I mailed

USAGE SUMMARY

"I mailed" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used when someone is referring to the action of sending something through the mail. For example: - I mailed the letter yesterday. - Have you mailed the package yet? - She mailed the invitations last week. In these examples, "mailed" is being used as a past tense verb to indicate that the action of sending something through the mail has already been completed. This phrase can be used in any type of written communication, such as emails, letters, or essays.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

I mailed the computer to the company.

The New York Times

Next day, I mailed him his keys, end of story.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

When I got home, I mailed him the cash.

The New York Times

She wrote a note to him which I mailed.

The New Yorker

"I mailed it from my mother's house in San Diego.

The New Yorker

The buyer paid with PayPal, the payment service owned by eBay, and I mailed the computer.

The New York Times

I mailed another copy of the letter with an updated note.

The New Yorker

"I called the school and found her and I mailed the purse".

The New York Times

I mailed it back and wrote, Double or nothing for another 10 years.

The New York Times - Magazine

"I mailed it anonymously to Jeff Miller because he's their head of security.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

I mailed the manuscript off to Random House in September, 2000, then fell into bed.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a method of sending a document or package, use "I mailed" to clearly indicate that you used the postal service. This avoids ambiguity compared to using more general terms like "sent".

Common error

Avoid using "I mailed" when you actually sent something electronically (e.g., via email). "Mailed" specifically refers to using a postal service. Use terms like "I emailed" or "I sent" for electronic communications.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I mailed" typically functions as an independent clause, where "I" is the subject and "mailed" is the verb. It indicates the completion of an action of sending something via postal service. This aligns with Ludwig's examples, which show it used to describe completed actions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I mailed" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to convey that the speaker has sent something via postal service. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is widely used in various contexts, predominantly in News & Media. While versatile, it's important to use it correctly by differentiating it from other forms of sending, like email. Using the phrase in your writing makes it clear that the postal service was used, avoiding any potential ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I sent

Replaces "mailed" with a more general term for sending, applicable to various transmission methods.

I shipped

Focuses on sending a package, often implying a larger item or commercial delivery.

I posted

A common alternative, particularly in British English, for sending via mail.

I dispatched

Emphasizes promptness or efficiency in sending.

I forwarded

Indicates sending something that was received from someone else.

I transmitted

Suggests sending data or information electronically, a less direct synonym.

I conveyed

Formal way to say 'I communicated'.

I airmailed

Emphasizes sending via airmail, implying faster delivery over a longer distance.

I express-mailed

Highlights using express mail for expedited delivery.

I delivered

Focuses on the act of bringing something to a destination, though not necessarily via mail.

FAQs

What is the correct tense to use with "mail"?

"Mailed" is the past tense form of the verb "mail", so use it to describe an action that has already happened. For example, "I mailed the package yesterday."

What can I say instead of "I mailed"?

You can use alternatives like "I sent", "I shipped", or "I posted" depending on the context.

Is "mailed" formal or informal?

The term "mailed" is considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, the overall tone of your writing will determine the appropriateness of the word.

How can I be more specific than saying "I mailed"?

You can add details such as "I mailed it via express mail", or "I mailed the documents using certified mail" to provide more information about how you sent the item.