[KCCHAN]

I am used to writing 'Mr Johnson' at the beginning of a letter;once I had a slip in pen and wrote Mr Samuel Johnson, and my teacher told me that I was wrong, but I do not understand. COULD ANYONE HELP ME?

[susan53]

At the beginning of a letter, the salutation may be formal or informal. If informal, then Dear is followed by the first name - eg "Dear Samuel," whereas if it's formal then you use the title and the surname - eg "Dear Mr Johnson," Dear Ms Evans", "Dear Dr Roberts".

English differs from some other languages in that you never....
a) use the first name between the title and surname - eg * Dr Mr Samuel Johnson
b) use the title with the first name only - eg *Dear Mr Samuel
c) use a professional title (with the exception of Dr) - eg *Dear Engineer Brown or *Dear Architect

There's nothing here to really "understand" - it's just convention. Each language has its own conventions for acceptable salutation forms. You just need to find out what they are, and follow them.

[KCCHAN]

DOES IT HAVE something to do with the CHRISTIAN NAME?

[susan53]

I thought I'd answered this, but the reply seems to have disappeared. I don't understand the question? Does what have something to do with the first name?? If you're thinking that it might depend on eg whether it's a male or female first name, or a long or a short one, or whatever - no, it makes no diffeence. The rules are as above.

[KCCHAN]

Sorry, I did not make myself understood.

I just wanted to know whether the reason is 'we do not use the Christian name in the salutation part'

I had this doubt because my teacher told me this, but I did not try to understand WHY, for I had known language as a barbarous thing.Thank you very much for your answer .

[susan53]

"Christian name" is just another expression for "first name" KCChan - but less usual nowadays. Use "first name".