sent a letter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sent a letter" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the action of having dispatched a letter to someone in the past. Example: "Yesterday, I sent a letter to my friend inviting her to the party."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Jimmy Carter sent a letter.

The New York Times - Books

Two weeks later, Millett sent a letter to Firestone.

The New Yorker

Later, Eileen was sent a letter.

The Guardian - Opinion

Again, Mr. Parker sent a letter.

The New York Times

Another sent a letter acknowledging receipt of his package.

The New Yorker

She has also sent a letter to Science.

The New York Times - Science

Pound then sent a letter containing his memories of Hulme.

The New Yorker

I sent a letter, but didn't hear back.

The New Yorker

And I sent a letter to Addenbrooke's Hospital.

The New York Times - Magazine

Wilson — sent a letter of complaint to Tercek.

The New Yorker

Every month he sent a letter & a money order.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "sent a letter", ensure the context clearly indicates who sent the letter and to whom it was addressed. Be specific about the content of the letter if relevant to the narrative.

Common error

Do not use "sent a letter" without specifying the sender and recipient, or implying that the letter was not received if it's relevant to the plot. Make sure the action of sending the letter contributes meaningfully to the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sent a letter" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the action of dispatching a written communication. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used. Examples include "Jimmy Carter sent a letter" and "She sent a letter of invitation."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Science

41%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sent a letter" is a grammatically sound and very common phrase used to describe the act of dispatching a written message. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it is widely accepted in English writing. Predominantly found in News & Media and Scientific contexts, its function is to convey information or make a formal communication. While versatile, it is important to provide context regarding the sender, recipient, and purpose of the letter for clarity. Alternatives like "mailed a letter" or "dispatched a letter" can offer subtle variations in tone or emphasis. Therefore, mastering this phrase enhances effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mailed a letter

Replaces "sent" with "mailed", focusing on the method of delivery via postal service.

dispatched a letter

Uses "dispatched" instead of "sent", implying a more formal or official tone.

forwarded a letter

Indicates that the letter was originally received and then sent on to another recipient.

transmitted a letter

Emphasizes the act of conveying the letter, often used in technical contexts.

issued a letter

Highlights the formal creation and sending of a letter, often from an official body.

submitted a letter

Focuses on the act of presenting the letter to an authority or organization.

directed a letter

Implies guiding or addressing the letter to a specific person or destination.

communicated by letter

Describes the act of using a letter as the means of communication.

wrote and sent a letter

Explicitly states both the writing and sending of the letter.

lodged a letter

A more formal or legal term for sending a letter, often in the context of official complaints or documents.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "sent a letter" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "dispatched a letter", "forwarded correspondence", or "submitted formal notification via mail".

What are some less formal alternatives to "sent a letter"?

In less formal contexts, you could say "mailed a letter", "dropped a note", or "shot off a letter".

Is it more correct to say "sent a letter" or "mailed a letter"?

"Sent a letter" is generally acceptable in most contexts. "Mailed a letter" is also correct and specifies that the letter was sent via postal service.

What information should I include when describing that someone "sent a letter"?

Include details such as who sent the letter, who the recipient was, and the general purpose or content of the letter to provide context and clarity. For example, "She sent a letter of apology" or "He sent a letter to the editor".