by mail

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "by mail" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something is sent or delivered via the postal system. Example: I sent my application to the college by mail.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Or by mail.

The New York Times

And soon by mail.

The New York Times - Food

Everything was done by mail.

The New York Times - Magazine

Registration is by mail.

The New York Times

Most of them are done by mail".

The New York Times

(About 10% of orders go by mail).

The Economist

Both are available by mail order.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Editing would be conducted by mail.

The New Yorker

Ordering by mail or phone.

University of Pennsylvania

You can vote by mail.

The Washington Post

They must file by mail.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "by mail" to specify the method of delivery, especially when contrasting it with other options such as online submission or in-person delivery.

Common error

Avoid using "by mail" when you actually mean email. "By mail" refers to postal service, while email is an electronic method. Be clear about the intended method of communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by mail" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to indicate the method of delivery or submission. It specifies how something is sent, as supported by Ludwig AI that confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

30%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "by mail" is a grammatically correct and very common prepositional phrase used to indicate that something is sent via the postal service. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is straightforward and widely accepted. It is prevalent in news, science, and wiki contexts and serves the primary purpose of specifying the method of delivery. When using "by mail", ensure clarity by providing specific instructions and avoiding confusion with other delivery methods like email. Remember that alternative phrases such as "via postal service" or "through the mail" can add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

via postal service

Replaces "mail" with a more formal term for the postal system.

through the mail

Slightly alters the prepositional phrase structure, maintaining the same meaning.

using mail

Emphasizes the action of using mail as a method.

by post

Uses a synonym for "mail", common in British English.

mailed

Uses a verb form to indicate sending something by mail.

through the post office

Specifies the institution used for sending the item.

by surface mail

Specifies the type of mail service.

via snail mail

Informal way of referring to postal service emphasizing slowness.

submitted by mail

Explicitly states the action of submitting "by mail".

correspondence by mail

Highlights mail as medium for correspondence or communication

FAQs

What are some alternatives to saying "by mail"?

You can use phrases like "via postal service", "through the mail", or "by post" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say 'send by mail' or 'mail it'?

Both are correct. "Send by mail" specifies the method of sending, while "mail it" is a shorter, more direct way of saying the same thing.

When should I use 'by mail' instead of 'online'?

Use "by mail" when the process involves sending physical documents through the postal service. Use 'online' when the process is completed digitally via the internet.

Can I use 'by mail' for international shipments?

Yes, you can use "by mail" for international shipments, but be sure to specify if you mean "by surface mail" or another specific service to avoid ambiguity.