Courtesy titles

On this page

• Definition and examples of courtesy titles
• Abbreviations
• Capitalization
• Courtesy titles in correspondence
• Additional information

Definition and examples of courtesy titles

Courtesy titles are titles we use to show respect when writing or speaking to someone.

The most common courtesy titles in English are Mr., Mrs. and Ms., used before the names of persons with no other title. Dr. and Professor are also commonly used courtesy titles.

For more detailed information on specific courtesy titles, see the articles Mr., Mrs., Miss, Ms.

Abbreviations

Before a full name or a last name, the titles Mr., Mrs., Ms. and Dr. are always abbreviated:

• Mr. and Mrs. Kallio are taking the red-eye flight.
• We have asked Ms. Andrews to present the award.
• The medication was prescribed by Dr. Gupta.

Note: These abbreviated courtesy titles are followed by a period in North America. In British English, however, the period is omitted.

In an informal context, other courtesy titles (with the exception of Miss) may also be abbreviated, as long as they’re used with a full name or with initials and a last name:

• Prof. Dieter Schwartz will teach the biology course.
• Fr. P. R. Domenico performed the ceremony.

However, these titles are normally spelled out when used in formal contexts or with last names only:

• Professor Dieter Schwartz will present a paper at the symposium. [formal context]
• Father Domenico performed the ceremony. [last name only]

The titles Mister and Doctor are also spelled out when used alone, without a name, in direct address:

• Hey, Mister, you dropped your wallet!
• I need a prescription refill, Doctor.

Capitalization

All titles used before a name are capitalized:

• Let me introduce Miss Iryna Moroz.
• Please contact Professor Mutombo for more information.
• The chair invited Pastor Griffin to say a few words.
• It was Dr. Hendriks and Coach Wong who set up the program.
• The food drive was organized by Rabbi Horowitz.
• Social justice is a priority for Imam Ibrahim.

Even when used without a name, courtesy titles are normally capitalized in direct address:

• Can you prescribe something for this rash, Doctor?
• I can explain why my paper is late, Professor.
• Thank you, Pastor, for all your help.

However, a title used alone as a noun isn’t usually capitalized:

• The doctor recommended physiotherapy.
• The rabbi found a solution to the problem.
• I’ve never taken a course from that professor.

Courtesy titles in correspondence

In an address and in the salutation of a business letter, the traditional practice has been to use a courtesy title like Mr. or Ms. before the name of a receiver who has no other title:

However, these courtesy titles are gendered and should be used only when they are known to be the receiver’s preferred title. A gendered courtesy title should be omitted when the receiver’s gender or gender identity is unknown. (For details, see the articles Gender-inclusive writing: Letters and emails and Business letters: Salutation.)

Note: While courtesy titles are usually used before the receiver’s name in an address and in the salutation of a business letter, a courtesy title isn’t normally used in the writer’s signature. For details, see the article Business letters: Signature block.

Additional information

• Correspondence and addresses – Guidelines and resources
• Mr., Mrs., Miss, Ms.
• Gender-inclusive writing: Letters and emails
• Business letters: Salutation
• Business letters: Signature block

Other resources

• Styles of address (opens in new tab) (Canadian Heritage)