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Wed 6 Jul, 2011 12:24 am
In an application letter, I want to refer to an old woman living next door. In English, can I use the word "grandma" or "granny" here? Are these two words only used to refer to family members? Are they formal? If not, are there any formal ways to address her when I use her as an example in my application letter.
@Justin Xu,
I'm inclined to refer to her as 'the woman next door'. I would simply not refer to her age unless there were a compelling reason. Granny would just be wrong.
Your title asks how to address her and your question asks how to refer to her. If you know her family name, Ms. or Mrs (name) would usually be appropriate.
You could say: "Mrs. Smith, the elderly woman next door " if her age is an important factor.
@roger,
Good answer, Roger! Never refer to her age, and using "granma" or "granny" is never appropriate in a letter of application.
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