Dear Sir vs Dear Mr

Both 'dear sir' and 'dear Mr.' are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Dear sir' is a formal and respectful way to address a man in a professional setting when you do not know his name. 'Dear Mr.' is used when you know the person's last name and want to address them formally.

Last updated: March 31, 2024 • 833 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in formal settings to address a man when you do not know his name.

"Dear Sir"

Use 'dear sir' to address a man in a formal and respectful manner when you do not know his name, especially in professional settings.

Examples:

Dear sir, I am writing to inquire about the job opening.
Dear sir, thank you for your prompt response.
Dear sir, I appreciate your assistance in this matter.
Dear sir, please find attached the requested documents.
Dear sir, I apologize for the inconvenience caused.

Show examples from the web [+]

Dear Sir, only you and three other people were able to resolve the puzzle.
Dear Sir, you talk too lightly of an art you don't understand.
Dear Sir, I don't care.
Well then... Moucheboume Dear Sir, Space...
Dear Sir Pitt, dearest Miss Crawley, it's true.
Dear Sir Dinsdale, do forgive us for dropping in.
Dear Sir, What you write about the Socialist Patients' Collective (SPK) is completely false.
The process to get to make the sculpture was interesting, because I wrote to Balsara, who produces that air freshener called Odonil, saying, Dear Sir, I am an artist.
Dear Sir, it frequently happens we are unknown and strangers to ourselves and our identity travels, so to speak, incognito.
Dear Sir, Having learned of your courageous endeavor to visit the land of the Bolsheviks, we are sending you some New York magazines that depict the barbarous state of Russia today.
'Dear Sir, I am planning to walk across the Australian desert, from Alice Springs to the Indian Ocean... a distance of 2,000 miles.'
The process to get to make the sculpture was interesting, because I wrote to Balsara, who produces that air freshener called Odonil, saying, Dear Sir, I am an artist. This is my catalogue.
Thank you for your interest! Your IFS Team Dear Sir or Madame, please consider: A registration for the database is exclusivly possible for auditors, retailers and authorities!
Flamenco, Madrid, My dear sir.
My dear sir, I really am most awfully sorry.
You and your dear Sir Robert?
Don't worry, my dear sir.
Dear sir, you have received the answer last week.
I only get "dear sir"...
Dear sir... I already explained...

Alternatives:

Dear Madam
Dear Sir or Madam
To whom it may concern
Dear Hiring Manager
Dear Recruiter

This phrase is correct and commonly used when you know the person's last name and want to address them formally.

"Dear Mr"

Use 'dear Mr.' followed by the person's last name to address a man formally when you know his name.

Examples:

Dear Mr. Smith, I am writing to confirm our meeting.
Dear Mr. Johnson, thank you for considering my application.
Dear Mr. Brown, I appreciate your feedback on the project.
Dear Mr. Lee, please let me know your availability.
Dear Mr. Patel, I look forward to hearing from you.

Show examples from the web [+]

Dear Mr. Longo: This is Michael Finkel.
Dear Mr Hartmann I accept your invitation with pleasure.
Dear Mr Cox, congratulations on your victory.
Dear Mr Tomlinson, there were more of us present during the budgetary guidelines debate which was held this year in Strasbourg.
Dear Mr. Knuckleboy, sir.
Dear Mr. Stevens: You will be surprised to hear from me after all this time.
Dear Mr Winkelmann, I'm so sorry.
Dear Mr. Deister, I must talk to you about my brother.
Dear Mr Lomax, I was a member of the Imperial Japanese Army.
Dear Mr. Poet, I'm in Istanbul.
Dear Mr. Thiess... recent incidents and tenants' complaints... compel us to regard you as being in breach...
It said, Dear Mr Brenner. I think you need these lovebirds after all.
"Dear Mr Butler, I swear I saw one of them"robbers yesterday in my local shop.
"Dear Mr. Bradley, what is up with all the rabbits"...
"Dear Mr. Bandini,"I would rather not publish this latest effort of yours just now.
Dear Mr. Darren Sproles, my name is Ellie MacArthur, and I would like to invite you to my Sadie Hawkins dance.
"Dear Mr. Waters..."I am writing to thank you for your electronic correspondence.
Dear Mr. Knudsen, - I was delighted to hear of your company's interest in relocating to Cleveland.
Dear Mr. Rockefeller, this $72,000 is the remainder of my insurance settlement.
Dear Mr. Devlin, I did the best I could, but it wasn't good enough.

Alternatives:

Dear Mrs.
Dear Ms.
Dear Dr.
Dear Professor
Dear Sir or Madam

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Dear Sir vs Dear Mr

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