What title do i use before a person's name that is difficult to determine the gender?

Question

I have to make a FORMAL reply to Chandra Basnyat. Since i have no clue to person's gender how do i address him/her in the letter? e.g.
Dear Basnyat... Is there a neutral salutation i can use?

Answer 1

Just say Dear ( first initial) and the last name.

Answer 2

Dear Chandra Basnyat:
Probably a woman, but better safe than sorry. Good answer above about calling and trying to find title or sex to to decide how to address the letter, but you can get fooled on the phone by a person's sex. I spent a lot of phone time talking to every level of corporate gurus before I retired and if it is important enough to you call the company. Ask the receptionist how the person in question prefers to be addressed in a letter. Not stupid, just good business.

Answer 3

Chandra is probably a woman but it is appropriate to use whatever title she used in the letter to which u are replying.

Answer 4

Just spell out her name, Dear Chandra Basnyat, or you can just put Hey you,

Answer 5

Just "Dear Basnyat" will sound rude and super impersonal. It sounds as if you are superior and regardless sounds as if you have no manners. Think as if you are in a room and someone just yelled out your last name to get your attention.

As another said if they have a professional title use that. But if you are unsure, as you are use "Dear C. Basnyat". This covers it all and sounds professional.

Answer 6

"To Whom It May Concern" is a generic thing to use, and sometimes a little TOO impersonal, especially if you know the person's name. I think the first initial, then last name is a good solution. Or, if they have a title, such as director, ceo, doctor, etc, any one of those would work.

Answer 7

Chandra is a female name.

Answer 8

use the professional title... like if he/she is in the academe with PhD degree, use the Dr. title 'Dear Dr. B___'... or other professional titles like Engr., Atty., etc... just use the professional title, the letter would even appear more formal addressing a person with their professional title instead of simply using the norm Miss, Mr, Mrs...

Answer 9

Chandra is a girls' name...but for future reference, just say "To Whom it May Concern".

Answer 10

Dear Sir/Madam: