JS Tip 528: Questions and Answers

We often ask, “If you have questions, let us know.”

You have questions. You’ve let us know. We have answers. (Just like RadioShack.) 

Commas in Salutations

Bibiana Appleby asked “How about putting a comma after a salutation? Would that be formal or informal?”

We suggest that would be personal: 

Dear Mom and Dad, 

Sis, 

Dude, 

Formal takes a colon: 

The Honorable Members of the Court:

Your Holiness: 

Senator Jones: 

Business informal takes a dash: 

Blanche—

Stanley—

Stella—

Conversational Language

Sean Bivens suggested we talk about “Let me know” versus “Please advise”:  

It irks me when I get an email that says, “please advise.” To me, it’s impersonal and sounds like someone trying to be overly professional (or passive-aggressive). I think we can communicate the same message by simply saying “let me know.”

Agreed. 

Our default tone in almost all communication should be conversational language, the language we use when we talk with one another. 

Can you imagine anyone saying, “Please advise”? Umm. Nope. We’d laugh out loud. 

“That” and “Which” 

Anthony Donovan asked about “that” and “which”:

Somewhere back in my history, I was taught to use “that” rather than “which.” My wife tells me to use “which.”

Notice how you introduced your concern: “Somewhere back in my history.” 

You’re right. It was back in history. Long ago, there was a difference between the two. But the difference has faded. 

Both are correct now. The Chicago Manual of Style says so: “which can be substituted for that,” (Section 6.22). So don’t worry. 

Next week, we’ll have some thoughts about Memorial Day. Then we’ll begin a series on making sense of—ugh—grammar. Yikes.  

“How’s your grammar?”

“She’s fine, thank you. She’s moved to Arizona.” 

Ah, we love this stuff.