Very short question regarding proper salutation

Status
Not open for further replies.

Alucard7

New member
Joined
Jun 5, 2012
Member Type
Student or Learner
Native Language
German
Home Country
Germany
Current Location
Switzerland
Hello.

This question might appear unnecessary/obvious/ridiculous, but I really need to know. I am a medical student writing an e-mail to another medical student who lives in the UK. I have not met this student nor spoken to him, I know both his first and last name and he is probably around the same age as me (23-25).
My question is: How do I start the letter? (e.g. for someone called John Smith)
Dear Mr. Smith
Dear Dr. Smith
Dear John
Hello
Hi
???
I am required to contact many students in the same way and don't want to make a bad impression, because they may have an important role in evaluating me for a scholarship.
Thank you in advance for any help...
 
Last edited:

billmcd

Key Member
Joined
Mar 27, 2009
Member Type
English Teacher
Native Language
English
Home Country
United States
Current Location
United States
I would use "Mr." unless you know that he is a doctor. In that case use "Dr.".
 

Alucard7

New member
Joined
Jun 5, 2012
Member Type
Student or Learner
Native Language
German
Home Country
Germany
Current Location
Switzerland
Thank you for answering!
I will use Mr. Ms. just to be on the safe side...
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top