Sirs

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Sirs" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used as a formal address to a group of men, often in business or official correspondence. Example: "Dear Sirs, I am writing to express my interest in your recent job posting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

Another example is "Sirs", used to mean "schoolteachers", even for women in, say, primary schools.

The Guardian

The committee chairman, Sir Richard Ottaway – there were a lot of sirs in the room and at one point we had two Sir Johns and a John Baron, who isn't actually a baron, talking to one another – eventually interceded.

The Guardian

He will no doubt also watch keenly the generals' reaction.In this section Central Europe's sulky conscripts Mayhem in Moscow Jean-Pierre Chevènement, French republican Bombs, and more bombs Germany's new word disorder No, sirs ReprintsThe decree was part of the generals' continuing campaign against the Islamists they see as Turkey's most dangerous enemies.

The Economist

Sirs,Your article "An American Epidemic" incorrectly identifies genetics as the cause of type 1 diabetes.

The Economist

Hon Jack Straw MP Sir Mark Allen CMG   28 February 2013   Dear Sirs As you know, in March 2004 my pregnant wife and I were kidnapped in Bangkok, tortured in a secret CIA site, and flown on a CIA jet to Muammar Gaddafi.

Independent

We sup from it every now and then as we get shouted and screamed at and are made to do our push-ups and "yes sirs" and "no sirs".

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

Mr Goodwin joins a list of ex-Sirs that includes Anthony Blunt, a Soviet spy, and Robert Mugabe, the president of Zimbabwe.Mr Goodwin's replacement, Stephen Hester, has also faced opprobrium after the company's board agreed to pay him a bonus worth £963,000 ($1.53m).

The Economist

Waiters stand along the perimeter, as solemn as tennis ball boys, before dashing hither and thither to perform solicitous acts and utter hushed the-pleasure-is-all-mine-sirs and think-nothing-of-it-ma'ams.

The New Yorker

There will be a lot of polite handshaking and yes-sirs.

The New York Times - Sports

Stefan Russwurm, founder of SIRS-Lab, a diagnostics firm, says the experience of radical change when the Wall came down played a big part in his decision to start his company: "Otherwise I would not have had the flexibility.

The Economist

To The Rt Hon David Cameronn, MP, Prime  Minister; The Rt Hon Ed Miliband, MP, Leader of Her Majesty's Opposition;  The Rt Hon Nick Clegg, MP, Deputy Prime Minister Dear Sirs, The National Health Service has provided world class care, free at the point of use, to the British people for 66 years.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "Sirs" in formal correspondence or when addressing a group of men in a professional setting. Ensure that you are certain that all members of the addressed group are male, or consider using a more inclusive greeting.

Common error

Avoid using "Sirs" if you are unsure whether the audience is exclusively male. Use a more inclusive greeting like "To whom it may concern" or "Dear colleagues" if the gender composition of the audience is unknown.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "Sirs" is as a plural noun of address, used to formally greet or address a group of men. The examples in Ludwig show its use in formal letters and official communications.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Formal & Business

33%

Science

8%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Sirs" is a grammatically correct and usable term for formally addressing a group of men, particularly in business or official correspondence. Ludwig confirms its correctness and provides numerous examples from authoritative sources. While effective in specific contexts, ensure your audience is exclusively male or opt for inclusive alternatives like "To whom it may concern" for mixed-gender groups. Common errors include misgendering the audience, highlighting the importance of inclusive communication. Although effective for formal settings, modern styles favor a more inclusive approach.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Gentlemen

A formal address to a group of men, similar to "Sirs" but more widely used.

Esteemed sirs

A more emphatic and respectful version of "Sirs".

To the esteemed gentlemen

A more elaborate and respectful way to address a group of men.

Respected sirs

A more formal and respectful term of address.

Ladies and gentlemen

A formal address to a mixed-gender audience, encompassing both men and women.

Dear sirs and madams

An inclusive formal address to both men and women.

Dear colleagues

A formal address to a group of professional peers.

To whom it may concern

A generic formal address when the specific recipient is unknown.

Dear representatives

A formal way to address a group of elected or appointed officials.

Honorable members

A formal address to a group of people holding an honor or office.

FAQs

When is it appropriate to use "Sirs" in an email?

Use "Sirs" in formal email correspondence when addressing a group of men. If the group is mixed-gender, consider using a more inclusive greeting like "Dear Sir or Madam" or "To whom it may concern".

Is "Sirs" outdated?

While "Sirs" is a traditional greeting, it remains appropriate in specific formal contexts, especially where the audience is known to be exclusively male. However, modern communication often favors inclusive alternatives.

What's the difference between "Sirs" and "Gentlemen"?

"Sirs" and "Gentlemen" are largely interchangeable as formal greetings for a group of men. "Gentlemen" may be considered slightly more common in contemporary usage.

What are some alternatives to "Sirs" for mixed-gender groups?

For mixed-gender or unknown gender groups, use inclusive greetings like "Dear Sir or Madam", "To whom it may concern", or "Dear colleagues".