As to how to begin, whether "Sir" or "Madam," or "Dear Sir" or "Dear
Madam," everyone may please herself, only taking note that the "Dear"
should be omitted when any special reason exists for being distant and
formal. Not, however, that the word when used in a business letter has
anything of an affectionate meaning. It is just one of the drops of oil
used to keep the machinery of human intercourse working smoothly.
Perhaps it originally crept in to soften the sharp effect of "Sir,"
which sounds for all the world as if it would snap a correspondent's
head off.
"Dear Sir" and "Dear Sirs" are both right, but "Dear Gentlemen" is not,
though there seems no reason against it. If you begin "Sir" you must not
end "I remain, dear sir." The beginning and the end should be all of a
piece, and in both places the same form of address should be used.
In concluding a business letter you may say "yours respectfully," or
"your obedient servant," or "yours truly," or "yours faithfully,"
according to the degree of intimacy existing between you and your
correspondent.
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