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Bubr Posted 23 years ago
Letter Writing

Addressing a person

Hello!

I am communicating with a person in the U.S. who is about 40, and holds a university professor position, while I am a prospective student. Usually he would address me with 'Hi, MyFirstName!', and he has signed in many ways - from the official 4-line signature to simply his first name. Does it mean that he expects me to address him with only first name, too? Or I should better continue with the formal 'Dear Mr. FamilyName'? Is it ok to use 'Mr.' to address a professor at all, or 'Prof.' is better?

Thanks in advance.
Bubr.
  

Top answer

Hello Bubr, I will pretend that his name is Bill Smith for these examples. I think that you should use Dear Prof. Smith for now, and wait to let him tell you if he wants you to use Dear Bill .

  • Hello Bubr, I will pretend that his name is Bill Smith for these examples.
  • I think that you should use Dear Prof.
  • Smith for now, and wait to let him tell you if he wants you to use Dear Bill .
  • I say this because it could never be rude to use Dear Prof.
  • Smith , but could possibly create small problems to use Dear Bill or Hi Bill .
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2 Answers
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Hello Bubr,

I will pretend that his name is Bill Smith for these examples.

I think that you should use Dear Prof. Smith for now,
and wait to let him tell you if he wants you to use Dear Bill.

I say this because it could never be rude to use Dear Prof. Smith,
but could possibly create small problems to use Dear Bill or Hi Bill
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Thank you Trellis!

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