Hell no, it’s not correct. Using “sirs” to address a group assumes everyone in that group is male … and when you do it in an email to people in authority, it implies that surely there are no women in decision-making positions or in professional positions at all. It’s offensive.
What can I use instead of dear sirs?
“There are many other suitable alternatives to “Dear Sirs“,” said Ms O’Boyle. “Dear Mr/Ms Surname, Dear Colleague, Dear Counsel, A Chara, or Dear Position, i.e. Dear Managing Partner, Dear Principal, Dear Senior Associate etc. These are all alternatives and this is not an exhaustive list.”
Can I use DEAR SIR for female?
In general, we use “Dear Sir” for male, “Dear Madam” for female, and “Dear Sirs” if one is not sure about the sex of the person the letter is being directed to or if one is writing to more than one person.
Can you still write Dear Sirs?
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.”
Do I have to start a letter with dear?
Start with the word “Dear” Although in certain situations it is appropriate to use “Greetings” or “Hello” prior to the name of the recipient, using the word “Dear” to begin a business letter is a preferred and professional approach. When in doubt, use “Dear.”
When to use’dear madam’or’dear Sir’?
In general, we use “Dear Sir” for male, “Dear Madam” for female, and “Dear Sirs” if one is not sure about the sex of the person the letter is being directed to or if one is writing to more than one person. Why do people start letters with “Dear”, when the person isn’t their “dear”?
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.
Are there any law firms that still use Dear Sirs?
City of London law firms still use the male form of address as standard. Photograph: Getty One of Britain’s most prestigious law firms has banned the use of “Dear sirs” from all of its legal documents and communications, apparently the first of the “magic circle” of top City legal companies to do so.
Is there an English equivalent to Dear Sirs?
Equivalents in Cantonese, Mandarin and European languages have also been agreed across Freshfields’ global network. The firm implemented the change after one of its London associates researched legal documents from the last 10 initial public offerings of private company shares.
