How do I address a letter that involves different titles?

Question

Although this has been addressed before, I have a twist on the common "how do I address a letter" problem. If you are writing to a couple and the WOMAN is a doctor and the MALE has no title, would you say Mr. and Dr. Smith or Dr. and Mr. Smith, etc.? Also, if I am addressing a professor that is also a doctor, how do I handle that scenario?

Your help is appreciated.

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

Mr. John and Dr. Mary Smith

Clive · Answer

Hi,
Although this has been addressed before, I have a twist on the common "how do I address a letter" problem. If you are writing to a couple and the WOMAN is a doctor and the MALE has no title, would you say Mr. and Dr. Smith or Dr. and Mr. Smith, etc.? Also, if I am addressing a professor that is also a doctor, how do I handle that scenario?

I don't think there are many hard and fast rules about such things today, as we live in an increasingly informal age. In bygone times, people used to consult etiquette books about such matters.

Here are a few random comments.

Much depends on the situation. eg do you know their first names or not?

Are you writing a personal or business letter?

Some people would argue that the man would come before the woman in the sequence, others might suggest it be by grandness of title (eg Dr. Mary and Mr. John Smith'.

Often, you can consult a letter or other documant written by them that shows their preference.

If you get it wrong, I don't think they will throw your letter in the garbage.

Even if you write to them as simply 'Dear Sirs', it is unlikely to cause trouble.

Some professors like to be Professor Smith, others Dr. Smith.

Best wishes, Clive

How do I address a letter that involves different titles?

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