exchange letters with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exchange letters with" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of corresponding with someone through written communication, typically via postal mail or email. Example: "During the summer, I decided to exchange letters with my pen pal from another country."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

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

Myerson says she was shy, but plucked up the courage to exchange letters with authors including Daphne du Maurier.

The Guardian - Books

When I was 8 or 10, I would exchange letters with a great-aunt in Tennessee who was also talented in drawing.

The New York Times

Morales was incarcerated in the state of Wisconsin, and his jailers were not allowing him to exchange letters with his lover.

The Guardian - Opinion

Robb said he was confident the government would be in a position to exchange letters with the Chinese government before the end of the year.

The Guardian - Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Yates exchanged letters with him.

The New York Times - Books

I exchanged letters with him.

The New York Times

He renewed his correspondence with Frederick II and exchanged letters with Catherine II of Russia.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He has trouble even exchanging letters with her, because cross-border mail has been blocked.

The Economist

It travelled as people chatted in marketplaces and taverns or exchanged letters with their friends.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "exchange letters with" when referring to a physical exchange of letters. If the communication is digital, consider "exchange emails with" or "correspond with".

Common error

Avoid using "exchange letters with" to describe digital communication. While the underlying concept is the same, the specific medium of letters implies physical documents sent via postal service. Instead, opt for "exchange emails with" or the more general "correspond with".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exchange letters with" functions as a verb phrase indicating a reciprocal action of written communication. It describes a situation where two or more parties are sending and receiving letters to each other. Ludwig confirms the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "exchange letters with" is a grammatically sound and relatively common way to describe a written correspondence between two or more people. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is correct for use in written English. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts, with a neutral register suitable for describing various relationships and situations. When opting for alternative phrasing, consider "correspond with" or "write to". While this phrase remains relevant, be aware of the increasing prevalence of digital communication, and choose terms like "exchange emails" or "message" accordingly.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

trade letters with

Suggests a reciprocal exchange of letters.

correspond with

Formal alternative, emphasizing regular communication.

be in correspondence with

Formal, emphasizing the ongoing nature of the written exchange.

maintain a letter correspondence with

Formal, highlighting the sustained aspect of the exchange.

write to

Simple and direct, indicating the act of sending letters.

keep in touch by letter

Emphasizes maintaining contact through letters.

communicate via mail

Highlights the medium of communication as physical letters.

share letters with

Suggests mutual sharing, but could also mean reading letters from same source.

have a written dialogue with

Focuses on the back-and-forth nature of the communication.

swap letters with

Informal expression, suggesting an easy exchange of letters.

FAQs

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

To "exchange letters with" someone means to communicate with them by writing and sending letters back and forth, typically via postal mail. It implies a reciprocal correspondence over time.

What can I say instead of "exchange letters with"?

You can use alternatives like "correspond with", "write to", or "be in correspondence with" depending on the context.

Is "exchange letters with" formal or informal?

The phrase "exchange letters with" is generally considered neutral in tone. While not highly formal, it's suitable for various contexts, including personal and professional communications. However, using "correspond with" may be more appropriate in very formal settings.

How do you use "exchange letters with" in a sentence?

You can use "exchange letters with" in a sentence like this: "During the war, soldiers were able to "exchange letters with" their families", or "As a child she kept in touch with pen pals and continues to "exchange letters with" out-of-town relatives and friends the old-fashioned way".