To whom it may concern

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "To whom it may concern" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in formal correspondence when the recipient is unknown or when addressing a group rather than a specific individual. Example: "To whom it may concern, I am writing to express my interest in the job opening at your company."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"To whom it may concern," the first began.

The New York Times

"To whom it may concern, from the fifth quarter of the Globe," it is inscribed.

The Guardian

"To whom it may concern?" I've been lost for as long as I can remember.

The Guardian - Books

To whom it may concern: I'm writing on behalf of Joey Whatever.

The New York Times

To whom it may concern tommrow night, after tonights show, ive decided to have some strippers over to edens 2c.

The New Yorker

To whom it may concern: I know Mr. Tangorra as long as my son has known him.

The New York Times

To whom it may concern: you may be interested to know that there is no period after Dr in any of the Dr Pepper brands.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

To whom it may concern: I am writing this letter on behalf of my husband, Joseph Tangorra, who has been denied bail on alleged charges.

The New York Times

To whom it may concern, This is to inform you that we, Anonymous, are organizing an Operation called "Payback is a bitch".

TechCrunch

To whom it may concern...I think I'M READY! #JT2013 http://t.co/qdCDVTSR.

Huffington Post

To whom it may concern, I leave my human life to you.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "To whom it may concern", ensure that the tone of the rest of your correspondence remains formal and professional.

Common error

Avoid using "To whom it may concern" when a specific recipient can be identified. Using a generic salutation when a name is available indicates a lack of effort and can detract from your message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "To whom it may concern" serves as a formal salutation in written communication. It is used to address a letter, email, or other document when the sender does not know the name or title of the intended recipient. As Ludwig confirms, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Academia

33%

Formal & Business

33%

Less common in

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "To whom it may concern" is a formal salutation used when the recipient of a communication is unknown. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While it remains a valid option, modern best practices suggest personalizing correspondence whenever possible to avoid appearing impersonal. Consider alternatives like "Dear Sir or Madam" or "To the relevant party", but prioritize direct contact when names can be found. This phrase is common across News & Media, Academia and Formal & Business.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

To the esteemed members

A very formal and respectful way to address a committee or board.

Dear Sir or Madam

A classic formal salutation when the recipient's name and gender are unknown.

To the addressee

Direct and concise, suitable when the recipient is truly unknown.

To the relevant party

A more direct approach, suitable when addressing a specific department or group.

To the appropriate person

Similar to "To the relevant party" but slightly more personal.

Greetings

A simple and neutral salutation, less formal than "To whom it may concern".

Good day

A polite and general greeting suitable for various contexts.

Dear colleagues

Appropriate when addressing a group of known associates or team members.

Hello

An informal greeting, suitable for less formal correspondence.

Dear Hiring Manager

Specific to job applications, targeting the person responsible for hiring.

FAQs

When is it appropriate to use "To whom it may concern"?

Use "To whom it may concern" in formal letters or emails when you do not know the name of the person you are addressing. It's often used in cover letters, general inquiries, or complaints when the specific recipient is unknown.

What are some alternatives to "To whom it may concern"?

Alternatives include "Dear Sir or Madam", "To the relevant party", or "Greetings". The best choice depends on the context and the level of formality required.

Is "To whom it may concern" outdated?

While "To whom it may concern" is still grammatically correct and acceptable, it can sound impersonal. If possible, try to find the name of the person you need to contact. Using a specific name is always preferable.

Can I use "To whom it may concern" in a casual email?

It's best to avoid "To whom it may concern" in casual emails. In informal communication, a simple "Hello" or "Hi" is more appropriate. If you don't know the person's name, consider using "Greetings" or addressing a group, like "Dear Team".