1. PunctuationCrazed

    PunctuationCrazed Banned

    Joined:
    Mar 9, 2017
    Messages:
    8
    Likes Received:
    0

    Comma

    Discussion in 'Word Mechanics' started by PunctuationCrazed, Mar 14, 2017.

    If we start a correspondence with 'Hi' or 'Hello,' does a comma or period follow?

    Hi,

    I am writing to say ...

    And, if 'Thanks'/'Thank you' is used to close out a correspondence (and nothing else), would a period or comma follow each?

    Hi Joe,

    I am writing to say...

    Thank you, <---comma or period here?

    John
     
  2. Elven Candy

    Elven Candy Pay no attention to the foot in my mouth Contributor

    Joined:
    Jan 25, 2016
    Messages:
    694
    Likes Received:
    530
    I only know the American way for casual letters, but yes, you'd use a comma in both instances.
     
  3. izzybot

    izzybot (unspecified) Contributor

    Joined:
    Jun 3, 2015
    Messages:
    2,419
    Likes Received:
    3,884
    Location:
    SC, USA
    Comma or colon in the first instance (colon's usually used with just a name, not a salutation, I think), comma or period in the second. Commas are still considered more casual, but I've used them in more business-y correspondences and it's been fine. It's really not too big of a deal, I don't think :) People will understand what you're saying.
     
  4. Spencer1990

    Spencer1990 Contributor Contributor

    Joined:
    Mar 13, 2016
    Messages:
    2,429
    Likes Received:
    3,389
    Both of your examples are correct.

    There is a comma after the salutation and a comma after the "thank you," then your name goes on the next line down.

    izzybot is also correct in saying that if you just use a name, you could use a colon "Joe:" but you wouldn't do that with a salutation. A comma also works if you just have a name: "Joe,"
     
  5. Bill Chester

    Bill Chester Active Member

    Joined:
    Dec 11, 2016
    Messages:
    153
    Likes Received:
    84
    Location:
    Nova Scotia, Canada
    I've always thought that Hi Joe incorrectly derived from Dear Joe. If we were writing dialogue, we would write Hi, Joe.

    Hi, Joe:
    Howyadoin, Joe?
    Thank you,
    John
     
    Last edited: Mar 16, 2017
  6. Spencer1990

    Spencer1990 Contributor Contributor

    Joined:
    Mar 13, 2016
    Messages:
    2,429
    Likes Received:
    3,389
    Incorrectly derived or less formal?
     
  7. Bill Chester

    Bill Chester Active Member

    Joined:
    Dec 11, 2016
    Messages:
    153
    Likes Received:
    84
    Location:
    Nova Scotia, Canada
    Yes, it would be absurd to write Hi, Joe:
     
  8. Spencer1990

    Spencer1990 Contributor Contributor

    Joined:
    Mar 13, 2016
    Messages:
    2,429
    Likes Received:
    3,389
    Yes. But I don't think anyone was suggesting it should be written like dialogue...
     

Share This Page

  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
    Dismiss Notice