends on the context in which it is used. If it is used as part of the opening salutation, then it should be capitalized. If it is used within the body of the document, then it should not be capitalized. However, it is important to remember that proper capitalization is just one aspect of writing professional documents. By following the other considerations outlined in this article, you can ensure that your documents are clear, concise, and professional.