Ms. vs Mrs.
What’s the difference between them?
Ms.
Meaning:
Ms. is a title used before a woman's name, who is unmarried or whose marital status is unknown to indicate respect.
Examples:
1. Ms. Smith will be teaching the third grade this year.
2. Please address me as Ms. Jones when we meet.
3. Ms. Brown is our new principal.
Mrs.
Meaning:
Mrs. is an abbreviation for the word 'mistress,' which is a term used to refer to a married woman.
Examples:
1. Mrs. Smith is very knowledgeable about Spanish literature.
2. Mrs. Johnson baked a delicious apple pie for the office party.
3. Mrs. Patel is the chair of the school board.
Learn similar and opposite words to spot the difference
Synonyms
Antonyms
Ms.
Miss
Mrs.
Mrs.
Mistress
Ms.
Tricks for mastery
Useful tips to understand the difference between confusing words "Ms.", "Mrs.".
1. The abbreviation 'Ms.' is used for any woman regardless of her marital status, while 'Mrs.' is used to refer to a married woman.
2. If you are unsure which title to use, it is always safe to go with 'Ms.'
3. An easy way to remember is that 'Ms.' is a shorter version of the word 'Miss,' while 'Mrs.' is a shorter version of 'Mistress', which is used to refer to a woman regardless of her marital status.
Practice English with the Promova app and avoid misusing confusing words
Frequently asked questions
When to use the first word?
The first word is 'Ms.' It is used as a title to refer to a woman, regardless of her marital status. It is the most commonly accepted form of address, so it is safe to use it in all situations.
When to use the second word?
The second word is 'Mrs.' It is used as a title to refer to a married woman. It is typically used for formal situations or when specifically addressing a married woman.
Do the words have the same pronunciation?
Yes, the words are pronounced the same and are both written as 'Ms.' and 'Mrs.'
What are common mistakes associated with words 'Ms.', 'Mrs.?'
A common mistake is to use 'Mrs.' for all women, regardless of their marital status. It is important to remember that 'Ms.' is a more inclusive title and should be used if one is unsure of a woman’s marital status. Additionally, it is important to note that 'Ms.' is the only correct spelling for the title and 'Miss' or 'Mrs.' should not be used.
Fill in the gaps to check yourself
1. My mothers last name is Smith and she goes by ____ Jones.
2. ____ Smith is the name of our English teacher.
3. I saw ____ Tucker at the store last week.
4. ____ Chang is the new CEO of the company.
5. I want to introduce you to ____ Williams and her husband Mr. Williams.
6. ____ Johnson is our office manager.
1. Answer: Mrs.
Explanation: Mrs. is the title used when addressing a married woman.
2. Answer: Ms.
Explanation: Ms. is the title used when addressing a woman, whose marital status is unknown.
3. Answer: Ms.
Explanation: Ms. is the title used when addressing a woman, whose marital status is unknown.
4. Answer: Ms.
Explanation: Ms. is the title used when addressing a woman, whose marital status is unknown.
5. Answer: Mrs.
Explanation: Mrs. is the title used when addressing a married woman.
6. Answer: Ms.
Explanation: Ms. is the title used when addressing a woman, whose marital status is unknown.
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Download the PDF with a list of commonly confused words made as flashcards for comfortable learning.
List of Commonly Confused Words
Finding your way around the English language can be hard, especially since there are so many confusing words and rules. So, a list of the most confusing words in English is an extremely useful tool for improving language accuracy and sharing the ideas clearly.