in the post

USAGE SUMMARY

"in the post" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to a physical letter that has been sent through the mail. For example, "I received a thank-you card in the post from my friend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

General Communication

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

"I was in the post.

The New York Times - Sports

It must be in the post.

The Guardian - Music

"The cheque is in the post.

The Guardian

The invitation is in the post.

The Guardian

Read all about it -- in the Post".

The New York Times

Thomas is most effective in the post.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

memoirs in the post-Iacocca era.

The New Yorker

Corruption persists in the post-Yanukovych world.

The New Yorker

She shines in the post-Selma scene.

The New York Times

New security concerns in the post-Sept.

The New York Times

Life in the post-Sept.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use “in the post” when you want to give the idea that something is already on its way and therefore cannot be stopped or modified, such as “The decision is in the post”.

Common error

Avoid using "in the post" when referring to electronic communications or digital submissions. This phrase specifically relates to physical mail. Instead, use terms like "sent via email" or "submitted online."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in the post" functions as a prepositional phrase, often used as an adjective to describe the state of something that has been sent via mail. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Sports

20%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

13%

Reference

7%

Science

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in the post" is a prepositional phrase commonly used to indicate that something has been sent via the postal service. Ludwig AI confirms that it is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in written English. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts, with a neutral register suitable for various communication styles. While the alternative phrase "in the mail" carries the same meaning, it is more prevalent in American English. When using "in the post", it's important to ensure the context clearly relates to physical mail and to consider potential regional differences in phrase preference.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on its way

Indicates something is currently being transported or is progressing towards its destination.

on the way

A general term indicating that something is progressing towards a destination or outcome.

being shipped

Focuses on the action of sending something, typically through a postal or delivery service.

in transit

Formally describes the state of something while it's being transported.

being mailed

Specifies that something is being sent through the postal system.

en route

A more formal way of saying something is on the way.

due to arrive

Emphasizes the expectation of arrival at a specific time.

about to arrive

Suggests imminent arrival or delivery.

coming soon

Suggests something will arrive or happen in the near future.

scheduled for delivery

Focuses on the planned arrival of something.

FAQs

What does "in the post" mean?

"In the post" typically means that something has been sent via the postal service and is currently on its way to its destination. It's commonly used to refer to letters, packages, or other physical items.

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

You can use alternatives like "on its way", "being shipped", or "in transit" depending on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is "in the post" the same as "in the mail"?

While both phrases convey a similar meaning, "in the post" is more commonly used in British English, while "in the mail" is more prevalent in American English. They both refer to items being sent via the postal service.

How to use "in the post" in a sentence?

You can use "in the post" to indicate that something has been mailed, for example, "The letter is on its way; I put it "in the post" yesterday."