a wave of letters

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a wave of letters" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a large influx or surge of correspondence, often in the context of communication or feedback. Example: "After the announcement, the organization received a wave of letters from concerned citizens expressing their opinions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

The sequel to that story was a wave of letters and calls.

Columbia University

The success of the movie also prompted a wave of letters from women saying they were the real Dorothy.

The New York Times

It happened in 1996, and the decision was reversed that year after a wave of letters and petitions were received by Fox.

The New York Times - Arts

A reader once wrote to ask why their Russian vine had died, and soon after I got a wave of letters asking, "How did she kill it?!" This is a beast of a plant, and you're quite barmy to plant one, let alone two, so take this opportunity to rip them out and replace with a better, large climber: Clematis montana, Lonicera henryi, Virginia creeper, wisteria or a combination.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Duke Magazine has run several short articles over the years notifying alumni of his latest doings, and each has been met with a wave of letters, testimonials to Holley's impact in the classroom and beyond.

Duke University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Late last year, a package bomb addressed to Chancellor Angela Merkel was intercepted in her office's mailroom in the midst of a wave of letter bombs in Greece aimed at foreign embassies that was eventually traced to Greek anarchists.

The New York Times

The group has claimed responsibility for a wave of letter bombs last month that caused one minor injury and led to international alarm after one package reached the office of the German chancellor, Angela Merkel.

The New York Times

The health-insurance system in America has been so rotten for so long that losing even a bad plan is deeply frightening — which is why it verges on cruelty for the Administration to not have anticipated and prepared for what, based on press reports, seems to be a wave of cancellation letters.

The New Yorker

Amidst a wave of your letters, the vote did not happen.

Huffington Post

In May, all 25 shut down and Walsh warned of a third wave of letters coming to additional shops with his 1,000 foot boundary.

Huffington Post

The creators are expecting a new wave of letters and pictures from children.

Unicef

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a wave of letters" to describe a significant response to an event or announcement, particularly when the letters share a common theme or viewpoint. It is effective for conveying the impact of public opinion.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "a wave of letters" can sound overly formal or dramatic in casual conversation. Opt for simpler phrases like "lots of letters" or "many letters" in informal settings to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a wave of letters" functions as a noun phrase. It typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence, describing a significant influx of written communications related to a specific event or topic. Ludwig shows many examples used in different contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a wave of letters" is a noun phrase used to describe a significant influx of correspondence, often in response to a particular event or announcement. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and most commonly found in news and media contexts, with some usage in academic and formal settings. While effective for conveying a substantial response, it might sound overly formal in casual conversation. Alternatives like "a deluge of letters" or "a flood of correspondence" can provide similar meanings with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a deluge of letters

Emphasizes an overwhelming quantity, akin to a flood.

an avalanche of letters

Highlights the sudden and unstoppable nature of the letters' arrival.

an outpouring of letters

Highlights the emotional aspect, suggesting letters expressing strong feelings.

a flood of correspondence

Uses a more formal term for letters, suggesting a business or official context.

a stream of letters

Indicates a continuous flow, less overwhelming than a flood.

a barrage of letters

Implies an aggressive or defensive reaction, with letters used as a form of attack or defense.

a mountain of letters

Focuses on the physical accumulation and volume of the letters.

an abundance of letters

Focuses on having a sufficient or plentiful quantity of letters.

a cluster of letters

Suggests that the letters are closely related or focused on a specific topic.

a heap of letters

Focuses on an untidy pile or collection of letters.

FAQs

How can I use "a wave of letters" in a sentence?

You can use "a wave of letters" to describe a large influx of correspondence related to a specific event or topic. For example, "The company received "a wave of letters" after announcing the new policy".

What's a more formal alternative to "a wave of letters"?

A more formal alternative could be "a surge of correspondence" or "an outpouring of communications". These phrases are suitable for professional or academic contexts.

What can I say instead of "a wave of letters" in a less formal context?

In less formal contexts, consider using phrases like "lots of letters" or "a ton of letters" to convey the same idea without sounding overly dramatic.

Is there a difference between "a wave of letters" and "a flood of letters"?

While both phrases indicate a large quantity, "a flood of letters" often implies an overwhelming and potentially disruptive volume, whereas ""a wave of letters"" suggests a significant but perhaps more manageable influx.