by postcard

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "by postcard" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when specifying a method of communication or delivery, particularly when referring to sending messages or invitations via postcard. Example: "Please send your RSVP by postcard to the address provided."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

Groceries were generally delivered, even in rural areas, by establishments who took orders by postcard.

Independent

But he was informed of the coming sale, he said, by postcard.

The New York Times

There was also some Scottish stuff - singles put out by Postcard Records.

The Guardian - Music

He transmitted this gloomy intelligence by postcard, a medium Shaw also favored..

The New Yorker

4. A down jacket by Postcard comes in fuchsia and is topstitched in a sunburst pattern; $658 at Searle stores or www.searlenyc.com. 5.

The New York Times

When notified by postcard that their permits are ready, applicants must pick them up in person at one of the regional offices.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

They had visited Yosemite twice together, and could imagine no better place to gather with their 100 guests than their favorite national park, surrounded by postcard-perfect waterfalls and world-renown pinnacles of glacial-cut granite.

The New York Times

Doubles from £56, B&B Set in verdant grounds on a winding stretch of coast and backed by postcard-perfect peaks, this colonial affair offers 20 austere rooms wrapped around a leafy courtyard.

The Guardian - Travel

Which is more or less what you expect from a movie with a dial-tone score punctuated by postcard-ready aerial shots of various cities, each one helpfully labeled at the bottom right-hand corner of the screen: Lyon, Milan, Berlin, Istanbul, New York.

The New York Times

All the residents are being insidiously menaced by postcards declaring that "We want what you have".

Independent

Three women hunched over computers, typing in orders, surrounded by postcards and snapshots of gargantuan plants.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When instructing someone to respond "by postcard", ensure the instructions include the full mailing address and any necessary deadlines.

Common error

Don't rely on "by postcard" for urgent communication. Postal delivery times can vary significantly, so consider faster alternatives like email or phone for time-sensitive matters.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by postcard" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or noun to specify the means or method of communication or delivery. As seen in Ludwig, it indicates that a postcard is the medium through which something is conveyed.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "by postcard" is a common and grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to specify the method of communication involving a postcard. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across various contexts, including news, science, and general communication. While generally neutral in tone, its suitability depends on the message's urgency and sensitivity, as postcards lack the security of sealed letters. Alternatives such as "via postal mail" or "by letter" may be more appropriate depending on the context. When using "by postcard", ensure to provide a complete address and consider potential delivery delays. In summary, while effective for casual or informative communication, it's essential to weigh its limitations in terms of security and timeliness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sent by postcard

Focuses on the act of sending and identifies the medium.

notified via postcard

Specifies communication of notification.

via postal mail

Replaces "postcard" with a more general term for mail, emphasizing the physical delivery.

mailed via postcard

Highlights the action of mailing and specifies the item used.

through the mail

Focuses on the action of sending something using the postal system.

by letter

Similar to "by postcard", but broader, encompassing any written communication sent via mail.

through the post

A more British English variant of "through the mail".

using a postcard

Emphasizes the instrument being used rather than the method.

in a postcard

Indicates the content is physically inside the postcard.

by surface mail

Specifies a slower, cheaper shipping method compared to airmail.

FAQs

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

You can use "by postcard" to indicate a method of sending information, such as "Please confirm your attendance "by postcard"" or "Reservations are confirmed "by postcard" within two weeks".

What are some alternatives to saying "by postcard"?

Alternatives include "via postal mail", "through the mail", or "by letter", depending on the context and level of formality you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to send sensitive information "by postcard"?

Sending sensitive information "by postcard" is not recommended, as postcards are not sealed and can be read by others during transit. Consider using more secure methods like encrypted email or sealed letters for confidential data.

What's the difference between "by mail" and "by postcard"?

"By mail" is a general term for sending something through the postal service, while ""by postcard"" specifies that the item is a postcard. You would use "by mail" when the form of the message isn't important, and ""by postcard"" when you specifically want a postcard.