required a letter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "required a letter" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that a letter is necessary or needed for a specific purpose or situation. Example: "The application process required a letter of recommendation from a previous employer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

"At the very least, Sir Peter Housden, Scotland's permanent secretary, should have required a letter of direction".

The Guardian

DiCarmine had to get the approval of the U.S. Attorney to visit him, and that required a letter identifying his place of employment.

The New Yorker

Follow-up of patients is also required: a letter must be written to each woman in lay language explaining the results of the mammogram.

The New York Times

Fifteen years ago intercity travel was often a choice between slow, crowded trains or a perilous journey by car or bus on narrow rural roads (flying was for the privileged; until 1993 buying a plane ticket required a letter of authorisation from an employer).

The Economist

To get relief required a letter from a clergyman testifying to one's moral worthiness.

Huffington Post

This last condition was significant because under the terms of the sale, the new private equity buyers were permitted to back out of the deal if the Department required a letter of credit greater than 10percentt.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Those cards meet the new voter-ID law's requirements, but are fiddly to obtain, requiring a letter from an Amish bishop and a special visit to a government office.

The Economist

Acceptance into the club requires a letter of reference from a member, according to John Martello, the Players' executive director.

The New York Times

-Scenario 2: You just realized that your application for summer camp requires a letter of recommendation from a teacher, and it is due in less than a week.

The New York Times

Admission generally requires a letter from a GP, but Warrier says that it is increasingly treating people who have found the hospital of their own accord.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Charles Pierson, owner of the Transport Aircraft Corporation, an Indianapolis plane brokerage company, said he weeds out questionable customers by requiring a letter of intent with the potential owner's name.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Be specific about the type of letter needed (e.g., a letter of recommendation, a letter of intent) to provide precise information.

Common error

While grammatically correct, using "required a letter" in very informal situations can sound overly formal. Opt for simpler alternatives like "needed a letter" or "asked for a letter" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "required a letter" typically functions as a verb phrase indicating a necessary action or condition. It specifies that providing a letter is a mandatory part of a process or fulfills a specific need. This is supported by Ludwig and the provided examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

20%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "required a letter" is a grammatically correct and usable expression indicating the necessity of a letter in a given situation. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides several examples across various contexts, notably in news and media, science, and wiki sources. While appropriate in formal settings, it might sound overly formal in casual conversation. Alternatives like "needed a letter" can be used for less formal contexts. Ensuring clarity about who or what imposed the requirement is crucial for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

necessitated a letter

Emphasizes the unavoidable need for a letter due to circumstances.

mandated a letter

Highlights that a letter was officially ordered or compulsory.

stipulated a letter

Indicates that the provision of a letter was a specific condition or agreement.

called for a letter

Suggests that a letter was needed or requested in response to a certain situation.

demanded a letter

Implies a firm request or insistence on receiving a letter.

made a letter obligatory

Directly states that a letter was made compulsory or mandatory.

made a letter necessary

Highlights the essential need for a letter in order to proceed.

specified a letter

Indicates that a letter was explicitly mentioned as a requirement.

laid down a letter as a condition

Explains that producing a letter was established as a prerequisite.

prescribed a letter

Indicates that a letter was officially recommended or advised as a requirement.

FAQs

What is an alternative to saying "required a letter"?

You can use phrases like "needed a letter", "asked for a letter", or "demanded a letter" depending on the context.

How can I use "required a letter" in a sentence?

For example, "The application process "required a letter" of recommendation from a former employer" or "Gaining access to the facility "required a letter" of authorization from the director."

Is it better to say "required a letter" or "needed a letter"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "required a letter" is more formal. In casual contexts, "needed a letter" may sound more natural.

In what situations is "required a letter" most appropriate?

The phrase "required a letter" is suitable in formal settings such as academic applications, legal procedures, or official requests where a written document is a mandatory condition.