stack of letters

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "stack of letters" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a physical or metaphorical collection of letters, such as correspondence or written communication. Example: "After returning from vacation, I found a stack of letters waiting for me on the kitchen table."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We have received a stack of letters from readers.

The New Yorker

A stack of letters about foreign parts from pressure groups.

The Guardian

We have received a stack of letters from readers..

The New Yorker

On the table was a stack of letters waiting to be folded and stuffed into envelopes.

The New York Times

Not long ago, Mr. Jiler found a stack of letters his father had written.

The New York Times

Sickening sight: a helicopter's downwash blows a stack of letters overboard.

The New Yorker

"He's got a stack of letters of complaints he made to the police," Mr. Henderson said.

The New York Times

From her hand a stack of letters from doctors cascaded on to her table.

The Guardian

At the interview in Oro Grande, he produced a stack of letters from distraught, jobless teachers.

The New York Times

She was given a stack of letters and asked to answer them.

The New York Times

There was a stack of letters from debt collectors in his flat.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "stack of letters", consider the visual imagery it evokes: a physical pile suggesting volume and potential importance. Use it when you want to emphasize the tangible presence of correspondence.

Common error

Avoid using "stack of letters" to describe purely digital correspondence, such as emails. A more appropriate phrase for digital messages would be "inbox full of messages" or "collection of emails".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stack of letters" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It denotes a collection or pile of letters, serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "stack of letters" is a common noun phrase used to describe a collection of physical letters. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used in various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While it evokes a tangible image, it's important to avoid using it for digital communications. Alternatives like "pile of letters" or "batch of letters" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Understanding its proper usage and context will enhance your writing clarity and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pile of letters

Similar in meaning, emphasizing the unstructured nature of the collection.

batch of letters

Suggests the letters were processed or received together.

collection of letters

A more formal and general term for multiple letters.

accumulation of letters

Implies the letters have gathered over time.

correspondence

A more formal term referring to the act of exchanging letters.

mailbag

Refers to the bag holding the letters or correspondence.

backlog of letters

Indicates a collection of letters that need to be dealt with.

bundle of letters

Emphasizes the letters being physically tied or grouped together.

volume of letters

Highlights the large quantity or bulk of the letters.

assortment of letters

Highlights the diversity in types, origin or writing styles of the letters.

FAQs

How can I use "stack of letters" in a sentence?

You can use "stack of letters" to describe a pile of physical letters, such as "She found a "stack of letters" from her grandmother in the attic" or "The politician received a "stack of letters" from concerned constituents".

What are some alternatives to "stack of letters"?

Depending on the context, you could use "pile of letters", "batch of letters", or "collection of letters" as alternatives.

Is it appropriate to use "stack of letters" to describe emails?

No, "stack of letters" typically refers to physical correspondence. For emails, consider using phrases like "inbox full of messages" or "email archive".

What does "stack of letters" imply about the correspondence?

"Stack of letters" suggests a tangible collection, implying volume and potentially a backlog of correspondence. It emphasizes the physical presence and accumulation of written communication.