Some Misused Words.

Star (Christchurch), Volume XLIV, Issue 563, 17 September 1932, Page 8

Some Misused Words.

J.M. WRITES:—I should like to be in-

formed of the correct punctuation following “ Dear Sir.” Many people use a comma; but if this is correct, I should imagine that a capital following is incorrect. Personally I prefer a colon and can think of no other punctuation mark which could be used if the text of the communication is to commence with a capital letter. Obviously a full stop is incorrect. Then again, “Yours faithfully” is incorrect. To my mind it should read: “I am, yours faithfully ” on one line.

“ Touchstone ” cannot agree with the correspondent in any point. Dear Sir should be separated from the rest of the sentence by a comma, because it is as much a part of the sentence as if it occurred in the middle of the sentence, as in, “ Let me tell you, sir, that .” The capital letter follows because a new paragraph is started for the sake of neatness. “ I am ” at the end of a letter is better left out nowadays. It used to be the prelude to a long sentence like 44 1 am more and more, my dear sir, your most humble and obedient servant.” Often it was dispensed with in forms like 44 1 have the honour to be.” Dr Johnson ended a letter 44 Do not neglect, dear Sir, your affectionate' Samuel Johnson.” It is sufficient now to end a letter—yours truly, or faithfully or sincerely and merely sign the name. TOUCHSTONE.