dear ladies

USAGE SUMMARY

"dear ladies" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used when addressing a group of female individuals in a polite and respectful manner. It can be used in a variety of contexts, such as in a formal letter, a speech, or a greeting. Example: Dear ladies, I would like to thank you all for attending our annual charity event. Your support and generosity truly make a difference in our community.

✓ Grammatically correct

Formal & Business

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

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

The New Yorker

"My dear ladies," he wrote, "I do not compete for work".

The New York Times - Travel

He really cut loose in the sputtering aria "Donne mie" ("Dear ladies"), a denunciation of all women with their capacity for deception.

The New York Times - Arts

Being a typically fussy masculine critic I naturally feel that while the dear ladies may have made the best of the material they have not made the most of it.

Stanford University

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

Hello dear Ladies and Gentlemen!

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Ridiculous, my dear lady!

The New Yorker

A dear lady and good friend.

The New York Times

But dear lady, I don't blame you.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Give her a healthy old age, my dear lady.

The New York Times

"Oh, dear Lady Gaga, thank you for that wonderful tribute," she said, to wild applause.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "dear ladies" in formal communications, such as letters or speeches, where you wish to convey respect and politeness.

Common error

Avoid using "dear ladies" in informal settings, as it may sound too stuffy or old-fashioned. Opt for a more relaxed greeting like "hi ladies" or simply "ladies" in casual emails or conversations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dear ladies" functions as a salutation or opening address, primarily used to politely and respectfully greet a group of women. As indicated by Ludwig, it is a correct and usable phrase in English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Science

5%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "dear ladies" is a grammatically sound and respectful way to address a group of women, primarily in formal or semi-formal contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable phrase, though its suitability varies depending on the audience and setting. While alternatives like "ladies and gentlemen" or "hello ladies" may be more appropriate in certain situations, "dear ladies" remains a valid option for conveying politeness and respect, with the caveat not to sound overly stiff. Predominantly found in News & Media and Formal & Business settings, its usage frequency is categorized as uncommon.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

my dear women

Adds a personal touch and affection to the address.

ladies and gentlemen

Includes both genders in the address, suitable for mixed audiences.

beloved ladies

Expresses deep affection and endearment.

esteemed women

More formal and respectful, highlighting the high regard for the addressees.

respected ladies

Highlights the respect and admiration held for the addressees.

valued women

Emphasizes the importance and worth of the women being addressed.

honorable ladies

A formal term often used in official or ceremonial contexts.

hello ladies

A more casual and friendly greeting.

gentlewomen

A slightly archaic but elegant term for ladies.

good day ladies

A polite and conventional greeting.

FAQs

What's the appropriate context to use "dear ladies"?

Use "dear ladies" in formal settings such as addressing attendees at a conference, starting a formal letter, or giving a speech. It conveys respect and politeness.

What are some alternatives to "dear ladies"?

Depending on the context, you can use "ladies and gentlemen" for a mixed audience, "hello ladies" for a casual greeting, or "esteemed women" for a more formal tone.

Is "dear ladies" considered outdated?

While "dear ladies" is still grammatically correct and understandable, it can sound somewhat formal or old-fashioned in modern casual contexts. Consider your audience and the situation to determine if a more relaxed greeting is appropriate.

Can I use "dear ladies" in an email?

Yes, you can use "dear ladies" in an email, especially if it's a formal or professional communication. However, for less formal emails, a simpler greeting like "hello ladies" or just "ladies" might be more suitable.