Discussion Forum—A Way with Words, a fun radio show and podcast about language

The title Ms is not just for divorcees, etc. First of course it is for anyone who prefers the title. Also for use in business communication where the first name is too informal and you don't know the lady's marital status. It came into wider use during the feminist era. You don't need to know a man's marital status to know how to address him so why is the lady's marital status the most important thing you need to know first. Then of course there was a bit of a backlash from married women who consider their married status important enough that they want to be a Mrs.
Ms Mary Clare V