by post

USAGE SUMMARY

"by post" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to sending something through the postal service, usually mail or packages. For example: If you would like to receive your package as soon as possible, we recommend sending it by post.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

LOVEFiLM by post.

The Guardian - Film

Nearly 58% voted by post.

The Guardian

We've received nowt by post yet.

The Guardian - Sport

Some people have voted by post already.

The Guardian

He's done recent interviews by post only.

The New York Times - Arts

You can vote in person, by post or by proxy.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

Now their land is threatened by post-Soviet industry.

The Guardian - Books

All ANOVAs were followed by post-hoc Fisher's LSD test.

Nature

The cantilevers have been released by post-process micromachining.

Microelectronic Engineering

Data were analysed by post-process speckle tracking analysis.

Manual Therapy

This stage is followed by post-processing to improve visualization.

Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When specifying international mail, consider clarifying delivery times as "by post" can sometimes imply slower delivery compared to courier services.

Common error

Avoid using "by post" when a faster or more secure delivery method like a courier is used; otherwise, it may mislead the recipient about the expected arrival time and security measures.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by post" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying verbs or nouns to indicate the method of delivery. Ludwig confirms it's a correct and usable phrase. It specifies that something is sent via the postal service, as shown in examples like "You will receive your ballot paper by post."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Reference

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "by post" is a grammatically sound and frequently used prepositional phrase that specifies delivery through the postal service. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, ranging from formal correspondence to general communication. While the phrase is most common in news and media and scientific writing, it remains relevant across multiple registers. Alternative phrases like "by mail" or "via postal service" can be used to achieve slight variations in emphasis or formality. When using "by post", ensure it aligns with the intended speed and security of the delivery method.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

by mail

A shorter, more concise way of saying "by post".

posted

A single-word alternative, more common in British English.

via postal service

Specifies the mode of delivery more explicitly.

through the mail

Similar in meaning, but emphasizes the action of mailing something.

sent via post

Focuses on the action of sending.

delivered by mail

Emphasizes the delivery aspect of the postal service.

forwarded by post

Specifies that an item is being re-sent to a new address.

airmailed

Implies a faster delivery method, typically overseas.

shipped

Often used for larger items or commercial deliveries.

couriered

Suggests a faster, more secure delivery service.

FAQs

What does "by post" mean?

"By post" refers to sending something through the postal service, using mail or packages for delivery.

Is it correct to say "/s/by+mail" instead of "by post"?

Yes, "by mail" is a perfectly acceptable and commonly used alternative to "by post", especially in American English. They both mean the same thing: sending something via the postal service.

When should I use "by post" versus courier services?

"By post" is generally used for standard mail delivery, while courier services are preferred for faster, more secure, and trackable shipments. Choose based on your urgency and security needs.

What's the difference between "post" and "mail"?

In British English, "post" is often used as a general term for the postal service, while in American English, "mail" is more common. Thus, "by post" and "by mail" are largely interchangeable, depending on the region.