Which element should be avoided in a formal business letter salutation?

In formal business letter writing, it is customary to maintain a level of professionalism and respect throughout the document. When addressing the recipient, using "Dear" followed by their surname is considered the appropriate format, as it conveys both formality and respect.

Using the recipient's full name in the salutation is also acceptable, but it can come across as overly familiar in a strictly professional context. Similarly, placing the salutation at the left margin aligns with traditional formatting guidelines.

The use of credentials after a name, such as "Dr." or "Mr.," is typically avoided in the salutation of a business letter. This is because adding titles or qualifications can make the salutation seem cumbersome or overly formal, potentially detracting from the straightforwardness of the communication. Maintaining simplicity and clarity in the salutation is essential for effective professional correspondence, making it best to limit use of additional titles in this context.