You can always use the receiver's first name in salutation.

You can always use the receiver's first name in salutation.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Sometimes
• D. Not allowed

Answer: (B)

Using a recipient’s first name in a salutation isn’t appropriate in every situation. The choice hinges on formality, your relationship with the person, and cultural expectations. In formal or initial communications, or when you don’t know the recipient well, it’s safer to use a title and last name (for example, “Dear Smith” with a title like Mr., Ms., or Dr.). If the person has indicated a preference for a first-name basis—such as signing an email with their first name or inviting you to address them by their first name—you may use it. Different cultures also have different norms about formality and titles. Because of these nuances, the statement that you can always use the receiver’s first name isn’t correct. It’s sometimes appropriate, but not always, depending on context. The other options misstate the flexibility of real-world etiquette: truthfully, it’s not universal, and it isn’t never allowed.

Using a recipient’s first name in a salutation isn’t appropriate in every situation. The choice hinges on formality, your relationship with the person, and cultural expectations. In formal or initial communications, or when you don’t know the recipient well, it’s safer to use a title and last name (for example, “Dear Smith” with a title like Mr., Ms., or Dr.). If the person has indicated a preference for a first-name basis—such as signing an email with their first name or inviting you to address them by their first name—you may use it. Different cultures also have different norms about formality and titles. Because of these nuances, the statement that you can always use the receiver’s first name isn’t correct. It’s sometimes appropriate, but not always, depending on context. The other options misstate the flexibility of real-world etiquette: truthfully, it’s not universal, and it isn’t never allowed.