When addressing a professor is it appropriate to say Good morning, or Good afternoon, in an email? Also, I believe the second word is not capitalized in an opening salutation (& also the closing i.e. Thank you,). Am I correct?

Question

When addressing a professor is it appropriate to say Good morning, or Good afternoon, in an email?  Also, I believe the second word is not capitalized in an opening salutation (& also the closing i.e. Thank you,).  Am I correct?

anonymous · Answer

I always write "Dear Prof. [last name]," If you want to appear less formal, then writing "Hello Prof. [last name]," is also allowed and should not cause you any problems. Avoid "Hi". If you have a somewhat "uptight" prof., then you will be better off writing "Dear". I actually had one academic professor who wanted to be addressed with his first name. Also: remember to write your course number in the subject of your e-mail.

anonymous · Answer

Thanks!  Also, can you address my 2nd question ...Is it Good Morning, or Good morning?  It feels right in the closing to put Sincerely yours, or Thank you, but it does not look right to NOT capitalize the 2nd word in the opening salutation.  Thanks again!

anonymous · Answer

It is "Good morning". You would write "Good Morning" if it were a title of something. In the closing, I would suggest you to write "With best regards". If you want to add "Thank you", then you could do that... or perhaps "Thank you in advance"?