Dear fellows

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Dear fellows" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used as a salutation in letters or messages addressed to a group of people, often in a friendly or informal context. Example: "Dear fellows, I hope this message finds you well as we embark on our new project together."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"My dear fellows," said Rocky Saggoo, the founder and chief instructor, cutting a striking figure in nerdy glasses and an air of studied cool, "start taking interest in politics if you want to change this country".

The New York Times

McClellan was greatly heartened at the display, writing to his wife, "The dear fellows cheer me as of old as they march to certain death & I feel prouder of them than ever".

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

I texted him: "My dear fellow.

Independent

I'm sorry, my dear fellow".

The New York Times

My dear fellow Taiwanese, we did it".

The Guardian

I should say not, dear fellow.

The Guardian

Now, my dear fellow fat people.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Liszt, my dear fellow!" says a fellow composer.

The Guardian - Film

"Very nice, my dear fellow, very nice," said Duveen.

The New Yorker

My dear fellow, we all put our heads down, don't we?

The New York Times - Magazine

"Dear fellow workers, the Party Central Committee, the State Council and the whole nation have been concerned for your safety," one began.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider your audience when using "Dear fellows". While generally acceptable, it might be perceived as old-fashioned or overly familiar in some modern professional settings. Opt for "Dear colleagues" in those cases.

Common error

Avoid using "Dear fellows" in highly formal business communications or academic papers. It can come across as too informal or even anachronistic, undermining the seriousness of your message. Instead, choose more appropriate salutations like "Dear colleagues" or "Dear [title] [last name]" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Dear fellows" functions primarily as a salutation, typically used at the beginning of a letter, email, or speech. It sets a tone of friendliness and camaraderie. Ludwig AI confirms its usability.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Wiki

33%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Dear fellows" is a salutation that conveys warmth and camaraderie, primarily used to address a group of people, often male, in an informal or collegial setting. Ludwig AI indicates that it is a correct and usable phrase in written English. While its usage is not exceedingly common, as evidenced by a relatively small number of examples, it appears across varied contexts, particularly in News & Media. It's crucial to consider the audience and context, opting for alternatives like "dear colleagues" in more professional environments. Avoiding overuse in formal communications ensures the intended message is well-received.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Dear friends

Replaces "fellows" with a more general and widely applicable term for acquaintances.

My dear friends

Adds a possessive pronoun to increase the sense of warmth and personal connection.

Dear colleagues

Substitutes "fellows" with a term that is more appropriate in professional settings.

Esteemed colleagues

A more formal and respectful way to address a group of professionals.

Dear associates

A more neutral term, suitable for addressing people with whom you have a working relationship.

Dear comrades

Replaces "fellows" with a term that implies a stronger sense of shared purpose or ideology.

Dear members

Appropriate for addressing members of an organization or group.

Dear compatriots

Uses a term that emphasizes shared national identity or citizenship.

Gentlemen

More formal and gender-specific alternative, suitable for addressing a group of men.

Ladies and gentlemen

Formal address for a mixed-gender audience.

FAQs

What does "Dear fellows" mean?

"Dear fellows" is a salutation used to address a group of people, typically male, in a friendly or collegial way. It implies a sense of shared identity or camaraderie.

When is it appropriate to use "Dear fellows"?

It's appropriate in settings where a degree of informality and fellowship is welcome, such as addressing members of a club, organization, or a group of friends. However, it may not be suitable for very formal or professional contexts.

What are some alternatives to "Dear fellows"?

Alternatives include "Dear friends", "Dear colleagues", "Dear comrades", or, for more formal settings, "Gentlemen" or "Ladies and gentlemen".

Is "Dear fellows" gender-neutral?

No, "fellows" typically refers to males, making the phrase gender-specific. For a gender-neutral alternative, consider using "Dear friends", "Dear colleagues", or "Dear associates".