by courier

USAGE SUMMARY

"by courier" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
For example, "We will send the package to you by courier."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Anything over 2kg goes by courier.

The Guardian

He went dark, communicating only by courier.

The Washington Post

But he's sending messages by courier to her every day.

The New York Times

Mains arrived at top speed, as though sent by courier.

Independent

The message went by courier, not in a telegram.

The New York Times - Travel

When the load is too small to justify a truck, it is sometimes sent by courier.

The Economist

The company sends credit cards to Russians by courier, a business model akin to direct mailing.

The New York Times

"First-class tickets to Seattle will be delivered by courier later today".

Independent

Samples should be sent overnight by courier service to the Animal Health Diagnostic Center.

Cornell University

More than 30 million packages are delivered globally by courier services every business day.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The applications will be brought to the United States, and the passports returned abroad, by courier.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "by courier" when you want to emphasize the method of delivery, particularly when speed and security are important.

Common error

Avoid redundancy by not adding unnecessary prepositions. It's "send something by courier", not "send something via by courier".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by courier" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to describe how something is sent or delivered. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and commonly used. Examples show it specifying delivery method in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Science

27%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "by courier" is a prevalent and grammatically sound prepositional phrase that describes the method of sending something. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread usage. It implies a faster, more secure delivery service compared to standard mail. Its use spans various contexts, from news and media to scientific and formal business communications. The phrase's neutral register makes it suitable for diverse audiences. Alternatives include "via express delivery" or "through a messenger service", but "by courier" remains a clear and direct choice for specifying this mode of delivery.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

via express delivery

Specifies a faster delivery service compared to standard courier services.

through a messenger service

Highlights the use of a messenger for delivery, emphasizing personal handling.

using a dispatch service

Focuses on the dispatch aspect of sending an item, suggesting a more organized delivery.

by expedited mail

Emphasizes the speed of postal delivery, similar to a courier's speed.

by special delivery

Highlights the special handling and attention given to the delivery.

via overnight shipping

Focuses on the guaranteed next-day delivery aspect.

through secured transport

Emphasizes the security aspect of the delivery process.

hand-delivered

Stresses the personal aspect of the delivery.

personally delivered

Similar to hand-delivered, emphasizing the directness of the delivery.

sent through special channels

Suggests a less conventional or more private method of delivery.

FAQs

How can I use "by courier" in a sentence?

You can use "by courier" to indicate the method of sending something. For example, "The documents were sent "by courier" to ensure their timely arrival".

What are some alternatives to saying "by courier"?

Alternatives include "via express delivery", "through a messenger service", or "by expedited mail", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "via courier" instead of "by courier"?

While "by courier" is the more common and standard usage, "via courier" is also acceptable. However, "by courier" is generally preferred for its directness and clarity.

What does "by courier" imply about the delivery method?

"By courier" implies a delivery service that offers faster and more secure handling compared to regular mail. It often involves tracking and signed confirmation of receipt.