Here's a breakdown:
* Open punctuation: This style avoids using punctuation marks after greetings and closings in letters. For example:
* Dear Mr. Smith
* Sincerely
* Yours truly
* Closed punctuation: This style requires punctuation marks after greetings and closings.
* Dear Mr. Smith,
* Sincerely,
* Yours truly,
The Shift Away from Open Punctuation:
Over time, the use of open punctuation in business letters has declined. This is primarily due to:
* Clarity: Open punctuation can sometimes lead to ambiguity and confusion, especially in formal communication. For example, it can be difficult to differentiate between a salutation and the start of the letter's content.
* Standardization: The use of closed punctuation has become the preferred and widely accepted style in most business contexts.
* Digital Communication: The rise of email and online communication has further contributed to the standardization of closed punctuation as it is generally easier to read and understand online.
Current Recommendations:
Today, most style guides and business writing experts recommend using closed punctuation in business letters. This ensures clarity, professionalism, and consistency.
Exceptions:
While closed punctuation is the norm, some businesses and organizations may have their own internal style guides that still prefer open punctuation.
In conclusion: While open punctuation was prevalent in the past, closed punctuation is the standard practice in contemporary business letter writing for its clarity and professionalism.