The use of commas in formal (informal) letters

English as a Second Language English Vocabulary, Grammar and Idioms
1

Hi,

Could you please help me understand the use of commas in formal and informal letters?

Dear Ms Amy[color=red], (comma necessary or optional?)

Wishing you all the best[color=red], (comma necessary or optional?)

Looking forward to a favorable response[color=red], (comma necessary or optional?)

Take care[color=red], (comma necessary or optional?)

See ya[color=red], (comma necessary or optional?)

Bye for now[color=red], (comma necessary or optional?)

Many, many thanks in advance

Tom

2

Hi Tom

Well, keep in mind that informal writing is inherently far more flexible than formal writing, and people simply won’t care very much whether you use a comma or not. So, the commas you’re asking about would all be optional in an informal letter.

The use of a comma after the salutation is still quite normal in formal American letters. Sometimes a colon is used in business letters. I’ve heard that the current trend in the UK is to omit the comma after the salutation, but I guess a Brit ought to confirm that for you.

I’d say that the use of a comma after your final closing phrase (the one right before your name) is also still standard for formal letter in the US.
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3

Hi, Alan

Could I please know what your take is on my sentence?

Tom

4

Hi Tom,

In view of the frequent remarks about me and commas, I’ll go for total use of your commas.

Alan