Do You Capitalize All Of "To Whom It May Concern"?
Welcome to our blog post about the proper capitalization of the phrase "to whom it may concern." In this post, we will discuss the common mistake of capitalizing every word in this phrase and provide you with the correct way to use it.
What is "To Whom It May Concern"?
"To whom it may concern" is a common phrase used at the beginning of a formal letter when the recipient's name is unknown. It is used in situations like job applications, recommendation letters, and formal inquiries.
The Capitalization Mistake
Many people make the mistake of capitalizing every word in this phrase, such as "To Whom It May Concern." However, this is not the correct way to use it.
The only word that should be capitalized in this phrase is "Whom." This is because "Whom" is an object pronoun, and in formal writing, object pronouns are capitalized.
Examples
Here are some examples of the correct capitalization of "to whom it may concern:"
- To whom it may concern,
- Dear Sir or Madam,
- Attention: Human Resources Department,
- Greetings,
Alternative Salutations
If you don't want to use "to whom it may concern," there are other formal salutations you can use. Some examples include:
- Dear Sir/Madam,
- Dear Hiring Manager,
- Dear Admissions Committee,
- Dear [Company Name] HR Department,
When to Use "To Whom It May Concern"
"To whom it may concern" should only be used in formal situations when the recipient's name is unknown. If you have the recipient's name, it is best to use their name in the salutation.
Using "to whom it may concern" in informal situations can come across as impersonal and cold.
Other Capitalization Tips
Now that we have cleared up the capitalization of "to whom it may concern," here are some other capitalization tips to keep in mind:
- Capitalize the first word of a sentence
- Capitalize proper nouns (names, places, etc.)
- Capitalize titles before a name (e.g., Dr. John Smith)
- Don't capitalize job titles unless they come before a name (e.g., The president of the company, John Smith)
Conclusion
In conclusion, when using "to whom it may concern," the only word that should be capitalized is "Whom." Remember to use this phrase only in formal situations when you don't know the recipient's name.
By following these capitalization tips, you can ensure that your writing is professional and easy to read.
Thank you for reading our blog post about the proper capitalization of "to whom it may concern." We hope you found this information helpful!
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