Use of ‘The Late’
When to Use ‘The Late’?
In writing the history of our organization should we present the deceased founder’s name as: the late John Smith
—-—-—-–- Darla Snyder
Ms. Snyder:
Use ‘the late’ before a name of someone who is deceased – often recently – when one wants to be respectful. For example, text, such as on a wedding program:
—-John Smith, the bride’s uncle, will give away the bride in place of her father the late Thomas Smith.
—-The groom is the son of Mrs. James K. Gifford and the late Stephen R. Gifford
Some editorial/style guides say a person can only be ‘the late’ if they have been dead less than a decade. Thus, in a timeless document, one that will be read for years to come – like a program that will become a souvenir – ‘the late’ is not the best option. Simply list the name of your founder as – (Full Name). If you feel it’s necessary to note who they are or that they are deceased – include other information after their name.
—-John Smith, founder
—-—-or
—-John Smith (1917-2004), founder
– Robert Hickey
See these Related Posts:
——-—Use of “The Late” with Names
——-—Writing the Names of Deceased Persons
——-—Names on Tombstones, Grave Markers, Monuments
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Robert Hickey author of “Honor & Respect”
When Should You Use the Forms on this Page?
You can use these forms of address for any mode of communication: addressing a letter, invitation, card or Email. (If there are differences between the official and social forms of address, I will have mentioned the different forms.) The form noted in the salutation is the same form you use when you say their name in conversation or when you greet them.
___What I don’t cover on this site are many things I do cover in my book: all the rules of forms of address, about names, international titles, precedence, complimentary closes, details on invitations, place cards, all sorts of introductions, etc. I hope you’ll get a copy of the book if you’d like the further detail.
Not Finding Your Answer?
—-#1) At right on desktops, at the bottom of every page on tablets and phones, is a list of all the offices, officials & topics covered on the site.
—-#2) If you don’t see the official you seek included or your question answered send me an e-mail. I am pretty fast at sending a reply: usually the next day or so (unless I am traveling.) Note: I don’t have mailing or Email addresses for any of the officials and I don’t keep track of offices that exist only in history books.
—-#3) If I think your question is of interest to others, Sometimes I post the question – but always change all the specifics.
— Robert Hickey
Robert Hickey author of “Honor & Respect”
Recommended Resources: The Protocol School of Washington (PSOW) and Protocol and Diplomacy International – Protocol Officers Association (PDI-POA) For more information see the Protocol Resources page.