to write a letter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to write a letter" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of composing a letter, whether for personal or professional communication. Example: "I need to write a letter to my grandmother to update her on my life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She began to write a letter.

The New Yorker

I may have to write a letter.

The New York Times

I would like to write a letter in Arabic.

The Guardian - Books

"We need to write a letter," suggests one host.

The Guardian - Tech

I don't expect him to write a letter of apology.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Sally wants to go upstairs to write a letter.

The New Yorker

He had to write a letter to a senior official to have it accepted.

The New York Times

When I protested, I was simply told to "write a letter to Spirit".

The New York Times - Travel

He gambled on an Angolan writer named Sousa Jamba to write a Letter from Springfield.

The New Yorker

Zarqawi's obsession with the Shia led Zawahiri to write a letter to him last July.

The New Yorker

Mr Bundy said God helped him to write a letter to rally support for his protest.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "to write a letter" in formal contexts, ensure the letter follows proper formatting and includes all necessary information. Tailor the tone and content to the intended audience and purpose of the letter.

Common error

Avoid using "to write a letter" when a more specific term would be appropriate. For example, if you're writing a complaint, say "to write a complaint" rather than simply "to write a letter".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to write a letter" functions as an infinitive phrase, often serving as a verbal acting as a noun, adjective, or adverb. This is supported by Ludwig, which identifies its correct and usable nature in written English. Examples show it indicating purpose or intention.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Wiki

18%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

12%

Reference

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to write a letter" is a grammatically sound and commonly used infinitive phrase. As Ludwig states, it is correct and usable in written English. It serves primarily to express the intention or need to compose a written message, spanning across various contexts from news and media to scientific and informal communications. While generally neutral in register, its tone and purpose can be tailored to fit the specific context. Remember to be specific and accurate in your intention to avoid vagueness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to compose a message

Focuses on the act of creating a written communication, changing the medium of the communication.

to draft a correspondence

Emphasizes the formal act of creating a written communication, implying a more official context.

to drop a line

This is a more informal way of saying "to write a letter", implying a casual update.

to pen a note

Uses a more informal and concise form of written communication, such as a short note.

to put pen to paper

Expresses the act of physically beginning to write a letter.

to create a written communication

Highlights the broader action of producing any form of written communication, less specific than a letter.

to send a written request

This alternative specifies that the letter has a purpose to formally request something.

to dash off a line

Suggests writing something quickly and casually, differing in formality and intent.

to prepare a written document

This alternative suggests that the letter is more formal and the first stage in a process.

to submit a formal notification

Implies a level of formality and that you are submitting the letter to a company or official entity.

FAQs

How can I use "to write a letter" in a sentence?

You can use "to write a letter" to describe the act of composing a letter. For example, "I need to write a letter to my bank" or "She decided "to write a letter of complaint"".

What are some alternatives to "to write a letter"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "to compose a message", "to draft a correspondence", or "to pen a note".

Is it better to say "to write a letter" or "writing a letter"?

The choice between "to write a letter" and "writing a letter" depends on the grammatical structure of the sentence. "To write a letter" is an infinitive phrase often used to express purpose or intention, while "writing a letter" is a gerund phrase that can function as a noun.

What is the difference between "to write a letter" and "to send a letter"?

"To write a letter" refers to the act of composing the letter, while "to send a letter" refers to the act of mailing or transmitting the letter after it has been written. One focuses on creation, the other on delivery.