Final answer:
True. In a formal business setting, addressing the recipient by their appropriate title, such as "Doctor", "Mr.", or "Mrs.", is correct, and using "Ms." is preferable when a woman's marital status is unknown. For individuals with multiple titles, use the highest ranking title or the one they prefer.
Step-by-step explanation:
When addressing an expert in a formal context such as a business letter, it is indeed true that the speaker is likely to address them by a title like "Doctor", "Mr.", or "Mrs.". When you are unsure of a woman's marital status, you can use the title "Ms." to be respectful and avoid assumptions. In cases where the recipient holds multiple titles, it is advisable to use the highest ranking title, or seek clarification on their preferred title. For instance, addressing someone with a PhD who is also a professor as "Dr." or appending “PhD” after their name shows respect for their accomplishments.
Review Questions - Improved for Gender Neutrality:
- Each doctor will explain their own procedures.
- When you call the technician, tell them the computer broke yesterday.
- According to the guidelines, a writer needs to publish their manuscript in order to be eligible for the grant.
- If I ever meet a congressperson, I will tell them how upset I am with politics at the national level.
- When a doctor wants to order gloves, they must speak to the office staff.