There are many ways in which we can show that we value and respect our listener or reader. In more formal situations, we are especially careful to use certain polite phrases:
Addressing the audience
Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome Mr Patrick Murphy …
A waiter in a restaurant
May I take your plate, sir?
A message in a thank-you card
Thank you for your wonderful gift.
Asking a stranger for directions
Excuse me, I’m looking for Cathedral Street.
In formal contexts when we don’t know people and we want to show respect, we use titles such as Mr. + family name, Ms. + family name, sir, madam, doctor (Dr.), professor (Prof.):
Checking out at a hotel reception desk
Here’s your credit card, Mr Watts. Have a safe trip.
Thank you.
At a restaurant
Shall I take your coat, Madam?
Emailing a professor that you don't know
Dear *Prof. Kinsella …
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