postcard

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "postcard" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a card that is typically sent through the mail without an envelope, often featuring a picture or design on one side. Example: "I received a beautiful postcard from my friend who is traveling in Italy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Arts

Travel

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

White signs point finger style to postcard perfect villages, Bishop Burton, Lund, North Newbald, South Dalton, Millington, Sledmere.

The Guardian - Travel

A postcard from an old friend in Denmark sparks memories of a trip, back to the "homeland", that he and his wife made twenty years before.

The Guardian - Books

They gave each tiny town a picture to put on a postcard, which was then put on a teaspoon, a tea towel, a ruler or on a really long/oversized pencil.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Almost at once you could buy postcard reproductions of his works everywhere; posters were available of the newly familiar paintings and drawings.

The Guardian - Arts

Late into the last century, for example, a favourite souvenir of Aberdeen was a postcard with two views of the city's main thoroughfare, Union Street, taken from the same angle.

The Guardian - Opinion

Sydney is "the big heart of Australia's creative economy," Scully said, a message that "gets missed" in the postcard version of the city, with its emphasis on sun, sand and surf.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

It is a vibrant, beautiful part of the world that offers no end of activity and, in the Andes, a picture-postcard view whichever way you turn.

The Guardian - Travel

Previously unknown postcard-sized paintings still cherished by his doctor's family turned up weeks before the exhibition.

The Guardian - Arts

For years, its sparkling waters and postcard-pretty beaches have provided a jarring backdrop for migrant boat landings; the island is conveniently closer to Africa than Europe – around 70 miles from the Tunisian coast and further south than Malta.

The Guardian

01494 671359, croatianvillaholidays.com/en/dream-villa-bol-brac-split.php Good for bucket and spade holidays Sleeps 6 Cost from £1,252 a week The glitz and megayachts of the Costa Smerelda are 300km to the north, but feel a million miles away from this sweet, straightforward house by a postcard-worthy beach just outside the small town of Villasimius, an hour from Cagliari airport.

The Guardian - Travel

Think of the Kinks Village Green Preservation Societyy, with its evocation of an England of china teacups, cricket matches and picture-postcard hamlets; or more recently of Blur's Modern Life is Rubbish and Parklife, with their longing for cultural symbols that are untainted by American influence.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When sending a travel message, consider using a real postcard instead of an electronic message. It adds a more personal and tangible touch to your message.

Common error

Avoid using "postcard" as a verb when a more direct verb like "send" or "mail" would be clearer. Instead of saying "I'll postcard you," say "I'll send you a "postcard"" or "I'll mail you a "postcard"".

Linguistic Context

The word "postcard" functions primarily as a noun, referring to a rectangular card intended for writing and mailing. As Ludwig indicates, this word is considered correct and usable in written English. Examples from Ludwig show it used to describe physical objects (a "postcard" with views of the city) or scenic locations (a "postcard"-perfect village).

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Formal & Business

20%

Travel

8%

Less common in

Arts

8%

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The analysis confirms that "postcard" is a grammatically sound and versatile term. As Ludwig underlines, it functions primarily as a noun, frequently found in News & Media, Business, and Travel contexts. While its use as a verb is less common and potentially confusing, "postcard"'s ability to evoke vivid imagery and personal connection ensures its continued relevance. The provided writing guidance and related phrases offer practical ways to use and understand "postcard" effectively, solidifying its place in modern communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mailing card

Focuses on the function of sending a card through the mail.

picture card

Emphasizes the visual aspect of the card having a picture.

greetings card

Highlights the purpose of conveying a greeting.

commemorative card

Suggests the card marks a special occasion or event.

scenic view card

Specifies that the card features a landscape or scenic view.

souvenir card

Indicates the card is a memento of a place or event.

correspondence card

Highlights the card's use for written communication.

postal photograph

Combines the concepts of sending something via post and a photograph.

message card

Emphasizes the function of carrying a message.

open letter card

Suggests that the card is an open form of communication without an envelope.

FAQs

How can I use "postcard" in a sentence?

You can use "postcard" in a sentence to describe a scenic view, like "The landscape was "postcard" perfect". Alternatively, you can use it when referring to sending a card, such as "I received a "postcard" from Italy".

What are some synonyms for "postcard"?

Synonyms for "postcard" include "mailing card", "picture card", and "greetings card". The best choice depends on the specific context and the aspect you want to emphasize.

Is it grammatically correct to use "postcard" as a verb?

While it is sometimes used as a verb, such as in "I'll postcard you," it's generally clearer and more grammatically standard to use it as a noun and say "I'll send you a "postcard"". Using it as a noun avoids any potential confusion.

What is the difference between a "postcard" and a greetings card?

A "postcard" is typically a single, unfolded card with a picture on one side and space for a brief message on the other. A greetings card, on the other hand, is usually folded, has a more elaborate design, and includes a pre-written or longer personal message inside.