Post by Verbivore on Aug 7, 2008 23:38:22 GMT
[...] But, Twoddle, have you noticed that women now write letters too?
Susan: It appears they've been doing it for some considerable time. ;D
I have a little volume titled The Ladies' & Gentlemen's Letter-Writer: A guide to correspondence, with model letters, commercial forms, forms of address, abbreviations, etc. (new edition, revised and improved) (1928; London: Frederick Warne & Co., Ltd.).
It is divided into two parts: "The Ladies' Letter-Writer" and "The Gentlemen's Letter-Writer".
For what it's worth (historical interest, perhaps?), I quote from the introductory section (which precedes the sex-specific parts) where it states:
It is important to get the formal beginning of a letter correct. The Christian name, as in " Dear Tom " or " My Dear Tom," should only be used if you are in the habit of calling the person addressed by his Christian name when you meet. In the same way " Dear Jones " should only be used when writing to a man you would address as " Jones." Ladies do not use this form at all, perhaps because they habitually address their friends by their Christian names on a much slighter acquaintance than is usual with men." Dear Mr. Robinson," " Dear Mrs. Green," or " Dear Miss Brown " are the correct forms in writing to acquaintances with whom you are not familiar enough to use either of the forms already mentioned. This should not be used however to any one to whom you are expected to pay deference, such as an employer.
For people who have titles there are special forms of address, a complete list of which is given at the end of this book.
In all other cases the recognized form is " Dear Sir " or " Dear Madam." This form should be used in writing to all strangers and for all business letters. " Dear Miss " is not used.
When writing to a Doctor or an Army Officer, the forms " Dear Doctor " and " Dear Colonel " are used, but these are familiar, and is equivalent to " Dear Jones." If the Doctor or officer is merely an acquaintance or unknown to you, the correct form is " Dear Sir."
" Sir " or " Madam " is sometimes used in strictly business letters or letters of a peremptory or unpleasant nature.
There is a choice of phrases for the conclusion of a letter, and more latitude can be allowed in the conclusion than in the form of address. The following are all in frequent use :
1. I have the honour to remain, Sir, Your most humble and obedient servant.
2. I am, Sir, your obedient servant.
3. I remain, Yours obediently.
4. Yours obediently.
5. Yours sincerely, or Sincerely yours.
6. Yours faithfully, or Faithfully yours.
7. Yours truly, or Truly yours.
(The word " very " can be used with any of the last three).
8. Yours affectionately, or devotedly.
9. Your affectionate daughter, or nephew, etc.
10. Your loving sister, etc.
Of these (I) is only used in official communications, such as letters from or to Government departments and officials, and to persons of rank. It is a survival from other times, as the humility and obedience of the writers of such letters are often far from being obvious.
(2) is only used in formal and business letters, and those addressed to any one in a position you are expected to respect, like an employer. Privates in the Army writing to an officer are expected to use this form.
(3) and (4) should only be used when writing to anyone to whom you owe obedience.
(5), (6) and (7). These six forms are equally applicable to all letters addressed to friends, acquaintances, and business correspondents. " Yours faithfully " is most commonly used. " Yours sincerely " is a little more cordial than " Yours truly."
(8), (9) and (10) are forms expressing varying degrees of affection and are of course only used to intimate friends and relatives.
For people who have titles there are special forms of address, a complete list of which is given at the end of this book.
In all other cases the recognized form is " Dear Sir " or " Dear Madam." This form should be used in writing to all strangers and for all business letters. " Dear Miss " is not used.
When writing to a Doctor or an Army Officer, the forms " Dear Doctor " and " Dear Colonel " are used, but these are familiar, and is equivalent to " Dear Jones." If the Doctor or officer is merely an acquaintance or unknown to you, the correct form is " Dear Sir."
" Sir " or " Madam " is sometimes used in strictly business letters or letters of a peremptory or unpleasant nature.
There is a choice of phrases for the conclusion of a letter, and more latitude can be allowed in the conclusion than in the form of address. The following are all in frequent use :
1. I have the honour to remain, Sir, Your most humble and obedient servant.
2. I am, Sir, your obedient servant.
3. I remain, Yours obediently.
4. Yours obediently.
5. Yours sincerely, or Sincerely yours.
6. Yours faithfully, or Faithfully yours.
7. Yours truly, or Truly yours.
(The word " very " can be used with any of the last three).
8. Yours affectionately, or devotedly.
9. Your affectionate daughter, or nephew, etc.
10. Your loving sister, etc.
Of these (I) is only used in official communications, such as letters from or to Government departments and officials, and to persons of rank. It is a survival from other times, as the humility and obedience of the writers of such letters are often far from being obvious.
(2) is only used in formal and business letters, and those addressed to any one in a position you are expected to respect, like an employer. Privates in the Army writing to an officer are expected to use this form.
(3) and (4) should only be used when writing to anyone to whom you owe obedience.
(5), (6) and (7). These six forms are equally applicable to all letters addressed to friends, acquaintances, and business correspondents. " Yours faithfully " is most commonly used. " Yours sincerely " is a little more cordial than " Yours truly."
(8), (9) and (10) are forms expressing varying degrees of affection and are of course only used to intimate friends and relatives.
(Note: I have reproduced it as it was printed, with punctuation styles that were, perhaps, fashionable 80 years ago. Thank god - acclaimed the atheist - for OCR!)