accusatory letter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "accusatory letter" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a letter that expresses blame or accusation towards someone. Example: "After receiving the accusatory letter from her colleague, she felt compelled to defend her actions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Mr. Zwilling declined to release the contents of the accusatory letter or say who sent it.

The New York Times

In July, 2003, a few weeks after this magazine published an article about Stein and Toklas's experiences in wartime France, an accusatory letter appeared in its letters column.

The New Yorker

"As you have already blamed me, I will not allow you that here in Punjab," Elahi recalls telling Bhutto, referring to her accusatory letter.

The New Yorker

The negotiations have been complicated by an accusatory letter that the new president of the Sergeants Benevolent Association, Edward Mullins, wrote to Ms. Weingarten.

The New York Times

The writer of the accusatory letter had dated the Izieu raid April 6, 1943, but in fact it took place on April 6, 1944, four months before France was liberated.

The New Yorker

The real goal of his catty, three-page response, he says, was to embarrass a bureaucratic agency with humor – he pointed out its redaction of vital words defining the proper usage of Section 701 in its accusatory letter, and how it led the FBI to call Wikipedia's use of its seal "problematic".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Four months later, without prior notice, Samuel Pepys and John Locke, both personal friends of Newton, received wild, accusatory letters.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Oh, there were some accusatory letters as well, and offers to pray for his mortal soul, but the bulk of the correspondence was from women angling to be wife No. 4. "Why do you think that it is?" an earnest reporter asked Epstein, arranging her face in that ubiquitous serious-yet-furrowless expression.

The New York Times - Magazine

A large number of e-mails protesting the race results crashed the Olympic Committee's email server, and thousands of accusatory letters, many of which contained death threats, were sent to Ohno and the committee.

Wikipedia

Alternately maudlin and accusatory, the letter plays on terrorism fears by calling a cephalosporin ban a "food security issue" affecting "the number of animals available for the food supply".

Huffington Post

He wrote her long, poignant letters, alternately accusatory and beseeching, which she kept but didn't answer.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "accusatory letter", ensure the context clearly indicates who is being accused and of what. Specify the content of the letter to enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "accusatory letter" when a more neutral term like "letter of concern" or "inquiry" would be more appropriate. Always consider the actual tone and purpose of the letter.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "accusatory letter" functions as a noun phrase, where "accusatory" modifies "letter". It describes a letter whose primary purpose is to assign blame or make allegations, as supported by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "accusatory letter" is a grammatically correct and usable term in written English, primarily functioning as a noun phrase to describe a letter containing accusations. Ludwig AI analysis shows that it's most commonly found in news and media contexts. While the phrase is relatively straightforward, writers should ensure that the context clearly defines the accusations and the accused party. Consider alternatives like "letter of accusation" or "incriminating letter" to add nuance or formality, depending on the specific context. Ludwig's examples highlight the phrase's use in reporting on disputes and allegations, reinforcing its specific meaning and application.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

letter of accusation

Formal and direct alternative highlighting the accusatory nature.

letter containing accusations

Directly describes the letter's content as accusatory.

incriminating letter

Focuses on the letter's content implying guilt.

letter making allegations

Focuses on the unproven nature of accusations in the letter.

inculpatory letter

Similar to incriminating, focusing on evidence suggesting guilt.

blaming letter

Emphasizes the act of placing blame within the letter.

condemnatory letter

Highlights the strong disapproval and condemnation expressed.

reproachful letter

Conveys disapproval and mild criticism within the letter.

censure-filled letter

Highlights the letter's critical and disapproving tone.

letter of denunciation

Stresses a public condemnation conveyed through the letter.

FAQs

How can I use "accusatory letter" in a sentence?

You can use "accusatory letter" to describe a letter that makes accusations against someone. For example: "The company received an "accusatory letter" from a former employee alleging misconduct."

What's a less formal alternative to "accusatory letter"?

If you're looking for a less formal alternative, consider using "blaming letter" or "letter making allegations". While less formal, these alternatives still convey the accusatory nature of the communication.

What can I say instead of "accusatory letter"?

You can use alternatives like "incriminating letter" or "letter of accusation" depending on the context and the desired level of formality.

What distinguishes an "accusatory letter" from a regular complaint letter?

An "accusatory letter" directly blames someone for wrongdoing, whereas a regular complaint letter simply expresses dissatisfaction or reports a problem without necessarily assigning blame. The "letter of accusation" explicitly contains allegations.