DEAR SUN SPOTS: I am seeking the help of a good Samaritan in identifying a vehicle from a traffic accident.

At about 7:50 a.m. on July 9 I was traveling north in the far right lane on Center Street in Auburn when a large white utility vehicle swerved into my lane, hitting my gold Lexus on the driver’s side door and mirror.

The driver left the scene. I could not pursue, as I had to stop at a traffic light further up on Center Street near the turn for Veterans Bridge.

I am looking for witnesses to contact the Auburn Police Department. Please refer to case number 14AUB-542-AC.

I appreciate your help. Thank you. — MaryAnne Armstrong, maarmstrong@roadrunner.com

DEAR SUN SPOTS: So many of the old rules of etiquette, writing, grammar, etc., have changed that it seems few people care anymore about doing things “right.” Even those of us who still want to know the proper way to make a good appearance can scarcely be sure of what that might be now.

Many years ago my commercial English teacher taught us the proper form for writing business letters. On the right was the writer’s address, with the date under it. Next, against the left margin was the “inside address” of the addressee. The entire letter was written according to rule.

There does not seem to be one correct form used anymore. I get some letters with everything lined up against the left margin, no indented paragraphs or skipped lines, etc. But that form is not consistent.

I also never know what to use as a greeting. If I don’t know the name of the person or whether it is a man or a woman, I can’t say “Gentlemen.” “Gentleman or Ladies” seems awkward, and “Friends” too informal. “To Whom It May Concern” seems out of place, too.

Also, is there a correct ending these days? “Sincerely” is for a friendly letter, and the old “Yours Truly” seems so old-fashioned and stilted.

Would you be able to find out what is being taught these days, if anything? — No Name, Manchester

ANSWER: First, Sun Spots must congratulate you on receiving letters. She rarely gets one these days, other than from direct marketers.

Second, she must kindly correct your use of quotation marks; they should go outside of periods or commas at all times, no matter the meaning of the phrase. Only colons and semi-colons go outside the quotes. This is the American style. The English do it differently, including reversing single and double quotes.

As for letter writing, Sun Spots suspects that business teachers are focusing much more on correcting emailing, which is the most common means of communication these days. However, an online search did turn up some directions on letter writing. You might want to check out Purdue University’s Online Writing Lab: https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/653/01/

As for the format of the letter, Sun Spots was taught to line everything up on the left, in the block style. The OWL website also refers to the modified block (date and closing centered) and the less frequently used semi-block (each paragraph indented) styles.

As for salutations, if you don’t know the person’s name, “To Whom It May Concern” is perfectly acceptable, as is “Dear Sir or Madam.” Some letters have no salutation at all. Alternatively, Purdue’s OWL suggests using the job title, if known, such as “Dear Manager.” 

In closing, “Sincerely” is not too friendly and can be used in most circumstances. Sun Spots doesn’t have a problem with “Yours Truly” either. You could also use “Thank You” as a closing.

One of the many changes in modern society is that there is often no longer a “right way” to do many things — rather “how” is dictated by circumstances. If you write a polite, correctly spelled, neatly written letter, few people will dun you.

Perhaps a local teacher will have something to say about what is being taught, or will be taught, once school starts. 

This column is for you, our readers. It is for your questions and comments. There are only two rules: You must write to the column and sign your name (we won’t use it if you ask us not to). Please include your phone number. Letters will not be returned or answered by mail, and telephone calls will not be accepted. Your letters will appear as quickly as space allows. Address them to Sun Spots, P.O. Box 4400, Lewiston, ME 04243-4400. Inquiries can also be emailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com.

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