Dear gentlemen

USAGE SUMMARY

"Dear Gentlemen" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used as a salutation to a group of men when writing a letter or email. For example: "Dear Gentlemen, I am writing to ask for your assistance in resolving this matter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

And it was like that with my dear Yuri Alexeyevich too, dear gentlemen: on the twelfth of April 1961 I could feel him looking down at me from above, and I was sure he was thinking about me.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

"It has been my pleasure to have as a friend for nearly 30 years a dear gentleman who was diagnosed six years ago with Parkinson's disease," says Mr O'Connell.

BBC

Dear, dear, dear.

Independent

He was a very funny and dear man; a gentleman in the truest sense of the word -generous, kind, gracious, and unfailingly loyal.

The New York Times

Yes, dear honorable gentlemen of America, we are!

Huffington Post

Farewell dear, dear man".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Dear friend, gentleman, golfing companion.

The New York Times

Taking the stage, he said, "Good evening, dear ladies and gentlemen, dear friends, this is a happy day for us".

The New Yorker

Ladies and gentlemen, dear colleagues Before I run out of time, let me share some insights on Angola.

The Guardian

His successor, Heinrich Lübke, was a failure (one speech in Africa began "ladies and gentlemen, dear negroes").Yet it is indirect election that makes the selection process most arduous, because it becomes a political power game.

The Economist

Dear ladies and gentlemen, over the last few years I've often written your leaders, but now that my term is ending I've decided my last letter should be to you, the Arab masses, the Arab street, who have paid such a high price for this ongoing conflict.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When addressing a mixed-gender group, consider using a more inclusive salutation like "Dear colleagues" or "To whom it may concern".

Common error

Avoid using "Dear gentlemen" in informal settings, as it can sound overly stiff or old-fashioned. Opt for a simpler greeting like "Hi everyone" or address individuals by name.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Dear gentlemen" functions primarily as a salutation, used to formally address a group of men. This is a standard opening in letters, emails, or speeches. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

33%

Science

11%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Dear gentlemen" is a grammatically correct and frequently used salutation for addressing a group of men in formal communication. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. While it is most commonly found in news, business, and formal contexts, modern usage favors more inclusive alternatives when addressing mixed-gender groups. It's important to consider the context and audience to ensure the tone is appropriate and respectful, avoiding overly formal or exclusionary language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Dear sirs

This is a more formal and traditional alternative, suitable for business or official correspondence.

Gentlemen

This is a direct and simple salutation, omitting the "dear".

Honorable gentlemen

This phrase adds a level of respect and is often used in formal speeches or debates.

Esteemed gentlemen

This alternative conveys high regard and is appropriate for formal occasions.

Dear colleagues

This phrase is suitable when addressing a group of male coworkers or professional peers.

Dear fellows

This is a more casual alternative, appropriate in less formal settings.

Good day, gentlemen

This is a polite and formal greeting suitable for starting a conversation or correspondence.

To whom it may concern

This is a neutral option when the gender of the recipients is unknown.

Gentlemen, greetings

A more direct and less common salutation.

Greetings, gentlemen

Similar to "Gentlemen, greetings" but with a slightly different emphasis.

FAQs

What is an alternative to "Dear gentlemen" that is more inclusive?

Consider using more inclusive salutations such as "Dear colleagues", "To whom it may concern", or addressing recipients by name if known. This avoids gender bias.

Is "Dear gentlemen" appropriate for all-male email threads?

While acceptable, "Dear gentlemen" can sometimes sound overly formal. In less formal contexts, "Hi everyone" or addressing individuals by name might be more suitable.

When should I use "Dear sirs" instead of "Dear gentlemen"?

"Dear sirs" is an older, more formal version. "Dear gentlemen" is generally more appropriate in modern contexts. Alternatives like "Dear colleagues" may be preferable in professional environments.

Is it correct to use "Dear gentlemen and madams"?

While technically correct, it's often better to use a more concise and inclusive salutation such as "Dear colleagues" or "To whom it may concern" if you are addressing both men and women. Consider using "Ladies and gentlemen" in a speech.