kadioguy Key Member Joined Mar 4, 2017 Member Type Student or Learner Native Language Chinese Home Country Taiwan Current Location Taiwan Jan 25, 2020 #1 to whom it may concern ---- Can I take this phrase to mean "(this letter was (or is?) written) to whom it may concern"? What do you think?
to whom it may concern ---- Can I take this phrase to mean "(this letter was (or is?) written) to whom it may concern"? What do you think?
emsr2d2 Moderator Staff member Joined Jul 28, 2009 Member Type English Teacher Native Language British English Home Country UK Current Location UK Jan 25, 2020 #2 This letter is addressed/directed to the person best placed to deal with it (but I don't know their name). Last edited: Jan 25, 2020
This letter is addressed/directed to the person best placed to deal with it (but I don't know their name).
kadioguy Key Member Thread starter Joined Mar 4, 2017 Member Type Student or Learner Native Language Chinese Home Country Taiwan Current Location Taiwan Jan 25, 2020 #3 emsr2d2 said: This letter is addressed/directed to the person best placed to deal with it (but I don't know their name). Click to expand... Thank you, emsr2d2. Now I know it can mean that (this letter is addressed/directed) to whom it may concern.
emsr2d2 said: This letter is addressed/directed to the person best placed to deal with it (but I don't know their name). Click to expand... Thank you, emsr2d2. Now I know it can mean that (this letter is addressed/directed) to whom it may concern.
G GoesStation No Longer With Us (RIP) Joined Dec 22, 2015 Member Type Interested in Language Native Language American English Home Country United States Current Location United States Jan 25, 2020 #4 kadioguy said: Now I know it can mean that (this letter is addressed/directed) to whom it may concern. Click to expand... It always means "This letter is addressed to whichever person is best able to handle my request". ("Can" was the wrong verb above.)
kadioguy said: Now I know it can mean that (this letter is addressed/directed) to whom it may concern. Click to expand... It always means "This letter is addressed to whichever person is best able to handle my request". ("Can" was the wrong verb above.)
teechar Moderator Staff member Joined Feb 18, 2015 Member Type English Teacher Native Language English Home Country Iraq Current Location Iraq Jan 25, 2020 #5 I don't understand your question. Are you asking about the "to" or the "whom it may concern"?
T tedmc VIP Member Joined Apr 16, 2014 Member Type Interested in Language Native Language Chinese Home Country Malaysia Current Location Malaysia Jan 26, 2020 #6 The phrase is used to address to the receiver who is not known. It is commonly used in a testimonial.
The phrase is used to address to the receiver who is not known. It is commonly used in a testimonial.
kadioguy Key Member Thread starter Joined Mar 4, 2017 Member Type Student or Learner Native Language Chinese Home Country Taiwan Current Location Taiwan Jan 26, 2020 #7 teechar said: I don't understand your question. Are you asking about the "to" or the "whom it may concern"? Click to expand... I assume that the structure of the phrase is "to + noun clause (whom it may concern)", so I am asking the question to check whether my thought is correct.
teechar said: I don't understand your question. Are you asking about the "to" or the "whom it may concern"? Click to expand... I assume that the structure of the phrase is "to + noun clause (whom it may concern)", so I am asking the question to check whether my thought is correct.
teechar Moderator Staff member Joined Feb 18, 2015 Member Type English Teacher Native Language English Home Country Iraq Current Location Iraq Jan 26, 2020 #8 Yes, your understanding is correct.