lady or woman

[kohyoongliat]

Dear Teacher

There is a lady standing over there?

Is the sentence correct? Can 'lady' be used? I believe 'lady' is a polite form for woman. Therefore, I think 'woman' should replace 'lady' in the above sentence. Am I correct?

Thank you very much.

With warmest wishes

[Tdol]

I'd use 'woman'.

[pumuckel]

In my opinion both can be used - lady implies that the woman is well dressed, well spoken., elegant.... whereas woman is neutral.

I think it's politer to use lady, unless she is a tramp )