dispatch a letter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dispatch a letter" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of sending a letter, typically in a formal or official context. Example: "I will dispatch a letter to the committee to inform them of the changes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"Let me again supplicate your goodness," she concluded, "Let me respectfully implore your high influence in behalf of innocence, in the cause of justice, of humanity, that you would dispatch a letter to General Washington from France".Vergennes obliged.

The Economist

In March 2008, he had a subordinate dispatch a letter to JPL ordering it to hold $4 million of money planned for two operating rovers, Spirit and Opportunity, as a reserve for Curiosity.

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

It is Tartan Day, commemorating April 6, 1320, when the Scottish Parliament dispatched a letter to the pope declaring Scotland's independence.

The New York Times - Arts

He added that Iraq had dispatched a letter of protest to the weapons inspectors about such methods and that it expected them to stop.

The New York Times

He has also dispatched a letter to the Prime Minister explaining why he believes the centre should remain open and outlining that he simply cannot afford to do other activities instead.

Independent

Shortly after the outbreak of war, 113 officers in the Finnish town of Anjala dispatched a letter to Empress Catherine II the Great of Russia calling for peace on the basis of the pre-1743 status quo one favourable to Sweden.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Two days earlier, activists in communities in states including New Jersey, North Carolina to California had dispatched a letter to Lisa P. Jackson, the E.P.A. administrator, asking that the finding be released without delay.

The New York Times

The New Yorker, February 20 , 1943P. 7 In search of a defaulting customer the Consolidated Edison Company dispatched a letter to the librarian of Columbia University who had been the defaulter's employer.

The New Yorker

Once again, the IPCC's chair, Dame Anne Owers, has dispatched a letter to all chief constables to reinforce the message that abuse constitutes very serious corruption and must always be reported.

The Guardian - Opinion

As the head of one of Israel's most important charities, Mr. Halevy said, he gets such requests often, thought nothing of it, and dispatched a letter, dated Nov. 30.

The New York Times

By E. R. Little and Russell Maloney The New Yorker, February 20 , 1943P. 7 In search of a defaulting customer the Consolidated Edison Company dispatched a letter to the librarian of Columbia University who had been the defaulter's employer.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "dispatch a letter" in formal or official communications to convey a sense of authority and importance.

Common error

Avoid using "dispatch a letter" in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "send a letter" or "mail a letter" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dispatch a letter" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of sending a letter. Ludwig confirms its usability. Examples show its use in contexts requiring a formal tone.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "dispatch a letter" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that conveys the act of sending a letter, primarily in formal or official contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While simpler alternatives like "send a letter" or "mail a letter" are more common in everyday conversation, "dispatch a letter" lends a sense of authority and importance to the communication, making it suitable for professional correspondence, historical accounts, and situations where a formal tone is desired. Its frequency is uncommon, predominantly appearing in news media and encyclopedic content.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

send a letter

Replaces "dispatch" with the more common "send", simplifying the phrase.

send out a letter

Adds "out" after "send", slightly changing the emphasis but maintaining the core meaning.

mail a letter

Substitutes "dispatch" with "mail", emphasizing the postal service as the delivery method.

post a letter

Replaces "dispatch" with "post", a common alternative, especially in British English.

forward a letter

Replaces "dispatch" with "forward", suggesting the letter is being sent on from a previous location.

transmit a letter

Uses "transmit" instead of "dispatch", giving a more formal and technical tone.

issue a letter

Replaces "dispatch" with "issue", suggesting the letter is official or formal in nature.

release a letter

Substitutes "dispatch" with "release", implying the letter was previously held or confidential.

communicate by letter

Changes the structure to focus on communication, using "by letter" to specify the method.

send a written message

Generalizes "letter" to "written message", broadening the scope of the communication.

FAQs

What does "dispatch a letter" mean?

The phrase "dispatch a letter" means to send a letter, typically in a formal or official context. It implies the letter is being sent promptly and with purpose.

What can I say instead of "dispatch a letter"?

You can use alternatives like "send a letter", "mail a letter", or "forward a letter" depending on the context.

Is "dispatch a letter" too formal for everyday use?

Yes, "dispatch a letter" is quite formal. In most everyday situations, simpler options like "send a letter" or "mail a letter" are more appropriate.

When is it appropriate to use "dispatch a letter"?

The phrase "dispatch a letter" is best used in professional, official, or historical contexts where a formal tone is desired. For instance, you might use it when discussing official correspondence or describing historical events involving written communication.