exchange of letters

USAGE SUMMARY

"exchange of letters" is a grammatically correct phrase and can be used in written English.
It refers to a series of written communications between two or more people or parties. Here are some examples: - The exchange of letters between the two leaders helped ease tensions between the two countries. - I have been in an exchange of letters with my pen pal from France for over a year now. - The lawyers are currently engaged in an exchange of letters to negotiate the terms of the contract. - The historical society has a collection of letters from the 1800s, showcasing the exchange of letters between soldiers during the Civil War. - The exchange of letters between the author and his publisher resulted in a successful book deal.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"This is not an exchange of letters.

The Guardian - Sport

Their mission: An exchange of letters.

The Washington Post

Here's the exchange of letters between TFA and USAS.

The Washington Post

She and I continue this annual exchange of letters.

The New York Times

The exchange of letters does does give further assurances.

The Guardian

In a television interview on Sunday, Mr. Obama also confirmed the exchange of letters.

The New York Times

That led to an exchange of letters between Professor Cotel and the Webern biographer Allen Forte.

The New York Times

"Just Between Cousins"*: An exchange of letters between Vidal and Auchincloss.

The New Yorker

After a terse exchange of letters with the parliamentarian, Mr. Coburn is still fuming.

The New York Times

The White House did not release an exchange of letters between Ruckelshaus and the President.

The Washington Post

Selig, however, has taken no steps since that exchange of letters in September 2005.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "exchange of letters" in formal writing, ensure that the context clearly indicates the purpose and significance of the correspondence. For instance, specify whether it led to a resolution, agreement, or further discussion.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "exchange of letters" may sound overly formal in casual conversation. Use simpler terms like "we wrote to each other" or "we've been emailing" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exchange of letters" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and widely used, indicating a communicative process involving written correspondence. The phrase denotes a series of letters sent between individuals or entities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

23%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

4%

Academia

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "exchange of letters" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that describes a series of written communications between individuals or entities. As indicated by Ludwig, it's widely accepted and appears in varied contexts, primarily in news media, scientific publications, and encyclopedias. While the phrase is typically neutral to formal, its formality can be toned down using more casual language like "writing back and forth" in informal scenarios. Given its frequent use and the authoritative sources documenting its usage, "exchange of letters" remains a valuable term for specifying documented interactions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

correspondence

Refers generally to communication by letters.

written dialogue

Emphasizes the interactive nature of the exchange, suggesting a back-and-forth communication.

letter writing

Focuses on the act of writing letters.

series of letters

Highlights the sequential aspect of the communication.

mail exchange

Implies communication through postal services or traditional mail.

written communication

A broader term that includes letters, notes, and other forms of written interaction.

epistolary exchange

Uses a more formal and literary term for letters.

missive exchange

Replaces "letters" with "missives", referring to formal documents.

literary correspondence

Specifies that the letters have literary or intellectual content.

inter-office memos

Refers to a formal written communication within the office.

FAQs

How can I use "exchange of letters" in a sentence?

You can use "exchange of letters" to describe a series of written communications between people, for example, "The "exchange of letters" between the diplomats led to a peace agreement".

What's a more casual way to say "exchange of letters"?

In more informal contexts, you could say "writing back and forth", "corresponding", or simply "emailing each other".

Is there a difference between "exchange of letters" and "correspondence"?

"Correspondence" is a general term for communication by letters, while "exchange of letters" specifically refers to a series of letters sent back and forth between two or more parties.

When is it appropriate to use "exchange of letters" in writing?

It is appropriate to use "exchange of letters" in formal writing, historical accounts, or when emphasizing the formal and documented nature of the communication. Using it in a casual conversation might sound unnatural.