addressed to someone else

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "addressed to someone else" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a message, letter, or communication that is intended for a different recipient. Example: "The email was addressed to someone else, so I couldn't respond to it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Letters at least the kind that writers write are journals addressed to someone else.

The New Yorker

The formula cover letter that is addressed to someone else, the round-robin Christmas letter that no-one cares about but everyone is in receipt of.

The Guardian - Tech

It also shows that we still have a long way to go before it is widely understood that prying into a Web site is no different from ransacking a mailbox and stealing a letter addressed to someone else.

The New York Times

Most of us assume it is addressed to someone else.

HuffPost

Authorities were able to recover the discarded items and, during a search of the vehicle, found personal items that did not belong to the two men, including a BMW key fob and an envelope addressed to someone else.

Los Angeles Times

11 Southern Decor Trends That Are Primed to Go Mainstream Here's How to Finally Stop Receiving Mail Addressed to Someone Else The One Thing You Should Do to Keep Your Bed Cool This Summer.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

In more complex situations, in face-to-face verbal interactions for example, it is already expected by infants that the person will look at his/her social partner [54] whereas facing someone in ¾ profile will suggest that this person addresses to someone else.

Plosone

If you are writing the poem as a direct address to someone else, such as your brother, you could begin by discussing the last time you saw or spoke to this person.

WikiHow

This suggests that Pfänder also recognized the existence of ordering acts that are addressed by someone to someone else.

SEP

Members agree to have their pseudonym, plus real name and address, sent to someone else in the exchange, and in return they receive the same data of someone else (not the person giving their gift).

The New York Times

Also from the frame's carousel menu, you can forward a picture to someone else in your address book.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When clarifying that a piece of mail or communication was accidentally delivered, use "addressed to someone else" to politely explain the error without assigning blame.

Common error

Avoid using "addressed to someone else" when there's suspicion the communication was intentionally misdirected. Instead, neutrally state the facts or investigate further.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "addressed to someone else" typically functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a noun. It indicates that a letter, package, or communication was directed towards a different recipient than the one who currently possesses it. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "addressed to someone else" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase that acts as a prepositional modifier, indicating a misdirected communication. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is appropriate for neutral registers and commonly found in news and general writing. When using the phrase, ensure that it accurately reflects the situation and avoids implying intent without proof. Consider using alternative phrases like "intended for another recipient" or "meant for a different person" for subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intended for another recipient

Focuses on the intention behind the communication rather than the act of addressing.

meant for a different person

Highlights the intended recipient being someone other than the current reader.

directed to another individual

Emphasizes the act of directing communication towards a specific person.

sent to someone else

Focuses on the action of sending something to an alternative receiver.

for another's attention

Indicates the purpose of the communication is for someone other than the current holder.

meant for someone else's eyes

Highlights the intended audience and secrecy from the current reader.

intended for a third party

Uses more formal language to indicate the communication is not for the sender or receiver.

not for your consumption

Emphasizes the exclusivity of the message and it's inappropriateness for the current reader.

designated for another

Highlights the assignment or designation of the communication to someone specific.

intended for an alternative recipient

Combines 'intended' with a formal term for the receiver, emphasizing both the purpose and receiver.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "addressed to someone else"?

You can use alternatives such as "intended for another recipient", "meant for a different person", or "directed to another individual" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to open mail "addressed to someone else"?

Generally, it is not appropriate or legal to open mail that is not addressed to you. Instead, you should mark it as 'Not at this address' and return it to the postal service.

What should I do if I keep receiving mail "addressed to someone else"?

Contact the sender and inform them of the incorrect address. You can also notify the postal service to correct the delivery route.

What's the difference between "addressed to someone else" and "intended for someone else"?

While similar, "addressed to someone else" refers specifically to the name and address on a piece of mail or communication, while "intended for someone else" implies the communication's purpose or content was meant for a different recipient, regardless of the address.