Letter: Opening: Do you always need Dear ... ?

[itai_79]

Does the writing of a letter (any letter even on a business matter) always require using " Dear so and so". To me it seems that it is a bit emotional to say that and I don't find it always fit.

appreciate anyone's help

[nzfauna]

No, not every letter in the English language will have Dear ... as the greeting. However, in professional letters, using Dear is completely idiomatic, and removed from the "emotion".

[Nunty]

Hi Itai and welcome to the forum.

Yes, letters in English start with "Dear" - even the most formal ones, even if you can't stand the person.

It doesn't mean any more than ending a formal letter "with respect" or "with a blessing" in Hebrew.


EDIT: Nzfauna, we crossed. What letters (as opposed to little notes left on the table) don't start with "dear"?

[nzfauna]

For example:

A formal letter: "To whom it may concern"

A letter to ones parents: Hi Mum and Dad

A letter to a loved one: Dearest ...

A letter to a loved one: To my loving husband

A letter to a friend: Hey bro!

The options are practically endless.

[Nunty]

You're right, nzfauna. I withdraw my categorical statement. Instead I'd say that most letters in English start with "dear" and it is virutally always appropriate.