The name, title, and complete mailing address make up the part of the letter described as the inside address. Some people might argue why there should be an inside address since it already appears on the envelop. The rationale for the existence of inside address lies partly in the long-established tradition, partly in the fact that the recipient frequently throws away the envelop once it is torn open; therefore, the letter itself must indicate clearly to whom it is addressed.

　　Courtesy Title When writing to a specific individual, make sure you use the proper courtesy title which includes Mr. , Mrs. , and Miss. If you are not sure of a woman’s marital status, simply use Ms. Why make a distinction between married and unmarried women, the feminists argue, when we do not distinguish between married and single men? As you will notice, Ms. appears throughout the text, referring to the female recipient as a whole.

　　When writing to a person whose name sounds neutral in terms of gender, you can be assured to use the abbreviated title M. For example, M. Leslie R. Higgins.

　　One common mistake frequently found among Chinese students in addressing is that they use courtesy title along with the recipient’s first name.

　　Examples:

　　Mr. David ( wrong)

　　Mr. David White ( right )

　　Mr. White ( right )

　　Organizational Title If the addressee has an organizational title, indicate it (a) immediately after the person’s name, (b) partially on the first line with the rest on the second line, and (c) completely on the second line -- whichever arrangement is most attractive and balance-keeping.

　　Examples:

　　(a ) Mr. Paul Smith, Manager

　　Smith and Sons, Inc.

　　3107 Western Avenue

　　New London, Connecticut 06320

　　( b ) Ms. Linda Cook, Assistant

　　Direct of Public Relations

　　3117 Avenue E

　　Seattle, Washington 20103

　　( c ) Dr. Robert Dixon,

　　Associate Dean of Student Activities

　　District of Columbia Polytechnic

　　900 Avenue E. NY

　　Washington, DC 20025

　　( d ) Ms. Gillian Johnson

　　Export Sales Manager

　　Block and Brown PLC

　　55 Horizons Drive

　　Bough BN5 9KL

　　中文参考：

　　姓名，头衔和完整的地址构成信件的信内地址部分。有些人会说，既然信封上已经有了地址，为什么还要有信内地址这一部分呢?其中的原因一部分是因为一个长期的传统，另一部分是因为人们经常拆开信封以后就会把信封扔掉。因此，信的本身就一定要清楚的说明是写给谁的。

　　礼貌的头衔 当写给具体的人的时候，一定要使用恰当的礼貌的头衔称呼，比如Mr. Mrs. 和Miss。如果你不清楚一个妇女的婚姻状况，你可以使用Ms.。

　　如果收信人的名字很中性，你不清楚到底是男的还是女的，就可以简单地使用M.。比如M. Leslie R. Higgins.

　　中国学生犯的一个常见的错误就是使用收信人的第一个名字。

　　职位头衔 如果收信人有一个职位头衔，那么要把它写在(a) 直接跟在人命后面，(b) 部分在第一行，其他的在第二行，(c) 完全在第二行