Formal Titles to address people in English

Formal Titles in English

In business situations, use formal titles unless the people you meet tell you otherwise. To get someone's attention you can say: "Excuse me, Sir" or "Pardon me, Madam/Ma'am." To greet someone you can say: "Hello Sir" or "Good morning, Madam/Ma'am."

Here are the formal titles English speakers use:

1. Sir (adult male of any age)
2. Ma'am (adult female - North American)
3. Madam (adult female)
4. Mr + last name (any man)
5. Mrs + last name (married woman who uses her husband's last name)
6. Ms + last name (married or unmarried woman; common in business)
7. Miss + last name (unmarried woman)
8. Dr + last name (some doctors go by Dr + first name)
9. Professor + last name (in a university setting)