To Whom It May Concern Capitalization

"To Whom It May Concern" should always be capitalized in formal writing.

Understanding the Phrase

"To Whom It May Concern" is used when the recipient's name is unknown. This phrase is commonly found in cover letters, recommendation letters, and other formal documents.

Capitalization Rules

When capitalizing formal salutations, each significant word should start with a capital letter. For "To Whom It May Concern," every word must be capitalized.

Examples include:

  • Correct: To Whom It May Concern
  • Incorrect: to whom it may concern
  • Incorrect: To whom it may concern

Why Correct Capitalization Matters

Correct capitalization reflects professionalism and attention to detail. Improper capitalization can lead to misunderstandings or negative impressions.

For example, a cover letter starting with "to whom it may concern" might be perceived as careless.