Can you help me in writing a formal email?
Hello. I have to write an email to a professor I will probably meet next year who teaches in a university abroad. I quite always wrote unformal emails in English, usually starting with "Dear ___", but in my language it sounds a bit inappropriate for this situation. Is it the same in English? And if so, how can I start this kind of emails? Which forms are commonly used in these situations?

Question

Answer

To use "Dear Mr. _______" (or Mrs.) is the correct form of address for a formal letter in the U.S. and Canada. I believe it is also correct in the UK. If you truly feel uncomfortable using this word, however, you can substitute "Esteemed Mr. _____" in its place. However, this is usually considered too formal for an email and is not as commonly used.

Answer

If you know the professor's name, then Dear _____ is a common, recognized, salutation in English.  It shows respect and should be used if you are writing a formal letter or e-mail to the professor.  Among good friends or family, unstructured rules can apply.