Usage
When addressing someone directly: Mr is usually used with the last name only ("May I help you, Mr Thompson?"). In other circumstances, it can be used with either the last name or the full name ("This is Mr John Smith."; "Would you please help, Mr Smith?"). In formal written address, it is usually used along with the full name, or with initials and surname.
In some subcultures, including the Southern United States, West Africa, SE Asia, and in some US urban communities, Mister is often used along with only the first name to simultaneously indicate familiarity and respect; some children are encouraged to use this form when referring to or addressing adults.
A formal written address to brothers with may list each person on separate lines, or in the form "Misters John and Elias Smith", "The Messieurs Smith" or "Messrs. John and Elias Smith". It is inappropriate to utilize this when addressing a father and son.
Read more about this topic: Mr. ?
Famous quotes containing the word usage:
“I am using it [the word ‘perceive’] here in such a way that to say of an object that it is perceived does not entail saying that it exists in any sense at all. And this is a perfectly correct and familiar usage of the word.”
—A.J. (Alfred Jules)
“Girls who put out are tramps. Girls who don’t are ladies. This is, however, a rather archaic usage of the word. Should one of you boys happen upon a girl who doesn’t put out, do not jump to the conclusion that you have found a lady. What you have probably found is a lesbian.”
—Fran Lebowitz (b. 1951)
“Pythagoras, Locke, Socrates—but pages
Might be filled up, as vainly as before,
With the sad usage of all sorts of sages,
Who in his life-time, each was deemed a bore!
The loftiest minds outrun their tardy ages.”
—George Gordon Noel Byron (1788–1824)