exchange letters

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exchange letters" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of sending and receiving written correspondence, typically between two or more parties. Example: "After a few weeks of getting to know each other, we decided to exchange letters to share our thoughts and experiences more deeply."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Chen and Chung continued to exchange letters.

The New Yorker

The "sisters" exchange letters, photographs and updates.

The Guardian

Perhaps someday we'll exchange letters and he'll let me know.

The New York Times

The men were able to exchange letters with their families.

The Guardian

But Ofqual did exchange letters with Edexcel and WJEC, she says.

The Guardian

She travels to visit her son whenever she can, and they exchange letters regularly.

The Guardian

Nor has it given details of 300 people with whom their relations in the South wish to exchange letters.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

They exchanged letters.

The Guardian

Instead, they exchanged letters.

The Guardian

Lilian and Ramsay exchanged letters and photographs.

Independent

But after camp we began exchanging letters.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "exchange letters" to emphasize a sustained, reciprocal communication, rather than a one-time sending of a letter.

Common error

Avoid using "exchange letters" to describe a one-way communication. The phrase implies a mutual sending and receiving of correspondence. If the communication is only one way, use "send a letter" or "write to" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exchange letters" functions primarily as a verb phrase. It describes the action of mutually sending and receiving written correspondence between two or more individuals or entities. As shown by Ludwig, the phrase is often used to describe ongoing communication.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Wiki

14%

Science

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "exchange letters" is a grammatically correct and widely used verb phrase that describes the reciprocal act of sending and receiving letters. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate for diverse contexts, from personal correspondence to formal agreements. When writing, remember that it implies a mutual communication and consider alternatives like "correspond with each other" or "write to each other" for different nuances. The frequency of use in News & Media highlights its neutral register and broad applicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

swap letters

This alternative is a more informal and concise way of saying "exchange letters".

conduct a letter exchange

This option frames the action as a formal exchange or transaction.

send letters back and forth

This is a more descriptive and less formal way of saying "exchange letters", highlighting the reciprocal nature of the activity.

correspond with each other

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the act of maintaining communication over time.

write to each other

This alternative is a simpler and more general way to express the act of communicating by writing.

maintain a correspondence

This option is more formal and emphasizes the established nature of the written communication.

keep in touch by mail

This alternative specifies the medium of communication and emphasizes the maintenance of contact.

have a written dialogue

This option emphasizes the interactive and conversational aspect of exchanging letters.

communicate via post

This alternative highlights the method used for sending and receiving letters.

pen correspondence

This alternative uses the word "pen" and implies the practice of writing letters.

FAQs

What does it mean to "exchange letters" with someone?

To "exchange letters" means to send and receive letters regularly with someone, establishing a written correspondence. It implies a back-and-forth communication.

What can I say instead of "exchange letters"?

You can use alternatives like "correspond with each other", "send letters back and forth", or "write to each other" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "exchanged letters"?

Yes, "exchanged letters" is the past tense form of "exchange letters" and is grammatically correct. For example, "They "exchanged letters" for years."

What's the difference between "exchange letters" and "share letters"?

"Exchange letters" implies a reciprocal sending and receiving of letters between two or more parties. "Share letters", on the other hand, could refer to showing letters you received to others, not necessarily engaging in direct correspondence. The most accurate term is "exchange letters".