my dear reader

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "my dear reader" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used in literary or formal contexts to address the audience directly, creating a personal connection. Example: "As I share my thoughts on this topic, I hope to engage you, my dear reader, in a meaningful discussion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Elementary, my dear reader.

Independent

Elementary, my dear reader: she is a mesmerisingly modern morality tale.

The Guardian - Opinion

Too bad there was no return address — I could have told my dear reader that I myself have never used the term "flyover country," and that not only did I not I not fly over his country this year, I flew to it.

The New Yorker

My dear reader, stop pretending to be impartial.

Huffington Post

And so, my dear reader, I must always be faithful and write these thoughts.

Los Angeles Times

My dear reader, you don't ignore a thousand years of tradition.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Oh, my dear readers, it only seems so".

The New York Times - Magazine

I am not afraid to put my life on the line for you, my dear readers.

The Guardian - Sport

Frankly, my dear readers, I don't give a damn whether "John Carter" brings in a dime for Disney.

The New Yorker

Actually, this venerable preacher has drawn my attention to a truth that had been hidden from me and my dear readers – namely, the existence of the so-called "Sharia astronomer".

The Guardian

The ball is in your court, my dear readers.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "my dear reader" to create a sense of personal connection with your audience, particularly in opinion pieces, blog posts, or letters.

Common error

Avoid using "my dear reader" in highly informal settings, such as casual social media posts, where it can sound overly formal or pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "my dear reader" functions as a direct address, similar to a vocative case. It's used to acknowledge and engage the audience, creating a sense of personal connection. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is a correct and usable phrase in English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "my dear reader" is a phrase used to directly address and engage an audience, creating a personal connection. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and most often found in news and media contexts. While versatile, it's best suited for opinion pieces and reflective writing where a touch of warmth and familiarity is desired. Alternatives like "esteemed reader" or "gentle reader" can provide different nuances, and its use should be carefully considered based on the intended tone and formality of the writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Esteemed reader

More formal and respectful.

Respected reader

Highlights the reader's importance and authority.

Gentle reader

More old-fashioned and literary.

Kind reader

Emphasizes the reader's benevolence.

Dear audience

Suitable for addressing a group.

Beloved reader

Expresses affection and closeness.

Good reader

Informal and friendly.

O reader

Archaic and dramatic.

You, the reader

Direct and simple.

Friend

Casual and intimate.

FAQs

How can I use "my dear reader" in a sentence?

You can use "my dear reader" to directly address your audience, such as "As you can see, "my dear reader", the situation is more complex than it appears."

What are some alternatives to "my dear reader"?

Some alternatives include "esteemed reader", "gentle reader", or simply addressing the audience as "you".

Is "my dear reader" suitable for all types of writing?

While "my dear reader" can add a personal touch, it's best suited for opinion pieces, blog posts, or formal letters. Avoid using it in highly formal or academic writing.

What tone does "my dear reader" convey?

"My dear reader" typically conveys a tone of warmth, familiarity, and respect. It suggests a personal connection between the writer and the audience.