Ms, Mrs, Miss

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Anonymous  #546206  Fri, 25 Jul 08 12:25 PM
Glad to see I am not the only one to be confused about what to write when you don't know the marital status or age of a women.  Ms. seems to be the way to go if in doubt.
Thanks
  
Anonymous  #554524  Wed, 13 Aug 08 10:10 PM
Since there seems to be a lot of misinformation here, let me put in my two cents.

The general consensus in the American business world in my experience, and according to my Honors English instructor, seems to be that Ms. is pronounced "Miss" and should be used as the generic reference to any female whenever her marital status is not know, and also if it IS known that she is NOT married.  Also it does not matter if she is divorced, she is still a "Miss/Ms.", as it is impolite to title her by the fact that she is divorced.  The only time when one can't be certain about the correct title is when the woman is widowed, in which case it depends upon her preference.  Some widowed women like to go back to being called a "Miss/Ms." while others prefer to remain a "Misses/Mrs."  This seems to depend somewhat upon whether or not the woman is interested in remarrying.

Mrs. means "Misses" and refers specifically and ONLY to a married woman.

Mz. is the only abbreviation that would be pronounced "Mizz" but it is archaic and is realistically never used anymore.  In 12 years working in offices and customer service, I have NEVER even once seen Mz. used.

Also, nobody in America uses the term "master" for young men.  This is also considered archaic and even arrogant by some.  Young men are referred to as Mr., just as all men are.

I'd prefer if we just changed all the rules and used the simple "Mr" or "Ms" ALL THE TIME but old rules die hard.
  
Clive  #554527  Wed, 13 Aug 08 10:24 PM
Hi,
Since there seems to be a lot of misinformation here, let me put in my two cents.I'm afraid that some of your comments here are not correct. Don't discount the comments earlier in the thread.(:)) Smile Here are just a few quick and brief comments.

The general consensus in the American business world in my experience, and according to my Honors English instructor, seems to be that Ms. is pronounced "Miss" Definitely not. It's pronounced with the Z sound, ie Mizzzz. and should be used as the generic reference to any female whenever her marital status is not know, and also if it IS known that she is NOT married.  Also it does not matter if she is divorced, she is still a "Miss/Ms.", as it is impolite to title her by the fact that she is divorced.  It depends on her preference, if it is known to you. The only time when one can't be certain about the correct title is when the woman is widowed, in which case it depends upon her preference.  Some widowed women like to go back to being called a "Miss/Ms." while others prefer to remain a "Misses/Mrs."  This seems to depend somewhat upon whether or not the woman is interested in remarrying. I think many divorced or widowed women would not like this remark. It shows a lot of presumption.

Mrs. means "Misses" and refers specifically and ONLY to a married woman. No, it's short for the archaic form 'Mistress'. And it can also be used by divorced or widoed women, if they wish.

Mz. is the only abbreviation that would be pronounced "Mizz" but it is archaic and is realistically never used anymore.  In 12 years working in offices and customer service, I have NEVER even once seen Mz. used. It never has been used at all, to my knowledge. I think you are confusing is with Ms.

Also, nobody in America uses the term "master" for young men.  This is also considered archaic and even arrogant by some.  Young men are referred to as Mr., just as all men are. The quite archaic 'master' was used for young boys rather than for young men.

I'd prefer if we just changed all the rules and used the simple "Mr" or "Ms" ALL THE TIME but old rules die hard. 

Best wishes, Clive

 

  
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Anonymous  #558396  Mon, 25 Aug 08 02:14 PM
If you are divorced, which should you Ms, Mrs, or Miss?


Thanks,

  
Doll  #558398  Mon, 25 Aug 08 02:16 PM
 Hello Anon. 

Please read former pages, you will find the related information.

  
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Anonymous  #572425  Thu, 02 Oct 08 10:26 AM
Damn, I've already used Mrs. while writing to a woman, whose marital status is not known. I hope she is married:)))
  
Anonymous  #573210  Sat, 04 Oct 08 11:47 PM
In addition to the other reply, which was correct, Ms can be used for a woman who has been divorced. Besides that, I agree with the other reply.
Hope this is useful!
  
Anonymous  #574305  Wed, 08 Oct 08 12:31 AM
good question dutch girl

i'm an ignorant american and didn't remember they were pronounced differently.


again good thinking


and thanks to the author of the first reply
  
Anonymous  #589397  Wed, 19 Nov 08 02:33 PM
(:D) Big Smile This is exactly what I needed explained  THANK YOU.
  
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