I'm going to write to my professor a very important e mail, should I start it with the word "dear"?

Question

and should I say
professor........or Dr......

Answer 1

Start off with Dear as it is the proper salutation to all letters to a person you know vs. To Whom it may concern: because we don't know exactly whom will get the letter.

Now how should you address him? Dr. vs. Professor. Easy answer, how do you normally address him when you see him and greet him verbally or speak with him? You do not want to use Sir as it is way too formal since you do know him. Also, he went all those years of education and tenure to earn the titleship right of Professor or Doctor, whichever he prefers to be addressed.

Good luck on your email

Answer 2

I usually just write...

Professor X,

This is a letter blah blah blah

Nothing wrong with writing dear though, I just find it a bit too... personal? But that's just me, I keep my letters professional.

Answer 3

Dear is just how most letters start out. Don't worry that your professor will think you are calling him/her "dear."

Answer 4

Open with top left of page:
TO: St. John's University
Attn: Professor Johnson

Dear Professor Johnson,

I am writing to you to explain.................

That should do it. Keep it simple and professional.

Answer 5

Ive had the same situation before, and I found it best to use "dear"
everything else sounded odd and just starting off with "proffesor" seems rude.
"dear" doesnt have to mean to someone who is dear to you, its just a common heading in our society.

Answer 6

yes

it sorta shows your respect for the person

Answer 7

How about "Hello Proffessor"

Answer 8

No

Start off by saying

Dr.________,