Question

Which salutation for a business letter is correct?

A.
Dear Senator Smith,

B.
Dear Senator Smith

C.
Dear Senator Smith—

D.
Dear Senator Smith:

Answer 1

Unlike a personal or informal letter, which calls for a comma, a colon is used after the salutation when writing a formal business letter. Never use a semi-colon, em dash, or ellipsis. 

Answer 2

In a business letter or any formal letter you will traditionally use the salutation of.

A. Dear Senator Smith,


This is only slightly different from Dear Senator Smith - however the comma is an important element grammatically that should be included in a formal letter.