A greeting is the way we begin a letter. It usually starts with the word Dear, followed by the name of the person we are writing to, and ends with a comma (,).
Always capitalize the first word in the greeting and the person’s name.
Greetings show respect and let the reader know you are beginning your message. They make your letter polite and clear.
Choose a greeting that matches who you are writing to—formal for teachers or adults, friendly for family and friends.
A closing is the way we end a letter. It comes before your name and begins with a capital letter. The closing is followed by a comma (,).
The closing shows respect or affection depending on the person you are writing to. Always add your name below the closing.
A letter begins with a greeting and ends with a closing. Together, they make the letter feel complete and polite.
Dear Aunt Maria,
Thank you for sending me a birthday card. I liked it very much.
Love,
Emma
Always remember: Greeting at the top, closing at the bottom. Both are needed for a proper letter.
Here are some important tips to keep in mind when writing greetings and closings:
Following these rules will help your letters look neat and professional.