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Guest Posted 22 years ago
Letter Writing

Adressing a letter when you don't know the title

Hi everybody,

I am not a native English speaker and I have a question about addressing an academic letter. Presuming I have to write an email (or letter) to somebody I've never met before and the chance of them being a Dr. (have PhD) is fairy high, do I address it

Dear Dr. Smith, or
Dear Mr. Smith or
Dear John Smith or just
Hello.

It is surprising how often it is impossible to find out person's title.

Thank you very much!
  

Top answer

Hello, Dear John Smith is OK; however, in the context of his academic work - you’re writing an academic letter – I doubt that it’s impossible to find his title. It may only be difficult or inconvenient. I mean, it’s important to take the trouble if you move in that world yourself.

  • Hello, Dear John Smith is OK; however, in the context of his academic work - you’re writing an academic letter – I doubt that it’s impossible to find his title.
  • It may only be difficult or inconvenient.
  • I mean, it’s important to take the trouble if you move in that world yourself.
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3 Answers
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Hello,

Dear John Smith is OK; however, in the context of his academic work - you’re writing an academic letter – I doubt that it’s impossible to find his title. It may only be difficult or inconvenient. I mean, it’s important to take the trouble if you move in that world yourself.
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Dear Mr Smith Esq is commonly used to address people without titles, very popular amond lawyers.
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In the U.S., you should not use "Esquire" unless the person is an attorney.

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