Dear sirs

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Dear sirs" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used as a formal salutation in letters or correspondence addressed to a group of men or a mixed-gender audience when the specific names are unknown. Example: "Dear sirs, I am writing to inquire about the status of my application."

✓ Grammatically correct

Formal & Business

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

"Dear Sirs," ran GK's succinct rejoinder, "I am".

The Guardian - Books

Dear Sirs (because clearly there were no women on the editorial board): How could you publish an article about women like that?

Forbes

Dear Sirs and Madams, As a Latino and a naturalized U.S. citizen, I am aghast at the derogatory and condescending comments the Republican presidential nominee makes time and time again about Muslim Americans, Latinos and African-Americans -- even about women.

Huffington Post

You can write "Dear Sirs," "Dear Madams," or "Dear Sirs and Madams".

WikiHow

If it's an organisation, then we currently use 'Dear Sirs' as that remains the accepted standard.

The Guardian

April 13th Dear Sirs: I remain deeply uninterested in purchasing a walk-in bathtub.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

Salutation is omitted (no "Dear Sir").

The New Yorker

"Dear Sir," the note reads.

The New Yorker

Hacker: Calm down, dear Sir Humphrey.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"Dear Sir or Madam," the letter begins.

The New York Times

"Dear Sir," begins a typical note.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When possible, research and use specific names instead of "Dear sirs" to personalize your communication and show attention to detail.

Common error

Avoid using "Dear sirs" if you're unsure about the gender of the recipients; opt for a gender-neutral greeting like "To whom it may concern" to be more inclusive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Dear sirs" functions as a conventional and formal salutation in written correspondence. It's used to address a group of men or a mixed-gender audience when the specific names are unknown. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Formal & Business

33%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Science

20%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Dear sirs" serves as a formal salutation mainly for written communications, as supported by Ludwig AI, which deems it grammatically correct. Although widely used, especially in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts, its traditional nature has prompted a shift towards more inclusive options like "To whom it may concern". While "Dear sirs" remains acceptable when addressing a group of men, personalized greetings are always preferable. It's important to be aware of the potential for misgendering when using this salutation and to consider the alternatives provided, ensuring your communication is both respectful and appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Dear gentlemen

Replaces "sirs" with a more direct term for addressing only men.

To whom it may concern

A more neutral and less gendered opening for formal correspondence.

Dear sir or madam

Addresses both male and female recipients individually.

Dear colleagues

Suitable when addressing a group within a professional setting.

Dear hiring manager

Specific to addressing someone in charge of hiring.

Dear members of the board

Used when addressing a formal board or committee.

To the relevant department

Directs the correspondence to the appropriate organizational unit.

Greetings

A simple and neutral greeting suitable for any audience.

Good day

A general, polite greeting suitable for starting a formal letter.

Dear representatives

Suitable for addressing a group of representatives or officials.

FAQs

Is "Dear sirs" outdated?

While still grammatically correct, "Dear sirs" can be considered outdated and less inclusive. Consider using alternatives like "To whom it may concern" or researching the names of the recipients to personalize your greeting.

What's a more inclusive alternative to "Dear sirs"?

For a more inclusive approach, use "To whom it may concern" or "Dear sir or madam". If addressing a specific department, "Dear [Department Name] Team" may also be appropriate.

When is it appropriate to use "Dear sirs"?

It's appropriate to use "Dear sirs" when addressing a group of men, particularly in formal contexts, and when the names of the recipients are unknown. However, consider more inclusive alternatives if the gender composition is unknown.

How can I avoid gendered salutations altogether?

Opt for gender-neutral salutations such as "To whom it may concern", or address the specific department. If possible, research the names of the individuals you're contacting and use their names directly. Another option is "Greetings".