Formal greetings in English are used to show respect and politeness in professional, academic, and social settings.

Formal greetings are phrases or expressions used to acknowledge someone’s presence or begin a conversation in a polite and respectful manner. They are important for making a good impression, especially in professional, academic, or social situations where courtesy is expected.

Usage Context: Formal greetings are used in settings like business meetings, interviews, official emails, and when meeting someone for the first time.
Tone: They maintain a respectful and polite tone, avoiding slang or overly casual language.
Structure: Often include titles (Mr., Ms., Dr.) and last names, especially in professional settings.

Below are some common formal greetings along with when and how to use them.

Common Formal Greetings

These are some of the most frequently used formal greetings in English. They can be used in person, over the phone, or in writing.

Good morning / Good afternoon / Good evening: Use based on the time of day.
Hello: A neutral and polite greeting suitable for many formal situations.
How do you do?: A very formal way to greet someone for the first time.
Pleased to meet you: Use when being introduced to someone new.
It’s a pleasure to meet you: A polite way to express pleasure in meeting someone.

English Greeting	Usage Example	Usage Explanation
Good morning	Good morning, Ms. Smith.	Use before 12 PM to greet someone politely.
Good afternoon	Good afternoon, Dr. Lee.	Use between 12 PM and 6 PM for a polite greeting.
Good evening	Good evening, Mr. Johnson.	Use after 6 PM to greet someone respectfully.
Hello	Hello, everyone.	A neutral greeting suitable for most formal settings.
How do you do?	How do you do, Mr. Brown?	A very formal greeting, often used when meeting someone for the first time.
Pleased to meet you	Pleased to meet you, Ms. Davis.	Use when being introduced to someone new in a formal setting.
It’s a pleasure to meet you	It’s a pleasure to meet you, Dr. Kim.	A polite way to show you’re happy to meet someone formally.
I hope you’re well	I hope you’re well, Mr. Green.	Commonly used at the beginning of formal emails or letters.
How have you been?	How have you been, Ms. White?	A polite inquiry used if you haven’t seen someone for a while.
Welcome	Welcome to our office, Mr. Patel.	A formal way to greet someone arriving at a place.

Using Titles in Formal Greetings

In formal greetings, it’s important to address people using the correct titles. This shows respect and professionalism.

Mr.: Used for adult men.
Ms.: Used for adult women (regardless of marital status).
Mrs.: Used for married women (less common in professional settings).
Dr.: Used for individuals with a doctoral degree.
Prof.: Used for university professors.

English Title	Usage Example	Usage Explanation
Mr.	Good morning, Mr. Thompson.	Use for adult men in formal settings.
Ms.	Good afternoon, Ms. Robinson.	Use for adult women, regardless of marital status.
Mrs.	Hello, Mrs. Garcia.	Use for married women, though less common in professional contexts.
Dr.	Good evening, Dr. Evans.	Use for individuals with a doctoral degree.
Prof.	Hello, Prof. Mitchell.	Use for university professors or academic settings.

Tips:

Always use last names unless invited to use first names.
If unsure of the person’s title, using “Mr.” or “Ms.” is usually safe.
Avoid using first names in very formal situations unless given permission.

Formal Greetings in Writing

Formal greetings in emails and letters often include more structure and additional polite phrases.

Dear [Title] [Last Name],: Standard opening for formal emails and letters.
I hope this message finds you well.: A polite way to begin the body of a formal email.
Yours sincerely, / Yours faithfully,: Common formal sign-offs.

Written Greeting	Usage Example	Usage Explanation
Dear Mr. Smith,	Dear Mr. Smith, I hope this message finds you well.	Standard opening for formal emails or letters.
Dear Ms. Johnson,	Dear Ms. Johnson, Thank you for your prompt response.	Polite and professional email opening.
To Whom It May Concern,	To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to inquire about...	Use when the recipient is unknown.
I hope this message finds you well.	I hope this message finds you well. I am reaching out regarding...	A courteous way to begin the body of an email.
Dear Dr. Lee,	Dear Dr. Lee, Thank you for your valuable feedback.	Use when addressing someone with a doctoral degree.

Tips:

Always include a clear subject line in formal emails.
Use full sentences and proper punctuation.
Avoid emojis and informal abbreviations in formal writing.

Cultural Notes on Formal Greetings

Formality levels can vary depending on the cultural context. When greeting someone from a different country, it’s important to be aware of their customs.

In the US and UK, formal greetings in business are usually straightforward and polite.
In Japan, bowing and using honorific titles (-san) is important.
In Middle Eastern cultures, greetings may be more elaborate and include inquiries about health and family.
In Latin America, formal greetings often include a handshake and sometimes a light cheek kiss among women.

Culture	Formal Greeting Example	Cultural Note
US/UK	Good morning, Mr. Smith.	Handshake is common; direct eye contact is appreciated.
Japan	Ohayou gozaimasu, Tanaka-san.	Bowing is essential; use last name with “-san” suffix.
Middle East	As-salamu alaykum, Mr. Abdullah.	Greetings may be longer and more personal.
Latin America	Buenos días, Señora Gómez.	Handshakes are common; close personal space.

Tips:

When in doubt, err on the side of formality.
Observe how others greet in the setting you’re in.
Asking someone about their preferred greeting can be a sign of respect.

Conclusion

Formal greetings are an essential part of English communication, helping to establish respect and professionalism. By using the appropriate phrases, titles, and tone, you can navigate social and professional interactions with confidence.

Practice using time-specific greetings (Good morning, Good afternoon, Good evening).
Always use titles and last names unless invited to do otherwise.
In writing, start with “Dear [Title] [Last Name],” and use polite opening lines.
Be mindful of cultural differences in greeting etiquette.

Mastering formal greetings is a key step toward effective and respectful communication in English.

Flashcards (1 of 15)

Usage Example: Good morning, Ms. Smith.
Usage Explanation: Use before 12 PM to greet someone politely.

English Greeting: Good morning

Next Up: Informal Greetings

Last updated: Thu Jun 12, 2025