Reading Skills for Today's Adults

How do you know what to call someone? Do you use their first name or last name? Is it Mr., Mrs., Miss, or Ms.? This issue is a difficult one. Knowing what to call someone can be very confusing! 

​

In a social setting, people usually use their first names. If you were introduced to Tom Hunt at a party, you would call him Tom. If you met Mary Redwood at a park, you would call her Mary. 

​

Business settings tend to be different. When you first meet an employer, you should address him or her by their last name. However, some employers like to be called by their first names. Use the employer’s last name unless he or she says, “Call me by my first name.”

​

Women may use the title of Miss, Mrs., or Ms. What’s the difference between them? Ms. is used for all women, whether they are married or not. Miss shows that a woman is unmarried. Mrs. shows that a woman is married.

​

Knowing what to call people can be very confusing. When you’re not sure, ask what they prefer to be called.