Question

Identify the kind of letter for which the following is appropriate:
Dear John,

• A. formal
• B. informal
• C. semi-formal
• D. business

Answer 1

Answer: (B), (C)

The correct options are
B informal
C semi-formal

We use the salutation 'Dear .....' to address the person who is receiving the letter. Such a salutation is most commonly used in informal letters as they are more conversational in nature and shows a friendly association between the sender and the receiver of the letter. It is also rarely used in semi-informal letters as the contents of such a letter is not expected to be strictly formal. Hence options B and C are the correct answers.

Options A and D are incorrect because formal and business letters require a more proper and official salutation to be in tune with the content of the letter.