What Is Capitalized In "To Whom It May Concern"?
When writing a letter or email to someone you don't know or someone who holds a position of authority, it's common to use the salutation "To Whom It May Concern." However, when it comes to capitalization in this phrase, things can get a bit confusing. In this article, we'll go over what should be capitalized in "To Whom It May Concern" to help you write professional and grammatically correct correspondence.
Capitalization Rules for "To Whom It May Concern"
When it comes to capitalization in "To Whom It May Concern," the general rule is to capitalize the first letter of each word. This means that "To," "Whom," "It," and "May" should all be capitalized. However, the word "concern" should be lowercase unless it's the first word of a sentence. For example:
"To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to inquire about the job opening."
Notice that "concern" is lowercase in this example because it's not the first word of the sentence.
Exceptions to the Rule
It's important to note that there are some exceptions to the capitalization rule in "To Whom It May Concern." For example, if you're using the phrase in a title or heading, you may choose to capitalize all of the words for emphasis or style. Additionally, if you're using the phrase in formal legal correspondence, you may be required to follow specific formatting rules dictated by the court or legal system.
Another exception is when the phrase is used in conjunction with a specific department or job title. In this case, you would capitalize the department or job title but keep the rest of the phrase in lowercase. For example:
"To Whom It May Concern: Please forward this message to the Human Resources Department."
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When writing "To Whom It May Concern," there are a few common mistakes that people often make. Here are a few things to watch out for:
- Don't capitalize the word "concern" unless it's the first word of a sentence.
- Don't capitalize words that aren't part of the phrase, such as "Dear" or "Hello."
- Don't use periods after each word in the phrase. This is unnecessary and can make the text look cluttered.
Alternatives to "To Whom It May Concern"
If you're looking for alternatives to "To Whom It May Concern," there are several options that you can use depending on the context of your message. For example:
- If you know the recipient's name, use "Dear [Name]." This is a more personal and friendly greeting.
- If you're writing to a specific department, use "Dear [Department Name]".
- If you're not sure who the recipient is, use "Dear Sir or Madam" or "Dear Hiring Manager."
Conclusion
Knowing how to capitalize "To Whom It May Concern" correctly is an important part of writing professional correspondence. Remember to capitalize the first letter of each word except for "concern," and avoid common mistakes like using unnecessary periods or capitalizing words that aren't part of the phrase. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your message looks and sounds professional, and that you make a good impression on the recipient.
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