farewell letter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "farewell letter" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to a letter written to someone to say goodbye. For example, "Before I left my job, I wrote a farewell letter to my coworkers to thank them for their support."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Edwidge Danticat describes her relationship with Oprah in a farewell letter.

The New Yorker

Excerpts Giustiniana's farewell letter to Andrea; though they remained friends, their relationship never resumed.

The New Yorker

I can't imagine a controller giving some poor person a farewell letter to deliver to Alistair.

The Guardian

Rickman's farewell letter to the franchise has also been widely shared.

The Guardian - Film

In his farewell letter to clients he said: "I am writing to say goodbye.

The Guardian - Tech

"Why then do we do it?" Mr. Wickramatunga's farewell letter asked.

The New York Times

Mr. Bellamy disappeared inside and returned a few moments later with a carefully folded farewell letter.

The New York Times

In November, the cardinal wrote what sounded like a farewell letter to American bishops.

The New York Times

A FORMER colleague has penned an eloquent farewell letter to air travel on the website of the Atlantic.

The Economist

In the farewell letter he wrote Saturday, Vilanova thanked everyone at the club but did not mention Guardiola.

The New York Times - Sports

There was McNair's tear-jerking farewell letter to Tom, where he revealed himself as a man of soul and courage.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To ensure your "farewell letter" is well received, focus on expressing gratitude and positive memories, rather than dwelling on negative experiences.

Common error

Avoid using a "farewell letter" as an opportunity to settle scores or air grievances. This can damage your reputation and leave a negative lasting impression. Instead, focus on closure and positive messaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "farewell letter" functions as a noun phrase that identifies a specific type of letter. It usually acts as the subject or object of a sentence, denoting a written message intended as a final communication.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "farewell letter" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a letter written to say goodbye. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is widespread across various contexts. Primarily found in News & Media, it also appears in Formal & Business and Academic settings. Guidance suggests focusing on gratitude and positive memories while avoiding airing grievances. Alternatives include "goodbye letter" and "parting letter". Common mistakes involve using the letter inappropriately to express negative sentiments. This analysis underscores the importance of considering context and tone when crafting a "farewell letter".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

goodbye letter

Focuses on the act of saying goodbye through a letter.

parting letter

Emphasizes the act of parting or leaving.

adieu letter

Uses a French term for goodbye, adding a touch of elegance.

letter of resignation

Specifically refers to a formal notice of leaving a job.

valedictory letter

Highlights the concluding or formal nature of the letter.

leaving note

A less formal way to express a final message.

final correspondence

Formal term for the last exchange of letters.

swan song letter

Implies a final performance or act, in this case, a letter.

epistle of departure

A more formal and somewhat archaic way to describe a letter of leaving.

terminal missive

Emphasizes the finality of the message.

FAQs

What is the purpose of writing a "farewell letter"?

A "farewell letter" serves to express gratitude, provide closure, and maintain positive relationships when leaving a job, role, or personal relationship. It's an opportunity to leave a lasting positive impression.

What should I include in a "farewell letter" to colleagues?

A "farewell letter" to colleagues should include thanks for their support and collaboration, positive memories of working together, and best wishes for their future success. You might also include contact information to stay in touch.

What are some alternatives to calling it a "farewell letter"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "goodbye letter", "parting letter", or "letter of resignation". The best choice depends on the specific situation and tone you want to convey.

Is a "farewell letter" the same as a resignation letter?

Not always. A "letter of resignation" is specifically for formally leaving a job. A "farewell letter" can be used in various contexts, including leaving a job, ending a relationship, or other situations where a final message is appropriate.