LoginHonorifics and Titles
In this lesson we learn about honorifics and titles, which are essential parts of a sentence that show respect or denote social rank. Clear explanations and practice exercises to help you learn.
What Are Honorifics and Titles?
When speaking with someone in a formal or respectful manner, honorifics are used as conversational terms to indicate courtesy towards individuals who are older or hold a higher social status. Honorifics, also known as referent honorifics, are typically used in formal settings or when showing respect to someone in a professional or social context.
Honorific Words
Compared to other languages, English does not have a lot of honorific words. The following is a list of common honorifics in English:
Mr.: this honorific title is used before the names of men.
Mr. Jones is a toy maker.
When I met Mr. Fischer he was trying to fix his car.
Mrs.: is a title of respect for a married or widowed woman.
Mrs. Baker is a wonderful lawyer.
Mrs. Bails was a nice woman but she was killed mysteriously.
Ms.: is used when you are not sure of a woman's marital status.
Ms. Anderson seemed eager to cook dinner.
When Ms. Allen started the show we were all behind the scene.
Miss: is used to indicate respect for a female child and an unmarried woman.
Miss Barnes used to be my teacher.
Miss Alison is Barney's granddaughter.
Sir: is used on its own or before a name to refer to a man.
Excuse me Sir!
I hated Sir Nape.
Tip!
When these honorific titles are used in writing, their first letter must always be capitalized.
Dr. Regina told us to stay in hospital for two more hours.
Undoubtedly, General Parker was a brave man.
Sometimes, a title or rank is used on its own in a sentence to refer to someone with respect. Remember, the initial letter of an honorific title has to be capitalized.
They had an interview with the President.
Call the Captain. I am sure he will figure it out.
Tip
Usually, when we are really close to people who are older than us, we can use honorific titles followed by their first name, but when they are not, we use their last name after honorific titles.
Professor Ross is my friend.
Dr. Green is an old man now.
Titles of Affection
When addressing pets, friends, or people younger than us, we may use titles that convey a sense of friendliness or affection. These titles can vary depending on the context and relationship between the speaker and the person or animal being addressed, for example:
Honey, Sweetie, Darling (child, romantic partner, or younger person),
Dear, Love, Babe, or Baby (romantic partner),
Pal (father or grandfather calls male child),
Buddy or Bud (between friends).
Honey give me the keys, please!
Sweetie hurry up; you're gonna be late for school.
Honorific Phrases
There are some phrases that are used as honorific titles for people of a higher social status. For example:
Your Honor (refers to a judge)
Your Highness or Your Majesty (refers to a king, queen, prince, etc.)
Will that be all, Your Highness?
Here is the evidence, Your Honor.
Royal Titles
Royal titles such as King, Queen, Prince, Duke, etc. are used as honorific titles and can appear on their own or followed by a name. For example:
Prince Charming wanted to steal Fiona's heart.
Surely the King knows best.
Punctuation
In American English, a period is placed after all abbreviated titles (e.g., 'Dr.' or 'Mrs.'). In British English, however, when the abbreviated form of a title ends with the same letter as the full term (eg., Doctor and Dr), there is no need for a period. Pay attention to the examples:
American English: Mr. and Mrs. Donalds went home.
British English: Mr and Mrs Donalds went home.
In British English, a period is only used when the shortened title does not end with the last letter of the full form. (e.g., when 'Professor' changes into 'Prof.').
American English: Dr. Edwards wrote a letter to Prof. Jacobs.
British English: Dr Edwards wrote a letter to Prof. Jacobs.
Review
Honorific titles are used to refer to people in a respectful way. When using honorific titles make sure that they are capitalized at the beginning. Sometimes they are used alone and sometimes they are followed by a name.
Quiz:
Which honorific is correctly used to address a married woman?
Mr.
Miss
Mrs.
Sir
Sort the words to make grammatically correct sentences using honorifics and titles.
Complete the table below with the correct honorific title based on the description.
| Description | Honorific Title |
|---|---|
A term used to address a kings, queen, or prince | |
A term of affection for a romantic partner | |
A title used for a military officer | |
A polite form of address for a man |
Match each description of an honorific or title with a corresponding example sentence that uses it.
Which sentence is written correctly according to American English punctuation and capitalization rules for honorifics?
I had an appointment with Dr. Reynolds this morning.
I had an appointment with dr. Reynolds this morning.
I had an appointment with Dr Reynolds this morning.
I had an appointment with dr Reynolds this morning.
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