|
Thank you very much for the motivational words 
It does not solve my Problem, but it answers my question
modified 19-Jan-21 21:04pm.
|
|
|
|
|
I am a native English speaker. I also speak fluent Spanish and OK French. I'm trying to start Nepali, since my son-in-law is from Nepal. I studied Russian for a year, but don't speak it.
English is a horrible language. There are so many exceptions and the way it is spelled will drive a Zen master insane.
Change of subject. I speak fluent Spanish, but I can't imagine taking a university course in Spanish. I greatly admire any non native English speaker taking English College courses. They are amazing.
|
|
|
|
|
Member 12415033 wrote: They
What ... the rays of admiration?
|
|
|
|
|
Richard MacCutchan wrote: But I think you should be safe with "Ms".
This is correct, as I was taught in far too many English Composition courses over the eons. Alternatively, you can skip the salutation entirely and instead simply state her full name, e.g. "Dear Susan Jones." These days you'll find more and more official correspondence (bills, etc.) use this approach.
|
|
|
|
|
It's a little complicated, but...
If you don't know and she hasn't told you, then I'd start with Ms unless she comments, or says "call me Sue". It's a "marital status neutral" term like Mr, so it's less likely to give any offence.
Bad command or file name. Bad, bad command! Sit! Stay! Staaaay...
AntiTwitter: @DalekDave is now a follower!
|
|
|
|
|
Thank you very much. Does it means Mrs could have been offence?
It does not solve my Problem, but it answers my question
modified 19-Jan-21 21:04pm.
|
|
|
|
|
Probably not - but it's similar to the Frau / Fraulein in German: some ladies object to assumptions of marital status so it's "safer" to use neutral terms. German went all "Frau", English moved more away from "Mrs" to the new "more feminist" "Ms".
Bad command or file name. Bad, bad command! Sit! Stay! Staaaay...
AntiTwitter: @DalekDave is now a follower!
|
|
|
|
|
I'm with Griff, on this one.
1. For formal letters to an individuals, it was "Mr." or "Ms." and last name. No knowledge of marital status necessary--"Miss" was already out the door (typing class from 30+ years ago)
2. For mixed groups (male, female) audience, use "Ladies and Gentlemen," (military knocked this one in my head)
3. If you're _sure_ it's going to be a male- or femal-only audience, "Gentlemen," or "Ladies,", respectively. (again, military).
All of these are, at their base, built on older views on how societies work. OTOH, they generally get me through all the more common sticky wickets.
vuolsi così colà dove si puote
ciò che si vuole, e più non dimandare
--The answer to Minos and any question of "Why are we doing it this way?"
|
|
|
|
|
0x01AA wrote: How should I address a woman in a business letter / mail:
Jane Doe,
It has come to our attention that you want to buy the
Acme Manufacturing Plant and we would be happy to
discuss terms.
Sincerely,
|
|
|
|
|
A good solution. But name somebody by his/her Name even it is pre/sur is very personal... at least in german speaking europe; I'm aware, we are too conservative 
It does not solve my Problem, but it answers my question
modified 19-Jan-21 21:04pm.
|
|
|
|
|
Hey hey mama, 
No, just go with Ms. and you'll generally not come under condemnation. Those who would prefer being called Mrs. will usually tell you politely where those who prefer Ms. might burn your house down for the wrong salutation.
|
|
|
|
|
Thank you
It does not solve my Problem, but it answers my question
modified 19-Jan-21 21:04pm.
|
|
|
|
|
Yes, the name Leslie can be a tough one, being an androgynous name, like Pat, or Jordan. If you know the first name, it's best just to address them as such and leave off the last name...unless you live in the Southern US, where it is proper to put a Mr. or Ms. before the first name, usually for older folks.
So either Leslie, or Ms. Leslie...unless it's a guy, then it's Leslie, or Mr. Leslie, or just Les, depending on how well you now him...but don't call him Ray! 
"Go forth into the source" - Neal Morse
|
|
|
|
|
Thank you very much for your help
It does not solve my Problem, but it answers my question
modified 19-Jan-21 21:04pm.
|
|
|
|
|
Generally speaking, Leslie is male and Lesley is the female version. That used to be almost always the case; these days you occasionally find exceptions but I suspect they are often spelling errors on the part of the parent or registrar!
In the UK at least it would be very strange to be addressed as Mr Fred, or Ms Susan (without a surname). Confuses the formality of a title with the informality of a first name. When we see it we generally assume the writer is not a native English speaker. We see it most in spam emails and also hear it in calls from Indian call centres...
Of course, if you're writing a letter of complaint, a good salutation is the firm but simple
Sir,
|
|
|
|
|
It's safer to use "Ms." as it's valid for both "Miss" and "Mrs."
/ravi
|
|
|
|
|
Thanks a lot
It does not solve my Problem, but it answers my question
modified 19-Jan-21 21:04pm.
|
|
|
|
|
That's exactly what we learned in English class at school.
Disclaimer: At least officially, we wer taught "British" English. Maybe the use of Ms is different in American English.
|
|
|
|
|
Member 7989122 wrote: At least officially, we wer [sic] taught "British" English.
Me too.
Member 7989122 wrote: Maybe the use of Ms is different in American English.
'Tis the same. 
/ravi
|
|
|
|
|
0x01AA wrote: How should I address a woman in a business letter / mail:
Mrs or Ms?
I'd go with:
Dear Sir/Madam:
I'm retired. There's a nap for that...
- Harvey
|
|
|
|
|
Thank you, sounds very formal but good.
It does not solve my Problem, but it answers my question
modified 19-Jan-21 21:04pm.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You said you'd written to her before, so presumably she has replied to you. How did she sign it? Ms, Mrs or Jane?
First contact should be Dear Sir/Madam, or Dear Ms Doe. Subsequent contact use whatever she signs off as.
|
|
|
|
|
Thank you. She sign pre/second Name.
It does not solve my Problem, but it answers my question
modified 19-Jan-21 21:04pm.
|
|
|
|
|
Simple solutions are:
Just use their first name
Dr/Prof (overstating their qualifications/flattery never does any harm!)
Lady/Highness - good for grovelling/being sarcastic
However we really need a modern, polite term to address a person of any gender/martial status with or without a name. Bit like the old 'Dear Sir'
Perhaps
Dear Hum (as in Human)
Dear Sap (as in Homo Sapiens and has the benefit of annoying any Neanderthals still around)
or my favourite
Dear XYX - covers nearly everyone
|
|
|
|
General 
News 
Suggestion 
Question 
Bug 
Answer 
Joke 
Praise 
Rant 
Admin 
Submit an article or tip
