It may sound stupid..but..

Mr is used as title before the family name.

sir is used as polite way to speak to a man.

Not *explain me the difference! Say explain the difference or explain the difference to me.

Mr.

Hi guys,

Sir is also used in Britain with a name -- for someone who has been knighted. At least that's my understanding of it. Verify the exact usage with someone from England. Yes.

Also, student to male teacher (unless discipline in modern schools has slipped even more than I am aware of).

Hi everybody!!

CalifJim thanks for your correction!I always forget that types of structure!
Thanks all of y

Also, student to male teacher (unless discipline in modern schools has slipped even more than I am aware of).
I've lived in the U.S. all my life and attended U.S. schools and universities, and I can count on the fingers of one hand the number of times I have personally witnessed this usage!

CJ

Hi,

Then it's a British thing, and very probably out-moded there, too. Nona, what do you say?

This was part of my school-life. What do US high-school kids say now, CJ? Just 'Mr. Smith?'

Best wishes, Clive

Yes, Mr. X, Mrs. X, Miss X.

In college it ranges between Professor X (if he/she has a professorship), Dr. X (if he/she has a doctorate), Mr. X, and just a first name. Several of my professors within the last two years have asked that the students call them by their first names. (One wonders. Is it possible to create a society that's too egalitarian?)

CJ

PuccaIt may sound stupid..but can someone explain me the difference between Sir and Mr.??
Maybe the is no difference but I´d like to know if there is any!

Thanks in advance!!

Hi, Pucca. The only "stupid" question is the one not asked.

'Sir' and 'Miss' are still used in schools here but usually only if you don't know the teacher's name. They are still used sometimes in class, just because it's a lot quicker to say 'sir' than 'Mr. McKenzie' as a way of calling for your teacher's attention, and kids are lazy like that! I don't think it's really a matter of showing respect (although perhaps the teachers like to think it is). It doe

count on the fingers of one hand the number of times I have personally witnessed this usage!
Is it correct to say, "count with/ by the fingers of one hand the number of times I have personally witnessed this usage?"

If not, could u explain why?

Thanks a lot!