Reader Question:
If you are writing a business letter going to John Doe in care of Jane Doe, would you use Dear John or Dear Jane for your salutation?
Answer:
“In care of” indicates the person to whom you are sending the letter (in this case, Jane Doe) does not live at this address, but is receiving mail there. Jane has designated someone at that address to receive and care for her mail (in this case, John Doe.)
“In care of” helps the post office deliver mail correctly, with no confusion about addressee or address, and enables someone traveling or moving or residing temporarily to receive mail at a designated permanent address.
Since John Doe is simply holding the mail for Jane, the recipient of the letter is Jane. Therefore, the correct salution is Dear Jane:
Learn More in This Course: Effective Business Writing Techniques
