incriminating letter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "incriminating letter" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a letter that contains evidence or information that could implicate someone in a crime or wrongdoing. Example: "The detective discovered an incriminating letter hidden in the suspect's office that revealed his involvement in the scheme."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Mr. Tavernier says that Bost refused to publish the incriminating letter and, indeed, never even told Aurenche about it.

The New York Times

Miller's weakness is his resort to a melodramatic plot device: an incriminating letter that the fiancee, Ann, has inexplicably kept hidden for three years.

The Guardian

That cache of long-lost photographs, that rapt, incriminating letter - these things invariably turn up 10 minutes after the page proofs have been signed off.

The Guardian - Books

There are hidden diamonds; there's an incriminating letter from the Shah's wife; there is a lot of running around cut to bombastic music.

The Guardian - Film

Tuesday's ruling was not a total defeat for Mr. Montejo, as the majority sent the case back to the state court, saying he should be allowed to pursue other grounds on which to have the incriminating letter suppressed.

The New York Times

One of the first things Dad said to me after Mum found his incriminating letter was to ask if it was it was too soon for me to begin looking for somewhere for mum to live – near me.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

The angry young woman at the start was Roz's daughter-in-law, who had discovered a packet of incriminating letters.

The New York Times - Books

The case was sensational, involving not only adultery and incriminating letters but also a double betrayal (Freddy was the boyfriend of Edie's sister Avis).

The New Yorker

So it is that former Vice President Al Gore's evil mechanical twin apparently signed some of the incriminating letters in the Asian fund-raising scandal.

The New York Times

Ms. Fonteyn threw overboard white armbands "intended to distinguish the rebels when they landed" in mistake "for some incriminating letters and her husband's address book, which were hastily packed with some machine-guns and ammunition".

The New York Times

She and Franklin probably became intimate in 1916, and the affair was discovered in September 1918, when Eleanor, unpacking for her husband, who had just returned from England with the flu, discovered a bundle of incriminating letters.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using more specific language if possible. Instead of "incriminating letter", describe exactly what the letter incriminates someone of. For instance, "a letter detailing the bribery scheme" is more informative.

Common error

Avoid using "incriminating letter" in overly dramatic or sensationalized contexts where the evidence is weak. This can undermine your credibility and make your writing sound hyperbolic. Ensure that the letter genuinely contains substantial evidence of wrongdoing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "incriminating letter" functions as a noun phrase, where "incriminating" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "letter". Ludwig AI confirms this is correct. The phrase typically identifies a specific piece of correspondence containing damaging or self-damaging information.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "incriminating letter" is a grammatically correct and usable term that refers to a letter containing evidence of wrongdoing. Ludwig AI confirms this. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts and, while not exceedingly common, it's understood. When using this phrase, clarity is key: ensure the context makes clear what the letter incriminates someone of. Consider using stronger and more specific language if the situation requires it. For example, instead of "incriminating letter" use "a letter detailing the bribery scheme", this provides more detail. While "incriminating letter" isn't inherently formal, it's associated with legal and investigative contexts, as shown in the Ludwig examples, so overuse in sensationalized content could be misleading.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

damning evidence

Focuses on the evidence itself being damaging, rather than the form it takes.

compromising correspondence

Highlights the compromising nature of the communication.

self-incriminating document

Specifies that the document contains information that implicates the writer.

evidence of guilt

A more general term for proof of wrongdoing.

revealing letter

Focuses on the aspect of disclosing information that was previously hidden, which implies some level of wrongdoing.

damaging disclosure

Highlights the harm caused by the revelation of information.

incriminating message

Broader term that could include electronic communications.

compromising information

Focuses on the information itself, rather than its form or delivery.

letter of implication

More formal and legalistic way of describing a letter that suggests involvement in something.

letter containing evidence of wrongdoing

A more descriptive alternative that explicitly states the content of the letter.

FAQs

What does "incriminating letter" mean?

An "incriminating letter" is a letter that contains information or evidence that suggests someone is involved in a crime, wrongdoing, or unethical behavior. It implies that the letter could be used to prove guilt or liability.

What can I say instead of "incriminating letter"?

You can use alternatives like "damning evidence", "compromising correspondence", or "self-incriminating document" depending on the specific context.

How is an "incriminating letter" different from just a regular letter?

An "incriminating letter" specifically contains information that can be used as evidence against someone. A regular letter may be innocuous or contain neutral information, while an "incriminating letter" directly implicates someone in wrongdoing.

In what situations would someone find an "incriminating letter"?

An "incriminating letter" might be found during a police investigation, a forensic audit, a corporate investigation, or even by a spouse or family member uncovering evidence of infidelity or other misdeeds.