To start an email, address the recipient with a formal greeting that includes an appropriate adjective (such as "Egregio," "Esimio," "Gentile," "Caro," "Carissimo," etc.) followed by a title (Dott. Rossi, Avvocato Rossi, Professor Rossi, etc.).
How to Begin an Email for a Company
When starting an email for a company, follow these steps:
- Formal emails often begin with an appropriate adjective (such as "Egregio," "Spettabile," or "Gentile"), followed by a title that identifies the recipient, such as "Sig./Sig.ra," which is an abbreviation for "Signore" or "Gentile."
How to Begin Correspondence When You Don’t Know the Recipient
When you don’t know the recipient, use more formal solutions, such as addressing them as "Splendido" or "Soddisfacente." These formal solutions are used when addressing someone you do not know or with whom you have an asymmetric relationship (a boss, an important client, a teacher).
Where to Focus in Correspondence
To draw attention in an email, write "ATT.NE" at the beginning of the subject line. You can write "ATT.NE: Mario Rossi" to achieve your goal. If you don’t know the name, you can type "ATT.NE: Responsabile delle Assunzioni" or "ATT.NE: Ufficio Marketing." This is the best way to attract attention in an email.
How to Write an Informal Email
When writing an informal correspondence, you can start with a more intimate relationship by simply saying "Ciao" or "Caro/a." Alternatively, you can use a funny phrase like "E invece eccomi qua, credevi che non mi sarei fatto più sentire" (And here I am, you thought I wouldn’t get in touch anymore).
The Best Way to Begin a Formal Letter
A formal letter always begins with "Egr.," which means "Egregio," if the recipient is an individual. After these short letters, it would be appropriate to add the recipient’s professional title. However, if the recipient is a company or firm, the letter always begins with "Spett."
How to Begin Writing a Formal Letter to a Company
The subject of the letter: sender and recipient:
- "Gentile" or "Gentile," suitable for individuals;
- "Spett.le," abbreviated as "Spett. le," used for companies or organizations;
- "Dottore," to address a graduate. The words "Dottore" and "Dottore" are different abbreviations.
How to Identify a Company
You can write "Spett. le" + the name of the company or professional if you are addressing a company or a professional.
How to Write a Message for a Company
As a result, we have come to the conclusion that an effective business email should:
- Use understandable language;
- Capture the recipient’s attention from the subject;
- Be clear about its objective;
- Be sent in the early days of the week and around 11 a.m.;
- Be concise and focused.
How to Begin a Formal Correspondence in English Without a Recipient
If you do not know the recipient’s name, use "Dear Sir/Madam." Use this simple and polite opening formula when addressing someone for the first time to ensure you start the letter with the right tone. You can use "Dear Mr./Mrs. Smith" if you do not know the recipient’s name.