through the ordinary post

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "through the ordinary post" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to sending something via standard postal mail rather than through express or electronic means. Example: "Please send the documents through the ordinary post to ensure they arrive safely."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

In addition, combining an ordinary post-classification estimator and the maximum posterior probability estimator produced an estimator that was at least, and usually more precise than the ordinary post-classification estimator.

Remote Sensing of Environment

The resident addresses were, however, not genuine, since previous field experiments in the Swedish labor market have shown that employers never respond to applications through ordinary post (see, e.g., Ahmed et al. 2012, 2013).

IZA Journal of Labor Policy

The questionnaire was delivered by ordinary post during spring 2010.

BMC Oral Health

In the year to March 2008 India Post handled 6 billion pieces of ordinary post, down from over 15 billion at the start of the decade.

The Economist

We study the alkali resistance and the flexural response of a cement-based mortar reinforced through polyethylene terephthalate (PET) strips obtained through hand cutting of ordinary post-consumer bottles.

Composites Part B: Engineering

Publicly, at least, Trump is going through the ordinary motions of being president.

The Washington Post

"I don't want to go through the ordinary ways," she said.

Huffington Post

"It tasted like a regular cheesecake, nothing out of the ordinary," she told the Post.

HuffPost

This post is out of the ordinary, luck and I loved it.

Harvard University

Here, The Huffington Post presents a very, very incomplete list of the ordinary heroes of the blackout in downtown Manhattan.

Huffington Post

And post-Auschwitz, good is still out of the ordinary.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When clarity is paramount, specify the type of postal service to avoid ambiguity. For example, use "through standard postal service" if you want to ensure the recipient doesn't expect express delivery.

Common error

In formal business or academic writing, avoid using "ordinary post" if a more precise term like "standard mail" or "postal service" is available. This ensures a professional tone and avoids potential misinterpretations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "through the ordinary post" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb to indicate the means by which something is sent. It describes the method of delivery using the standard postal service.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "through the ordinary post" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe sending something via standard postal services. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. However, it is relatively uncommon, and in formal contexts, alternatives like "standard mail" or "postal service" may be more appropriate. The phrase has a neutral register and its communicative purpose is to specify the means of delivery. While its usage is not widespread, understanding its meaning and potential substitutes can enhance clarity and precision in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

via regular mail

Replaces "ordinary post" with a more common synonym, maintaining the same level of formality.

by standard mail

Emphasizes the use of standard postal services instead of expedited options.

through postal service

Highlights the channel through which the item is sent, keeping the meaning similar.

using surface mail

Specifies a type of postal service, implying a slower, less expensive option.

by snail mail

An informal and humorous way to refer to regular postal service, implying slowness.

via the post office

Focuses on the institution handling the mail, rather than the type of service.

through the mail

A more general term for sending something via postal services.

by physical mail

Emphasizes the physical nature of the mail, differentiating it from electronic communication.

using traditional mail

Highlights the conventional nature of sending something through the post.

by letter post

Specifically refers to sending letters through the postal service.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "through the ordinary post"?

You can use alternatives like "via regular mail", "by standard mail", or "through postal service" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "through the ordinary post" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "through the ordinary post" might sound slightly informal for some contexts. Consider using more precise terms like "standard mail" or "postal service" in formal settings.

What does "through the ordinary post" mean?

It refers to sending something via the standard postal service, as opposed to express mail or electronic methods. It implies a regular, non-expedited delivery.

How can I ensure clarity when using "through the ordinary post"?

To avoid any ambiguity, you might specify "through standard postal service" or "by regular mail" to ensure the recipient understands that you are not using an express or courier service.