The Comma has a power for greater than its humble looks might suggest. We are understanding Comma Courtesy in Business emails. A misplaced one can change the meaning and tone of the message, which can cause confusion and undesired consequences.

So let’s go over the two most important uses for commas in business emails –

1)    Comma and Salutations –

A business email starts with salutations. And salutation ends with comma, right?

Wrong. In business emails, the most important formal way of ending salutations is with a colon (:). So instead of “Dear Rahul,” you should write “Dear Rahul:” and then continue with the body of the message.

In business email, where the utmost formality is not necessary, the colon is not required. In these cases, use a comma at the end of salutation. And if you are unsure, play it safe and end with colon.

2)    Commas, Coordinating conjunctions, and semicolons –

The most common coordinating conjunctions are, and, or, nor, so, but, yet and for. We use them to connect elements in a sentence that are grammatically similar, such as two verbs, two nouns, two modifiers, or two independent clauses.

A conjunction can be used to start a sentence. In which case, it usually shouldn’t be followed by a comma. Example –

•  But in last quarter we have seen an increase in consumer activity.
•  Yet I also knew there was truth in it, that it was proximity in time I left.

If a coordinating conjunction is placed in a list of two items, there is no need to use a comma before it. Examples –

• The department that had most of the activity were toy stores and gift shops.
• I love chocolate, yet I need not eat chocolate ice cream

They are a couple of simple guidelines for using commas in business emails. With these in mind, you can stop worrying about offering your business associates by accidentally sending them informal emails. You will also enhance the clarity of your writing.

But remember, the comma is a powerful; you should study in detail, the Comma Courtesy in Business emails.