dated letter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dated letter" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a letter that has a specific date written on it, often indicating when it was written or sent. Example: "Please ensure that the dated letter is included in the application package for verification purposes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

George Spencer, CEO of Rentify lettings agents, advises sending the landlord a dated letter and photographs in the post.

The Guardian - Money

The wife was expecting a baby and the latest dated letter expressed his joy in having a son, and his longing to be with them.

The New Yorker

(a) A formal signed, stamped, and dated letter of submittal from the Governor or his designee, requesting EPA approval of the plan or revision thereof (hereafter "the plan").

Cornell University

Lets just hope Eldar doesn't make them write a signed and dated letter.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Once, I tried to delete an out-of-date letter and accidentally deleted 100 other letters along with it.

The New York Times

* Doctoral students from other programs must submit proof of current student status (student ID with date, letter from department, etc) to [email protected]

Columbia University

She dated her letters by the Revolutionary calendar.

The New Yorker

Just as Przybyszewska dated her letters by the Revolutionary calendar, so Mantel inadvertently dated her cheques 1790.

The Guardian - Books

Dating his letter "Friday evening," Schlesinger offered the suddenly former First Lady his condolences.

The New Yorker

"I realized it yesterday, when I was dating a letter to you.

The New Yorker

Ramsden dates the letter to spring, 1539.

University of Chicago

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referencing a "dated letter" in legal or official contexts, always include the full date (day, month, and year) for clarity and to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Ensure you always include the year when dating a letter. For instance, writing only "November 10" can be confusing if the letter is referenced years later. Always specify the full date: "November 10, 2025".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dated letter" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "dated" modifies the noun "letter". It specifies that the letter has a clearly indicated date. Ludwig indicates that this is a common and correct usage.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "dated letter" is a grammatically correct and understandable term that specifies a letter including a date. Ludwig confirms its appropriateness. It is most frequently encountered in news, academic, and wiki contexts. When using this phrase, ensure you include the complete date for maximum clarity and avoid potential ambiguity. Consider alternatives such as ""letter with a date"" or "dated correspondence" depending on the specific context. Always prioritise clarity by including the complete date and double-checking its accuracy before sending, as in legal or official documents, it becomes even more important.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

letter with a date

Focuses on the presence of a date without explicitly stating it's the letter's creation date.

dated correspondence

A more formal way to refer to letters, implying a series of communications with associated dates.

letter bearing a date

Emphasizes the letter as the carrier of the date information.

date-stamped letter

Highlights the act of applying a date stamp to the letter, often used in official contexts.

time-stamped letter

Implies a more precise record of when the letter was created, down to the minute or second.

letter of a specific date

Draws attention to the exact date the letter pertains to or was issued.

letter from a certain date

Similar to "letter of a specific date", but with a slightly more informal tone.

chronologically marked letter

A more technical or academic way to describe a letter with a date for record-keeping.

letter with date of origin

Specifies that the date is the starting point of the letter's existence.

letter indicating date

A general way to describe a letter that provides date information in some way.

FAQs

How do I properly reference a "dated letter" in a formal document?

In formal writing, reference a "dated letter" by including the full date and briefly describing the context. For example: "As indicated in the "letter with a date" of March 15, 2024, the project timeline has been extended".

What is the significance of including a date on a letter?

Dating a letter provides a clear reference point for when the information was communicated. This is crucial for legal, historical, and organizational purposes, helping to establish timelines and track correspondence.

Are there alternatives to saying "dated letter"?

Yes, depending on the context, you can use phrases like ""letter with a date"", "dated correspondence", or "letter bearing a date".

What should I do if I find an old letter without a date?

If a letter lacks a date, try to determine its approximate timeframe using context clues such as the stationery, the content, the sender/recipient, or any mentioned events. If possible, consult historical records or experts for assistance.