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The Global Insight

Does a comma go after Dear Sir or Madam?

Author

Sarah Garza

Updated on April 01, 2026

If you are writing to a firm or an institution, and you have no name, you may use the greeting Dear Sir/Madam. The closing always takes a comma: Yours lovingly, or.

What should you say instead of dear sirs?

In the UK the firm will now address all communications to “Dear Sir or Madam”, while in the US all correspondence will start with “Dear Ladies and Gentlemen”. Equivalents in Cantonese, Mandarin and European languages have also been agreed across Freshfields’ global network.

Is it OK to say Dear Sirs?

Yes, it is correct to write “Dear Sirs” when you are sending email to many, while writing a professional email. “Dear Sir” used to be the standard. That’s the most common non-specific salutation. If there’s going to be more than one person reading a letter at any given time, use a plural salutation.

What’s the difference between’dear sir’and’madam’?

While the British usage of the term stays “Dear Sir or Madam.”. But in both the UK and The United States, this greeting is considered borderline offensive and sexist (because it’s unclear whether the writer addresses a man or a woman). Variations of the term may include “Dear Sir/Madam,” “Dear Sirs and Madam,” “Dear Madam,” “Dear Madame,” …

Is it appropriate to use dear sir or madam in a cover letter?

“Dear Sir or Madam” Alternatives The ideal cover letter uses warm and natural language, and speaks directly to the hiring manager. Essentially the opposite of a phrase like “Dear Sir or Madam” or “To Whom It May Concern”. The best cover letter salutation is one that is addressed directly to the hiring manager using their name, such as:

When to use to whom it may concern or dear sir or Madam?

“Dear Sir or Madam” shares a lot in common with “To Whom It May Concern”. Both are used to address letters to strangers—and both are considered outdated and old-fashioned. However, that doesn’t mean they’re interchangeable. “To Whom It May Concern” is suited for situations when you’re not sure who would be responsible for your inquiry.

When to use a colon in Dear sir or Madam?

Dear Sir or Madam, [Space] First paragraph of the cover letter. Using a colon after salutations is acceptable in formal situations, so you can also write “Dear Sir or Madam” with a colon: Dear Sir or Madam: [Space] First paragraph of the cover letter.