a previous letter

USAGE SUMMARY

"a previous letter" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to a letter that was written or received before the current time. For example: "I referenced the issues you raised in a previous letter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

In a previous letter, I promised you my next rascasse.

The New Yorker

Mr. Merritt addresses a grievance brought up in a previous letter from Mr. Porter.

Cornell University

Discusses a previous letter from Haiti in detail pointing out incorrect and misleading statements.

The New Yorker

Bentham's handwriting deteriorated in his later years, and he occasionally wrote in between the lines of a previous letter.

The New York Times - Books

The F.D.A. itself, in a previous letter to LabCorp, said the test "may harm the public health".

The New York Times

In a previous letter I explained my adventures in detail; I'm sorry that that one went missing.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

In a sharp break with previous letter exchanges, both presidents have publicly lauded their correspondence.

The New York Times

(2=a 22=b 555=l) If you need to type a letter that is on the same key as your previous letter wait a few seconds and then type the letter.

WikiHow

But, he continued, "there is another position coming open next year, and unless you indicate your wishes to the contrary, I shall take your previous letter as a letter of application for that position".

The Guardian

Use a phrase like: "Per my previous letter about your unpaid bill…" or "Thank you for your payment in March".

WikiHow

As you may recall, my previous letter detailed "Q5," a form of torture that masquerades as an emergency mental health intervention at PCCF.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referencing "a previous letter", ensure that the context makes it clear which letter you are referring to, especially if multiple letters have been exchanged.

Common error

Avoid vague references to "a previous letter" without specifying key details like the date or subject. Providing more context helps ensure clarity for the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a previous letter" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as an adjunct to provide context or reference earlier communication. As indicated by Ludwig, the phrase is correct and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

9%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a previous letter" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that functions as a noun phrase to reference earlier communication. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is straightforward and accepted across various contexts. It appears most commonly in News & Media and Academic writing. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by providing specific details about the letter being referenced to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "an earlier letter" or "a prior letter" can be used to vary the phrasing while maintaining the same meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an earlier letter

Replaces "previous" with "earlier", implying a letter from an earlier time.

a prior letter

Substitutes "previous" with "prior", indicating a letter that came before the current one.

a foregoing letter

Uses "foregoing" instead of "previous", suggesting a letter mentioned earlier.

the preceding letter

Replaces "previous" with "preceding", highlighting the letter that came immediately before.

a letter before

A more concise way to say "a previous letter".

an aforementioned letter

Uses "aforementioned" to refer back to a letter already mentioned.

a past letter

Replaces "previous" with "past", indicating a letter from a time gone by.

the initial letter

Refers to the first letter in a series of correspondence.

a communication before

Broader term that includes letters, emails or any kind of communication.

the original letter

Emphasizes the letter's status as the first or starting point.

FAQs

How do I correctly reference "a previous letter" in a formal email?

In formal correspondence, start by directly referencing the letter with specific details, like the date. For instance: "In my "previous letter" of July 1st, I outlined..."

What are some alternatives to saying "a previous letter"?

You can use alternatives such as "an "earlier letter"", "a "prior letter"", or "the "preceding letter"" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a previous letter" in academic writing?

Yes, it is perfectly acceptable to use "a previous letter" in academic writing, especially when referring to prior correspondence or documented communication. Ensure the reference is clear and contributes to the argument.

How can I avoid ambiguity when referring to "a previous letter"?

To avoid ambiguity, include specific details such as the date, recipient, or subject of the "previous letter". This helps the reader easily identify which letter you are referencing.