respected sirs

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "respected sirs" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used as a formal salutation in letters or communications directed towards a group of men who are being addressed with respect. Example: "Dear respected sirs, I am writing to express my gratitude for your support in our recent project."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

I greatly respect Sir John Houghton [IPCC's co-chairman from 1988-2002].

The Guardian

"I highly respect Sir Alex because I don't think there is another manager who has won so many titles," van Gaal said".I (have) won a lot of titles, but he did it in one club and that is fantastic and when you compare Sir Alex with me I am very proud".

Independent

Chief Executive of Glasgow 2014 David Grevemberg said: "We respect Sir Chris Hoy's decision to retire from international competition and pay tribute to his spectacular achievements at the highest levels of elite world sport over the past two decades.

BBC

In his 1975 novel "Respected Sir," Mahfouz tells the story of Othman Bayyumi, an ambitious state employee who offers his life to "the sacred fires" of public service.

The New York Times - Books

"Respected Sir, I have ventured to send you the accompanying article for your perusal and opinion," the letter began, and after explaining the scientific goal of the paper, it closed with an astonishing request, that Einstein translate the English manuscript into German for publication.

Huffington Post

The Met has lost its highly respected Commissioner, Sir Paul Stephenson and its top counter-terrorism policeman, Assistant Commissioner John Yates, who have both resigned over the phone hacking scandal.

BBC

Thirty years ago, widely respected broadcaster Sir David Attenborough (1979) aptly described the challenge of avoiding anthropomorphic shorthand in descriptions of adaptation: Darwin demonstrated that the driving force of [adaptive] evolution comes from the accumulation, over countless generations, of chance genetical changes sifted by the rigors of natural selection.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

"Respect, sir!" My boys look after me.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

MR. SCHIEFFER: With respect, sir, you had laid out quite a program there.

The New York Times

"With respect, sir," Mr. Hayward said, "we drill hundreds of wells a year around the world".

The New York Times

With all due respect, sir, what the country needs is your leadership on this issue.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "respected sirs" in formal written correspondence where a high level of deference is required. Consider the audience and context, as more modern forms of address may be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "respected sirs" in casual or modern business communication. Its formal tone can sound antiquated or overly deferential in settings where a more direct and egalitarian approach is preferred. Opt for simpler addresses like "Gentlemen" or "Dear colleagues" in these contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "respected sirs" primarily functions as a formal salutation. It is used to address a group of men with deference and high regard. As shown by Ludwig, this usage is correct but rare in modern contexts.

Expression frequency: Missing

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "respected sirs" is a grammatically sound but rarely used salutation intended to convey high regard to a group of men. Ludwig indicates that the phrase is correct, but its formality makes it less suitable for contemporary contexts. Consider alternatives like "esteemed gentlemen" or simply "gentlemen" for more modern communication. While the phrase remains technically correct, its infrequent use may strike some as overly formal or antiquated.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

esteemed gentlemen

Replaces "respected sirs" with synonyms that maintain a high degree of formality and deference.

honorable sirs

Substitutes "respected" with "honorable", suggesting admiration for the men's character or position.

gentlemen

A more concise and classic formal address, omitting the adjective but retaining politeness.

distinguished sirs

Emphasizes the men's notable achievements or status with the adjective "distinguished".

worthy sirs

Indicates that the men are deserving of respect, highlighting their value or merit.

venerable sirs

Implies a deep respect, often due to age, wisdom, or historical significance.

respected colleagues

Shifts the context to a professional setting, acknowledging the men as peers.

honored guests

Suitable for addressing men attending an event, underlining their special status.

dear sirs

A warmer, though still formal, greeting suitable for less stiff correspondence.

gentlemen of the board

Specifies the group being addressed, indicating a formal setting such as a board meeting.

FAQs

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "respected sirs"?

The phrase "respected sirs" is appropriate in formal written correspondence or when addressing a group of men where a high level of deference is required. However, it can sound antiquated in modern contexts.

Are there more modern alternatives to "respected sirs"?

Yes, more modern alternatives include "esteemed gentlemen", "honorable sirs", or simply "gentlemen" depending on the context and level of formality required.

Is "respected sirs" grammatically correct?

Yes, "respected sirs" is grammatically correct. However, its usage is less common in contemporary English compared to simpler forms of address.

What's the difference between "respected sirs" and "dear sirs"?

"Dear sirs" is a more general and slightly warmer form of address for a group of men. "Respected sirs" implies a higher degree of reverence or admiration, making it suitable for situations requiring exceptional formality.