What is proper in addressing an envelope or writing about someone.

Question

I was taught that you never adddress some as Rev. Dr. Joe Blow that it should be Rev. Joe Blow, Phd     - Which is correct

BarbaraPA · Accepted Answer

Hello Pookie.

If you are speaking to him or about him, the Reverend Doctor Joseph Blow is fine.

I believe that most Reverend Doctors would have doctorates in divinity, not a Ph.D. but that could be a gross overgeneralization.

Clive · Answer

Hi,

I was taught that you never adddress some as Rev. Dr. Joe Blow that it should be Rev. Joe Blow, Phd - Which is correct

Either way is fine. However, for the latter way, make sure that he has a PhD. He might be some other kind of doctor, eg a medical doctor, a doctor of music, a doctor of laws. Clergymen with advanced degrees are often doctors of divinity. The correct abbreviation for these various doctorates can vary depending on the granting institution.

So, it's somewhat easier to just say Rev. Dr. I often see 'The Rev. Dr.'

Best wishes, Clive

Neeraj Jain · Answer

I have been taught that you never address a doctor as Dr. You address a doctor by his or her qualification.

Feebs11 · Answer

Neeraj JainI have been taught that you never address a doctor as Dr. You address a doctor by his or her qualification.

This is a new concept to me. As a matter of interest, could you give a couple of examples.

Neeraj Jain · Answer

Hi Feebs,

Just for your information, this is a concept in AmE.

BarbaraPA · Answer

It's a new concept for me too.

Can you give some examples?

Neeraj Jain · Answer

Well, I was taught that if a person is a post-graduate in medicine, you do not write Dr. ABC. Instead, you write, ABC, M.D.

BarbaraPA · Answer

Either one, but not both.

That is, Dr. Pat Smith, OR Pat Smith, M.D., but NOT Dr. Pat Smith, M.D.

What is proper in addressing an envelope or writing about someone.

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