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Gabriel
How should I address someone formally?
Should I use the last name, the first name, or both? For example:
"Hello Mr. Smith",
"Hello Mr. James" or
"Hello Mr. James Smith"
Oct 17, 2016 3:18 AM
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Answers · 9
Dear Mr. Smith is the best way to go. That is, Dear Mr. Last Name.
If you want to use "hello," which is less formal than "dear," you need a comma after the "hello." Hello, Mr. Smith. Why is this necessary? Because Mr. Smith is a vocative.
This video is great: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4_9_YSk-XGQ.
I like your name :p
October 17, 2016
Use "Hello, Mr. Smith." We always use the surname with Mr/Mrs/Ms/Miss, not the first name. "Hello, Mr. James" makes me think that James is the surname.
"Hello, Mr. James Smith" is awkward and overly-formal. You'll never use this phrase.
October 17, 2016
Mr. Smith or Mr.James Smith is correct, because this is formal way of talking. If you want to call him/her by first name, use Hello, or Hi, Hey....instead!
October 17, 2016
Hello,Mr.Smith
October 17, 2016
I think "Hello Mr. James Smith"
October 17, 2016
