Open vs.

Closed Punctuation
Using the wrong style of punctuation in the wrong context
can cost you a job interview or credibility among your
coworkers and peers. When you use correct punctuation in
the right context, it signals that you have an eye for detail,
care about professionalism and are capable of
communicating effectively. There are two types of
punctuation that are used in different contexts: open
punctuation and closed punctuation. Knowing how and when
to use each of these styles will prove useful in your personal
and professional life.

Open Punctuation
Open punctuation uses fewer terminal punctuation marks -periods and other marks that denote the end of a sentence -as well as fewer commas than closed punctuation. When you
think of open punctuation, monopoly is the name of the
game. When using open style, dont use periods in
abbreviations, acronyms or times of day. Avoid using commas
where one is optional in a sentence, such as the Oxford
comma -- the comma before the conjunction in a list. When in
doubt, remove the comma.

When to Use

Most commonly, open punctuation is used for business and

cover letters, but only when it is specifically indicated that
open style is preferred. When writing such a letter, don't
include commas in any of the addresses, dates or titles of
individuals. Omit the comma after the salutary greeting -- as
in To Whom It May Concern -- with no comma or colon
afterward. If you're writing a business or cover letter in open
style, use block style -- don't indent any of your paragraphs,
but rather, your text should be left-justified.

Open Punctuation Examples

When writing in open punctuation style, omit periods and

commas in several places. Remember that when using open

punctuation, you do not use punctuation in times of day or

dates. Don't use periods in "am" or "pm." Don't use periods
or commas in nicknames, addresses or a person's title. For
example, you would say, "AJ Green PhD" instead of "A.J.
Green, Ph.D." When writing an address in an open style
letterhead you would do so as follows: Applegrove Business
LLC PO Box 58 SPRINGFIELD

Closed Punctuation
In contrast to open punctuation, closed punctuation uses
commas and periods in a strict manner. Closed punctuation is
what youd typically learn and use in an English classroom.
With abbreviations, introductory greetings or a letter closing,
you use commas and periods. For example, when you write
Dear Mr. Jones, or sign a letter Sincerely, youd use a
comma after both phrases, as opposed to open punctuation.

When to Use

Closed punctuation is used in everyday situations, scholarly

writing and business writing, unless a posting or business
specifically asks for letters to be written in open punctuation.
When using closed punctuation, use periods in times of day
such as "a.m." Use periods in abbreviations of degrees, a
person's title or degree and when using acronyms. For
example, you would use periods in instances such as "Ph.D."
and "P.O. Box."

Closed Punctuation Examples

In contrast to open punctuation, closed punctuation calls for

an abundance of periods and commas. When you denote
times of day, use periods in "a.m." and "p.m." Likewise, when
referring to nicknames, titles and degrees, use periods and
commas. For example, you would say "A.J. Green, Ph.D." and
not "AJ Green PhD." It's the exact opposite of open
punctuation style. When writing an address for a letterhead,
you would do so as follows: Applegrove Business, LLC P.O.
Box 58 SPRINGFIELD.