through the post

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "through the post" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to sending or receiving mail via postal services. Example: "I sent the documents through the post last week, and they should arrive by now."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

Bank statements still come through the post.

The Guardian - Opinion

Advertising literature still comes through the post.

The Guardian - Opinion

Bills still come through the post.

The Guardian - Opinion

Magazines still come through the post.

The Guardian - Opinion

Birthday cards and Christmas cards still come through the post.

The Guardian - Opinion

Ken received a bullet through the post for his troubles.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

This note note resounds through the post-imperial j'accuse.

The Guardian - Books

She climbed through the post-and-rail fence and into the wasteland next door.

The New Yorker

Through the post-birth fog, however, the reality of my true enormity hit me.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

How the Giants tore through the post-season is well documented.

The Guardian - Sport

Didier Deschamps trudged through the post-match ceremony clutching a hefty Uefa badge as a meagre consolation prize.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "through the post", ensure it aligns with the context; it's typically used for physical items. For digital communication, consider terms like "via email" or "electronically".

Common error

Avoid using "through the post" when referring to electronic communication. It strictly applies to items physically sent via postal services.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "through the post" functions as a prepositional phrase, often acting as an adverbial modifier to indicate the means by which something is sent or received. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "through the post" is a correct and very common prepositional phrase used to describe sending or receiving items via postal services. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and our analysis reveals its frequent use in news, media, and scientific contexts. Remember to reserve it for physical items and avoid using it for electronic communications. Consider alternatives like "by mail" or "via postal service" for variety. This phrase maintains a neutral register, fitting various formal and informal situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

by post

A more concise version, omitting "the" for brevity.

by postal service

Replaces the noun with a more descriptive term for the delivery method.

via mail

A shorter, more common way to express the same idea of sending something through the postal system.

sent by mail

Highlights the action of sending something via postal service.

delivered by post

Focuses on the delivery aspect of using the postal system.

through the mail system

Emphasizes the entire system involved in postal delivery.

using postal delivery

Highlights the act of utilizing the postal service.

via postal channels

A more formal way of saying "through the post", suitable for business or official contexts.

through postal dispatch

Emphasizes the dispatching or sending aspect of the postal service.

in the mail

Focuses on the location of the item within the postal system during transit.

FAQs

What does the phrase "through the post" mean?

The phrase "through the post" means sending or receiving something via the postal service, typically referring to physical items like letters, cards, or packages.

What can I say instead of "through the post"?

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

Is it correct to say "through the post" or "in the post"?

Both "through the post" and "in the post" are grammatically correct, but "through the post" typically refers to the action of sending something, while "in the post" refers to something that is currently being delivered.

When should I use "through the post" versus "via email"?

Use "through the post" when referring to physical items sent via postal services. Use "via email" when referring to electronic communication sent over the internet.