Is It Correct to Say “Dear Sirs”?

Are you sending an email to two (or more) men and want to be respectful in your introduction? “Dear sirs” seems like a valid option, but you need to know more about it before using it.

We’ll help you understand whether “dear sirs” is a good thing to write in your formal emails.

Is It Correct to Say “Dear Sirs”?

“Dear sirs” is grammatically correct in an email or letter when addressing more than one man. If you do not know for certain that you are only addressing men, you would be better off using a gender-neutral term (like “dear all”). “Dear sirs” only works when addressing men.

It is correct English to use “dear sirs,” but only when you know the recipients.

For example, let’s imagine you’re sending an email to Jack Winters and Freddy Bennett:

• Dear sirs,
• I hope this email finds you well. I’m keen to learn more about what you spoke about over the phone.
• My best,
• Craig Harrow

“Dear sirs” works well here. It feels natural, and it shows that you are addressing two men.

However, let’s imagine you send the same email, but this time you send it to Jack Winters and an unknown recipient. It turns out later that the unknown recipient is called Mary Cole. She is not a “sir.” Therefore, “dear sirs” was not an appropriate introduction.

To be fair, if you know the names of the recipients of an email or letter, you should write them. Emails benefit from being personalized rather than generalized. “Dear sirs” should only be the last resort if you don’t know people’s names but know they are men.

While it is correct to say “dear sirs,” it is not always the most appropriate choice. You may be looking for an alternative that works better in an email introduction. We’ve gathered some of the best suggestions that will help you understand what to say instead of “dear sirs.”

Other Ways to Say “Dear Sirs”

Other ways to say “dear sirs” are “dear (name) and (name),” “dear all,” and “to whom it may concern.” These phrases are great as email introductions. They show you are polite and respectful towards the recipient. They do not take the recipient’s gender for granted by assuming they are men.

1. Dear (Name) and (Name)

“Dear (name) and (name)” is the best alternative to use here. It is another way to say “dear sirs” because it uses the recipients’ names directly. This gives your email a personal touch and shows that you care about addressing the recipients correctly.

Using a name like this is excellent in most formal contexts. It shows you are respectful, which is ideal when writing formal emails. “Dear (name) and (name)” may seem like a simple option, but if you know the recipients’ names, you should use them.

• Dear Michael and Sam,
• I’m glad you came to me with this information. I’ll see if there’s anything I can do to fix the issues.
• Kind regards,
• Benny

“Dear (name), (name), and (name)” is also appropriate when addressing more than two people. You may add as many “names” as possible, though you should probably stop after the third name. Any more than three looks very jarring in an email introduction:

• Dear Michelle, Chris, and Stephanie,
• I hope you’re well. I’m keen to learn more about these things and help you understand the best fixes.
• My best,
• Tammy

2. Dear All

“Dear all” is a very popular alternative showing that you’re addressing a group of people without needing to specify any names or genders. It works well because it shows you’re addressing a group (“all” works for any group larger than one).

“Dear” is a very common greeting in formal emails. That’s why it’s present in “dear sirs.” Replacing “sirs” with “all” is a great way to remain inclusive without assuming any of the recipients’ genders.

• Dear all,
• I will look into the information and compile a list that considers it all. Is there anything else you need?
• All the best,
• Abigail

3. To Whom it May Concern

“To whom it may concern” works well when you don’t know the recipient’s names or genders. It is a general term that introduces all kinds of formal letters and emails. It’s one of the most popular choices when you’re uncertain who will read your mail.

This is a traditional email introduction. It has some traditional rules associated with signing off emails and letters, too. The best (and most traditional) way to sign off a “to whom it may concern” letter is with “yours truthfully.” You should remember that before using it yourself!

• To whom it may concern,
• I am writing this letter to find out if there’s anything I can do to help with the progress of the project.
• Yours truthfully,
• Benny Dickinson

4. To All

“To all” is a great alternative you can use in most email introductions. It shows you include everyone in the email by referring to them as “all.” You do not have to worry about anyone’s gender when you are using this form.

“To all” and “dear all” are very similar. No specific rules teach us to use “dear” over “to.” It all comes down to personal preference. If you prefer “to all,” you should use it. Similarly, if you prefer “dear all,” you should use that instead.

• To all,
• Thank you for taking the time to work with me on this. I couldn’t have done this project without your input.
• All the best,
• Mario

5. Good Day All

“Good day all” works well in many formal emails. “All” is used again as a group address, but “good day” is the main introduction here which offers something different from “dear” and “to.”

“Dear” and “to” are very common in formal emails. Some say they’re too common, making them overused and boring. That’s why a phrase like “good day” might work well as an introduction to your email. It gives the recipients something else to read when starting your email.

• Good day all,
• I hope things are looking more positive for you now. Is there anything else you’d like me to help you with?
• Kindest regards,
• Jackson

6. Dear Committee

“Dear committee” is a specific form of address you can use when addressing multiple people of unknown genders. You should use this phrase when addressing a “committee” that’s filled with different people.

Of course, you don’t have to limit yourself to a “committee.” We could have included many more specific options, but we’ll list some of them here:

• Dear board members
• Dear managers
• Dear team leader

You can always group people up by the specific team they work with. This way, you don’t have to specify any genders or use “sir” or “ma’am.” You can simply refer to the name of the team.

• Dear committee,
• Thank you for contacting me about these issues. I was not aware that we were having a rejig of the structure.
• Best regards,
• Tom

When Is “Dear Sirs” Appropriate?

“Dear sirs” isn’t always appropriate.

You should only use it when you are certain that all the recipients of an email or letter are male and identify as a “sir.”

You should not use it if you’re unsure of the recipients’ genders or titles.

“Sir” is a very respectful way to address a man. It works well in formal emails but gets tricky when using the plural form.

You can only stick to the plural form when you’re certain you’re only addressing men. When a woman is addressed in the email, “sirs” becomes incorrect.