in the mailbox

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in the mailbox" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that is physically located inside a mailbox or metaphorically to indicate that a message or item has been sent or received. Example: "I just checked the mailbox, and there was a letter from my friend inside."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Mr. Bogdan left an anonymous fan note in the mailbox.

The New York Times

And the Laker had left the key in the mailbox.

The New Yorker

There's no bad news that comes in the mailbox.

The New York Times

It arrived in the mailbox on the Saturday.

The New Yorker

With that, she dropped it in the mailbox.

The Washington Post

Sure enough, another gift card appeared in the mailbox, and both sons were happy.

The New York Times

There had been nothing in the mailbox but bills and mortgage scams.

The New Yorker

"Magazines arrive late here or folded and creased in the mailbox".

The New York Times

In the mailbox Pia found a check for Willie from the government of Sweden.

The New Yorker

For the stranger at the cocktail party or the unfamiliar letter in the mailbox.

The New York Times - Books

I left cookies in the mailbox and a thank-you note.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in the mailbox", ensure the context clearly indicates physical mail delivery. If referring to digital communication, consider alternatives like "in the inbox".

Common error

Avoid using "in the mailbox" when referring to email or other digital communications. Use "in the inbox" or other appropriate terms to maintain clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in the mailbox" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun or verb to indicate location. As shown by Ludwig, the phrase specifies where an item is located, typically referring to physical mail delivery.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Science

12%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in the mailbox" is a common prepositional phrase used to denote the location of physical mail or items delivered via postal service. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent appearance in various contexts, most notably in news and media. While versatile, it's important to reserve its use for physical mail to avoid confusion with digital communication. Consider alternatives such as "through the letterbox" or "arriving by post" for similar meanings. With over 60 examples available, Ludwig illustrates the phrase's widespread and reliable usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

through the letterbox

Replaces 'mailbox' with 'letterbox', maintaining the same meaning of receiving something through a designated slot for mail.

inside the mailbox

A slightly more literal and descriptive alternative, specifying the contents' location.

delivered to the mailbox

Emphasizes the action of delivery to the mailbox rather than the location itself.

awaiting in the mailbox

Emphasizes the state of waiting for something to be found in the mailbox.

deposited in the mailbox

Focuses on the action of placing something into the mailbox.

arriving by post

Focuses on the method of delivery rather than the specific location of the mailbox.

received via mail

Highlights the reception of something through the postal service.

in the post

A more general term referring to the postal system, rather than the physical mailbox.

coming by mail

Highlights the arrival of something through the mail system.

at the mailbox

Indicates a location near or around the mailbox.

FAQs

What is the meaning of the phrase "in the mailbox"?

The phrase "in the mailbox" refers to something that is physically located inside a mailbox, typically mail or other delivered items. It can also be used metaphorically to suggest something has been sent or received through the postal system.

What can I say instead of "in the mailbox"?

You can use alternatives like "through the letterbox", "arriving by post", or "delivered to the mailbox" depending on the context.

Is it correct to use "in the mailbox" for email?

No, "in the mailbox" typically refers to physical mail. For email, use "in the inbox" or "in the email". Using "in the mailbox" for digital correspondence is grammatically incorrect.

How do I use "in the mailbox" in a sentence?

You can use "in the mailbox" in a sentence like: "I found a package "in the mailbox" this morning", or "There was nothing but bills "in the mailbox" today".