Discussion Groups / ESL Teaching / May 2005

In offices, "Confidential" usually means that Mr Brown's secretary (or
another executive dealing with Mr Brown's affairs while Mr Brown is on
holiday) can open the letter, but not the general mail-room staff.

"Personal" means that the letter will usually be left unopened until Mr
Brown can deal with it himself. If Mr Brown is on holiday, this may mean
a delay of several weeks, or the letter might be forwarded to Mr Brown
at home. That would be inappropriate if you are writing about a
business-related matter. Sometimes people want to receive personal
letters at their office address.

"Private" can mean either of the above, depending on the policy in the
receiving organisation.

"Private and Confidential - Addressee Only" is about the strongest way
of indicating the letter should only be opened by the named person.

Owain