gracious letter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gracious letter" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a letter that is kind, polite, or generous in tone. Example: "I received a gracious letter from my colleague, thanking me for my support during the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Genower wrote an eloquent and gracious letter to Christiane apologising for printing the interview and a "correction" was published in a subsequent edition of the TV Times.

The Guardian - Film

The Teldec company hasn't offered to send me its recorded collection of Johann Sebastian Bach's music complete, but if it does, I have a gracious letter of refusal ready.

The New York Times - Arts

It's a gracious letter.

Huffington Post

In fact, the pope responded to Kennedy's letter with a gracious letter of his own, assuring him of his prayers and imparting his blessing.

Huffington Post

But his presence at that speech -- like a gracious letter Clinton sent him in 1993 -- isn't proof that Sanders was a major ally of the Clinton health care effort.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

In June, when Cardoso celebrated his eightieth birthday, Rousseff made public a florid and gracious congratulatory letter to him.

The New Yorker

There is also a gracious handwritten letter from Audrey Hepburn turning down the role of Josephine but hoping Kubrick "will think of me again someday".

The Guardian - Film

She connected with all kinds of people and impacted them with her zest, drive, thirst for learning, gracious speeches and letters.

The New York Times

"Put simply, Spirit is free to operate a budget airline, but there is no need to skimp on human decency or a gracious spirit (pun intended)," the letter adds.

Huffington Post

The sixth-floor apartment, which overlooks a church and the stately edifices of the American Academy of Arts and Letters, retained its gracious proportions but cried out for a renovation.

The New York Times

Wallace, who had moved to California in 2002, purposely stayed away from the noise of New York City publishing, but, even in his absence, he had a definite, gracious presence in the world of letters.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In professional contexts, using "gracious letter" can emphasize the sender's respect and consideration, fostering a positive relationship.

Common error

Avoid using "gracious letter" in casual or informal communications. While it highlights politeness, it can sound overly formal or stiff in relaxed settings. Opt for simpler alternatives like "thank you note" or "kind note" to maintain a more appropriate tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gracious letter" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where "gracious" modifies the noun "letter". It describes a specific type of letter characterized by its politeness and kindness, as supported by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "gracious letter" is a grammatically sound and usable expression, although its occurrence is relatively rare. As Ludwig AI points out, it describes a letter characterized by its politeness and kindness. Predominantly found in News & Media sources, it conveys appreciation or respect in a polite manner. While it is generally acceptable, "gracious letter" is best suited for neutral to formal contexts, and simpler alternatives may be more appropriate for casual settings. Alternatives include "kind letter", "courteous letter", and "polite letter".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

kind letter

Replaces "gracious" with a more common synonym while maintaining the overall meaning.

courteous letter

Substitutes "gracious" with "courteous", emphasizing politeness and respect.

polite letter

Replaces "gracious" with "polite", focusing on adherence to social norms and etiquette.

thoughtful letter

Emphasizes the consideration and care put into writing the letter.

elegant letter

Focuses on the refined and tasteful quality of the letter's content and style.

benevolent letter

Highlights the kind and well-meaning nature of the letter's message.

amiable letter

Indicates a friendly and pleasant tone in the letter.

charming letter

Suggests the letter is delightful and pleasing.

tactful letter

Highlights the sensitivity and skill in dealing with delicate issues.

diplomatic letter

Emphasizes the letter's use of finesse and negotiation skills.

FAQs

How can I use "gracious letter" in a sentence?

You can use "gracious letter" to describe a polite and kind message, as in "I received a "gracious letter" from my colleague thanking me for the support during the project".

What are some alternatives to "gracious letter"?

Alternatives include "kind letter", "courteous letter", or "polite letter". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired nuance.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "gracious letter"?

It is appropriate in formal or professional contexts where you want to emphasize politeness and respect. In more casual settings, simpler alternatives might be more suitable.

Is "gracious letter" the same as "thank you letter"?

While a "gracious letter" can certainly express thanks, it carries a stronger connotation of elegance and benevolence compared to a standard "thank you letter".