How Can I Use Through in Addressing a Formal Letter?

When addressing a formal letter, several ways exist to begin the salutation. One common option is to use “through” to denote the person or organization facilitating the communication. This can be a useful strategy when you are writing to someone who may not be familiar with you or your organization or when you are writing to someone who has a specific role within a larger organization.

In this article, we will explore how to use “through” in addressing a formal letter, including when it is appropriate to use this approach, how to structure the salutation, and some examples of how this technique can be applied.

When to Use “Through”

The word “through” is often used in formal letters when writing to someone who is not your direct contact but a third party facilitating the communication. This could include a secretary, an assistant, or a department head responsible for managing correspondence related to a particular topic or issue.

Using “through” can be particularly useful when writing to a large organization or someone who may receive a high volume of correspondence. By addressing your letter through a specific person or department, you can help ensure that it is directed to the appropriate party and receives prompt attention.

In addition to facilitating communication, using “through” can help establish a sense of formality and respect in your letter. By acknowledging the role of the person or organization through which you are addressing the letter, you are demonstrating an understanding of the hierarchy and structure of the organization, which can be important in certain contexts.

How to Structure the Salutation

When using “through” in a formal letter, it is important to structure the salutation clearly and concisely. Here are some general guidelines for how to do this:

Begin with the recipient’s title and name: Start by addressing the person or organization through which you are sending the letter. This should be the person or department responsible for receiving and distributing the letter. For example, you might write:

“Dear Ms. Smith,”

“Dear Accounting Department,”

“Dear Human Resources Director,”

Use “through” to indicate the intermediary: After addressing your initial recipient, use the word “through” to indicate the intermediary through which you send the letter. This might look like:

“Dear Ms. Smith, through the Office of the CEO,”

“Dear Accounting Department, through the Finance Director,”

“Dear Human Resources Director, through the Executive Assistant,”

Follow with any additional information: Depending on the context of your letter, you may want to include additional information in the salutation to provide more context or clarity. For example, you might write:

“Dear Ms. Smith, through the Office of the CEO, regarding the recent merger,”

“Dear Accounting Department, through the Finance Director, regarding the upcoming audit,”

“Dear Human Resources Director, through the Executive Assistant, regarding the open position of Marketing Director,”

Examples of Using “Through” in a Formal Letter

To give you a better sense of how to use “through” in a formal letter, let’s look at a few examples:

Example 1: Writing to a Department Head

“Dear Dr. Johnson, through the Office of the Dean,

I request permission to use the university’s facilities for a fundraising event to benefit our local community center. As a local community member, I believe this event would be a valuable opportunity to bring together students, faculty, and community members to support a worthy cause.

I understand that the university has strict policies regarding using its facilities, and I would be happy to provide any additional information or documentation required to secure approval for this event. I appreciate your consideration and look forward to hearing from you soon.

Sincerely,

John Smith”

In this example, the writer is addressing a university department head through the dean’s office. By acknowledging the intermediary in the salutation, the writer is demonstrating an understanding of the organizational structure and hierarchy of the university. The letter goes on to request the use of the university’s facilities for a fundraising event while acknowledging the need to comply with the university’s policies and procedures.

Example 2: Writing to a Company CEO

“Dear Mr. Johnson, through the Office of the CEO,

I am writing to express my interest in the position of Senior Marketing Manager at XYZ Corporation. I believe my experience and skills would be a valuable addition to your team, and I am eager to learn more about this opportunity.

I understand that you receive a high volume of correspondence, and I appreciate your team’s efforts in managing this communication. I have attached my resume and cover letter for your review, and I would be happy to provide any additional information or references as requested.

Thank you for your time and consideration, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Sincerely,

Jane Doe”

In this example, the writer addresses the CEO of a company through the of the CEO’s office. The salutation acknowledges the CEO’s position of authority and the role of the CEO’s office in managing correspondence. The letter goes on to express the writer’s interest in a job opportunity at the company and includes the writer’s resume and cover letter for review. Using “through” in this context helps ensure that the letter is directed to the appropriate party and receives prompt attention.

Example 3: Writing to a Government Agency

“Dear Director Jones, through the Office of Congressional Affairs,

I am writing to express my concerns regarding the proposed federal student loan program changes. As a recent college graduate, I am deeply concerned about these changes’ impact on students like me who are struggling to repay their loans.

I understand that the decision to make these changes is ultimately up to Congress and the Department of Education, but I hope that you will consider my concerns as you continue to review this issue. I appreciate the efforts of your office in managing communication between citizens and government agencies, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Sincerely,

Sarah Lee”

In this example, the writer addresses the director of a government agency through the Office of Congressional Affairs. The salutation acknowledges the office’s role in managing communication between citizens and government agencies. The letter goes on to express the writer’s concerns about a proposed policy change and urges the director to consider these concerns. Using “through” in this context helps ensure that the letter is directed to the appropriate party and receives prompt attention.

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Conclusion

When addressing a formal letter, using “through” can effectively acknowledge the intermediary through which you are sending the letter. This can help ensure that your letter is directed to the appropriate party and receives prompt attention. To structure the salutation, begin with the recipient’s title and name, use “through” to indicate the intermediary, and follow with any additional information that may be relevant. By using “through” in a formal letter, you can demonstrate an understanding of the hierarchy and structure of an organization, establish a sense of formality and respect, and help ensure that your letter is taken seriously and receives the attention it deserves.