In letters using mixed punctuation, a colon (:) is placed after the salutation, and a comma (,) is placed after the closing. This distinct style is widely recognized in formal correspondence.
Understanding Mixed Punctuation in Letters
Mixed punctuation refers to a specific and widely adopted style of punctuating the greeting and sign-off in a letter. It provides a professional and clear structure, making it a common choice for formal and business communications. This style is characterized by the deliberate placement of distinct punctuation marks for the opening and closing components of the letter.
Key Punctuation Marks
The application of mixed punctuation is straightforward, focusing on two primary parts of your letter:
| Component | Punctuation Used | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Salutation | Colon (:) | Dear Ms. Smith: |
| Closing | Comma (,) | Sincerely, |
Practical Examples of Mixed Punctuation
To illustrate how mixed punctuation is applied in a letter:
-
Salutation Examples:
- Dear Mr. Johnson:
- To Whom It May Concern:
- Dear Hiring Manager:
- Ladies and Gentlemen:
- Dear Dr. Lee:
-
Closing Examples:
- Sincerely,
- Regards,
- Best regards,
- Yours truly,
- Respectfully,
Why Choose Mixed Punctuation?
Mixed punctuation is a popular choice, particularly in professional settings, due to several advantages:
- Professional Standard: It upholds a traditional and widely accepted standard for formal letter writing.
- Clarity: The distinct punctuation marks clearly delineate the salutation and closing, contributing to the letter's overall readability.
- Versatility: While formal, it's not overly rigid, offering a balanced approach that fits various business and official contexts.
Comparing Letter Punctuation Styles
While mixed punctuation uses a colon after the salutation and a comma after the closing, it's useful to understand it in the context of other common letter punctuation styles:
- Open Punctuation: This style uses no punctuation after the salutation or the complimentary closing. For example: "Dear Mr. Smith" and "Sincerely". It is generally considered less formal.
- Standard/Closed Punctuation (or Full Block Punctuation): While sometimes used interchangeably with mixed, strictly speaking, this style would often use commas after both the salutation and closing (e.g., "Dear Sir," and "Sincerely,"). However, the use of a colon after the salutation in formal contexts has largely superseded the comma in mixed punctuation.
For more comprehensive guidance on letter writing and punctuation, resources like the Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL) offer valuable insights.
Mixed punctuation provides a clear, professional, and widely understood method for punctuating formal letters, striking a balance that suits most business and official correspondence.
