How do you address in a formal email when you only know their first names?
I emailed a new business partner not knowing who he/she is, so I first addressed in email "Dear Sir or Madam,". Then that person replied and ended his email with only first name (let's say, John). Now I need to reply again and I will have to be very formal because this is very important as I asked for his favor. How do I address not using "Dear John," because he's much older with the position and I'm still quite young. He did however only addressed to me by only first name.

If I put "Dear Mr. John," it wouldn't be correct because "Mr." is followed by last name.

Or just put "Dear Sir,"? "Dear John,"?

Please help.

Question

How do you address in a formal email when you only know their first names?
I emailed a new business partner not knowing who he/she is, so I first addressed in email "Dear Sir or Madam,".  Then that person replied and ended his email with only first name (let's say, John). Now I need to reply again and I will have to be very formal because this is very important as I asked for his favor. How do I address not using "Dear John," because he's much older with the position and I'm still quite young. He did however only addressed to me by only first name.

If I put "Dear Mr. John," it wouldn't be correct because "Mr." is followed by last name.

Or just put "Dear Sir,"?   "Dear John,"?

Please help.

Answer

"Dear Sir" is the go-to, but it's quite formal if he's already told you his name. I would probably still use it, or even Dear John might work. I'm sure he's not going to be offended, he is probably fairly laid back if he just used "John" and not his surname.

Answer

If he replied with simply "John" I think you would be safe to address your letter "Dear John."

Answer

Well, I don't know

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