preliminary letters

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "preliminary letters" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to letters that are introductory or serve as a preliminary step in a process, such as in academic or formal correspondence. Example: "Before submitting the final report, I will send out the preliminary letters to all stakeholders for their feedback."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science & Research

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Eight bidders have submitted preliminary letters of interest.

The New York Times

Although the 2006 deadlines for preliminary letters of intent have passed for both of these solicitations, these projects represent large-scale initiatives that will stretch over a number of years.

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Bowater Inc., the newsprint producer, has signed a preliminary letter of intent to buy a paper mill in South Korea.

The New York Times

"This solicitation is disruptive and a waste of time and money (Taubman's, Simon's and -- much more importantly -- yours)," Robert S. Taubman, the company's chairman, wrote in a preliminary letter to be sent to shareholders.

The New York Times

But in a preliminary letter to the police department, HRW initially estimated that more than 37% of reports of serious sexual assault and rape were not being followed up on by investigators.

The Guardian

The foundation's application procedures call for detailed proposals, but they encourage a preliminary letter of inquiry before starting a full proposal.

Science Magazine

The foundation recommends first sending a preliminary letter of inquiry before investing the considerable time and effort in preparing a full proposal.

Science Magazine

We sent patients from these practices a preliminary letter in August 2009 (6 weeks before their scheduled invitation date in October).

British Journal of Cancer

During the preliminary sort, letters can be processed on any one of the 13 DBCS machines at the facility.

Emerging Infectious Diseases

Articles that did not address the homogeneity or stability of the mixture were excluded, as were theses, letters, preliminary communications and editorials.

BMC Anesthesiology

It was finals week and we were in the library when I opened my dad's letter: "Preliminary inquiry into the birth status of your intended has revealed that he's an outcast of the slave genre".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "preliminary letters", ensure the context clearly indicates that these letters serve as an initial step or notification before a more formal process or communication. This clarifies their purpose and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "preliminary letters" in casual or informal settings. This phrase is best suited for formal, business, or academic contexts where a degree of formality is expected. In informal communication, simpler terms like "initial emails" or "early notices" are more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "preliminary letters" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object in a sentence. It identifies a specific set of written communications that serve as an initial step or notification, as demonstrated in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Science & Research

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "preliminary letters" denotes initial correspondence used to set the stage for more formal interactions, as supported by the examples analyzed by Ludwig. This phrase, though grammatically correct and understandable, is not very common, and best suited for professional, academic, or otherwise formal contexts. As Ludwig AI correctly points out, it serves to introduce a topic, make an initial request, or provide advance notification. When alternatives are needed, consider options like "initial correspondence" or "introductory letters" to maintain clarity and appropriateness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

introductory letters

Highlights the role of the letters as an introduction to a topic or process.

early letters

Simple and direct, indicating letters that are sent at an early stage.

initial correspondence

Focuses on the starting point of communication, emphasizing the initial exchange of messages.

advance correspondence

Similar to initial correspondence, but emphasizes that the communication is happening in advance.

preparatory letters

Emphasizes the letters' role in preparing for a subsequent action or event.

preliminary communications

A more general term, referring to any initial form of communication, not necessarily limited to letters.

pre-submission letters

Implies that these letters are sent before a formal submission of documents or applications.

advance notifications

Emphasizes the notification aspect of the letters, suggesting they are sent ahead of time.

pre-emptive letters

Suggests the letters are sent to prevent or anticipate something.

initial inquiries

Highlights the aspect of seeking information or initiating a formal request.

FAQs

What does "preliminary letters" mean?

The term "preliminary letters" refers to letters sent as an initial step or notification before a more formal process or communication. They often contain essential information or requests that need to be addressed before further actions are taken.

When should I use "preliminary letters"?

Use "preliminary letters" in formal or business contexts where you need to introduce a topic, make an initial request, or provide advance notification. This phrase is suitable for academic correspondence, legal notifications, and formal business inquiries.

What can I say instead of "preliminary letters"?

You can use alternatives like "initial correspondence", "introductory letters", or "advance notifications" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "preliminary letters" and "initial letters"?

"Preliminary letters" emphasize that they precede a more detailed or formal communication, whereas "initial letters" simply indicate the beginning of a communication sequence. The former suggests a preparatory role.