You should generally not use “Dear (last name)” when emailing someone. In English, you should either address someone by first name if they are a friend or by “Mr./Ms.” is the message is formal.

Nov 20, 2025 · What to use instead of dear? Instead of "Dear," you can use "Hello [Name]" for a friendly tone, "Hi [Name]" for informal emails, "Greetings [Name]" as a neutral option, or "Good …

Dec 22, 2022 · Start your email with an appropriate greeting like “Dear [Name]” followed by an engaging opening that explains your goal: “I’m reaching out to …"

In English, when you address someone (or something) directly, the name you use is offset with a comma (if it's at the start or end of the sentence) or two commas (if it's in the middle).

Jun 11, 2025 · 1. Dear [name], You can’t go wrong with this classic. The name that follows depends on the relationship between you and the recipient. If you’re writing to your boss, …

Feb 13, 2025 · While “Dear” is a classic choice, exploring alternatives can add variety and depth to your correspondence. In this article, we’ll discover ten uplifting alternatives to “dear,” each …

Apr 30, 2025 · Using the right salutation can set the tone for your message, whether you're writing professionally, personally, or in-between. Today, I’ll walk you through a comprehensive guide …

Apr 30, 2025 · Learn how to write a formal and informal letter using 'Dear' as a greeting. This guide covers tips on tone, structure, and proper salutations for different contexts.

Keep reading to learn how to say “dear” in a professional way. We’ve gathered a list of some of the best alternatives to show you what’s going to work well in your writing.

The meaning of DEAR is highly valued : precious —often used in a salutation. How to use dear in a sentence.