Reader Question:
What would be the proper salutation for someone with a II, Jr., Sr., etc. following their last name? (i.e. John Adams, II or John Adams, Jr.)
Answer:
A salutation does not include a suffix, even if you are using a last name and title. So, suffix considerations only apply to the address, not the salutation in a business letter. Correct salutations in this case are simply:
- Dear Mr. Adams:
- Dear John:
Also, it’s traditional to use the suffix “Jr.” for a second generation name, rather than “II”:
- John Adams, Jr.
- Not, John Adams, II
Subsequent generations use Roman Numerals to designate position:
- John Adams, III
- John Adams, IV
- Etc.
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{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Many people are clueless about the proper use of suffixes. I wish you had written more about “II”. I always understood that a man with “II” following his surname had been named after his grandfather (in cases where the father had a different first name). I always enjoy your blog.
Thanks so much for letting me know you enjoy this blog, Charles. I will address suffixes more soon, since there is an interest. I just added suffix info as an additional clarification to the main question about salutations.