condemnatory letter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "condemnatory letter" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a letter that expresses strong disapproval or criticism towards someone or something. Example: "The board sent a condemnatory letter to the company regarding its unethical practices."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The second was the more dramatic, but the controversies of the first included the questions of money supply targets and the origins of Geoffrey Howe's budget of 1981, which prompted a condemnatory letter from 364 economists.

The Guardian

Shortly afterwards, she wrote him a furious, condemnatory letter accusing him of breaking his promise that their daughter would never be apart from one of her parents.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

The letter is condemnatory of the Australian government dumping its "rubbish [refugees]" on Nauru, but is also reflective of Nauruans' growing disaffection with their own government, widely seen as a corrupt cabal that has bankrupted the once-wealthy island state.

The Guardian

All but four or five of the letters were condemnatory of the views expressed in the column.

The Guardian

In 1993 she was discovered to have embellished a letter about fraudulent charities by adding condemnatory remarks of her own.

The New York Times

— of an older, condemnatory feminism.

The New Yorker

The papers next day were condemnatory.

The Guardian

The ITC ruling was not entirely condemnatory.

The Guardian

"If you look at the report, it's extraordinarily condemnatory".

The New York Times

Condemnatory, except to save the life of the mother.

The New York Times

But there was nothing malicious or condemnatory in it.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and context. While "condemnatory letter" is appropriate for formal situations, a less severe term might be better suited for informal settings.

Common error

Avoid using "condemnatory letter" when a simple request for clarification or a mild expression of concern is more appropriate. Using overly strong language can damage relationships and undermine your message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "condemnatory letter" functions as a noun phrase, where "condemnatory" modifies "letter". It describes a specific type of letter characterized by its critical and disapproving tone, aligning with Ludwig's identification of its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "condemnatory letter" is a valid and grammatically sound expression used to describe a formal written message expressing strong disapproval or criticism. Ludwig's analysis confirms its correctness and provides real-world examples from reputable sources like The Guardian and The New York Times. While "condemnatory letter" is not very common, it is suitable for professional contexts where a strong, formal expression of disapproval is necessary. Remember to consider less severe alternatives, like "critical letter", to maintain a balanced tone. Using "condemnatory letter" effectively requires awareness of its formal register and the potential impact of its strong message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

letter of condemnation

This alternative directly replaces the adjective with a noun phrase, emphasizing the act of condemning.

critical letter

This alternative uses a more general adjective, focusing on the expression of criticism rather than outright condemnation.

letter of censure

This alternative replaces "condemnatory" with "censure", indicating formal disapproval.

denunciatory letter

This option uses a less common but more emphatic adjective to convey strong disapproval.

rebuking letter

This alternative focuses on the act of expressing sharp disapproval or reprimand.

letter expressing disapproval

This alternative is a more descriptive phrase that clearly indicates the letter's content.

letter of strong criticism

This alternative emphasizes the strength of the criticism conveyed in the letter.

indicting letter

This term suggests that the letter formally accuses someone of wrongdoing.

accusatory letter

This variant highlights the letter's role in making accusations.

letter of reprimand

This option indicates that the letter serves as an official rebuke or warning.

FAQs

How to use "condemnatory letter" in a sentence?

You can use "condemnatory letter" to describe a formal message expressing strong disapproval. For example, "The organization issued a "condemnatory letter" to the politician regarding his controversial remarks."

What can I say instead of "condemnatory letter"?

You can use alternatives like "critical letter", "letter of censure", or "letter expressing disapproval" depending on the level of formality and intensity you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use the term "condemnatory letter"?

It is appropriate when the letter expresses a formal, strong disapproval of someone's actions or behavior. It suggests that the sender finds the actions morally reprehensible or seriously wrong.

What is the difference between a "condemnatory letter" and a "warning letter"?

A ""condemnatory letter"" expresses strong disapproval or criticism, whereas a "warning letter" alerts the recipient to a potential problem or consequence. The former focuses on moral judgment, while the latter focuses on potential future outcomes.