Using Commas in Letters and Emails

Khan Academy

This video provides a clear and concise grammar lesson on how to correctly use commas in correspondence, specifically within letters and emails. The narrators, David and Paige, demonstrate the proper placement of commas in two key areas: the greeting (salutation) and the closing (valediction). Using handwritten examples on a digital whiteboard, they visually break down the structure of a standard letter to show exactly where punctuation belongs. The lesson explores the mechanics of separating introductory phrases from the body of a message and closing phrases from a signature. Beyond just the punctuation rules, the video introduces specific terminology—"salutation" and "valediction"—and briefly touches on their etymological roots, connecting them to concepts of saying "hello" and "goodbye." For educators, this resource serves as an excellent primer or review for units on letter writing or functional writing skills. It is particularly useful for teaching students the structural conventions of formal and informal communication, ensuring they can compose professional and grammatically correct emails and letters. The visual annotations make the abstract rules concrete and easy to follow for learners.