How do you start a Sir Madam letter?

– Sir/Madam – you start your letter with “Dear Sir or Madam” when you don’t know to whom your letter should be addressed; for example, if you’re writing to the general university admissions department and don’t know exactly who would be responsible for the handling of your enquiry.

Is it appropriate to use dear sir or Madam?

In such situations, you should err on the side of formality, but even then there are good reasons to avoid Dear Sir or Madam. Luckily, there are a number of alternatives for Dear Sir or Madam that will help you remain professional. Your writing, at its best. Be the best writer in the office. Is Dear Sir or Madam Acceptable?

Do you use dear sir or madam at Freshfields?

In 2016, Freshfields urged staff to use “Dear Sir or Madam” in the UK and “Dear Ladies and Gentlemen” in America. This was first reported by the Lawyer magazine.

Is the letter Dear Sir gender neutral in the UK?

‘Dear Sirs’ goes gender neutral. In the UK the firm will now address all communications to “Dear Sir or Madam”, while in the US all correspondence will start with “Dear Ladies and Gentlemen”. Equivalents in Cantonese, Mandarin and European languages have also been agreed across Freshfields’ global network.

Which is correct, Madam or Mesdames in a letter?

Agree with RES-can: if used at all, the plural of “Madam” in a letter is “Mesdames” in BE as well. To write either one the other way round is unnecessary – no educated, emancipated woman is going to be offended by the word order – life’s too short for such trivia.

What’s the difference between’dear sir’and’madam’?

While the British usage of the term stays “Dear Sir or Madam.”. But in both the UK and The United States, this greeting is considered borderline offensive and sexist (because it’s unclear whether the writer addresses a man or a woman). Variations of the term may include “Dear Sir/Madam,” “Dear Sirs and Madam,” “Dear Madam,” “Dear Madame,”

Is it acceptable to write to someone as Dear Sir?

Law firm Withers said the male address was “accepted standard”. A spokesman said: “It very much depends on who we’re writing to. If they are an individual then it depends on their gender and title. If it’s an organisation, then we currently use ‘Dear Sirs’ as that remains the accepted standard.

Do you use Dear Sirs if you are male or female?

If they are an individual then it depends on their gender and title. If it’s an organisation, then we currently use ‘Dear Sirs’ as that remains the accepted standard. There is currently no formal plan to change this, but it is an area we’re happy to explore.”