A1 noun Neutral #703 most common

letter

/ˈlɛtər/

A written or printed message that is usually put in an envelope and sent by mail. In business, it is a formal document used to communicate information to another person or company.

Examples

3 of 5
1

I received a letter from my grandmother today.

I received a letter from my grandmother today.

2

Please address the letter to the Human Resources department.

Please address the letter to the Human Resources department.

3

I'm writing a quick letter to say hello.

I'm writing a quick letter to say hello.

Word Family

Noun
letter
Verb
letter
Adjective
lettered
Related
lettering
💡

Memory Tip

Think of the 'double T' in 'letter' as two poles holding up a mailbox.

Quick Quiz

You should send a cover ___ with your job application.

Correct!

The correct answer is: letter

Examples

1

I received a letter from my grandmother today.

everyday

I received a letter from my grandmother today.

2

Please address the letter to the Human Resources department.

formal

Please address the letter to the Human Resources department.

3

I'm writing a quick letter to say hello.

informal

I'm writing a quick letter to say hello.

4

The professor examined the historical letter for new evidence.

academic

The professor examined the historical letter for new evidence.

5

The CEO signed the official letter of agreement this morning.

business

The CEO signed the official letter of agreement this morning.

Word Family

Noun
letter
Verb
letter
Adjective
lettered
Related
lettering

Common Collocations

write a letter write a letter
send a letter send a letter
cover letter cover letter
business letter business letter
formal letter formal letter

Common Phrases

letter of recommendation

letter of recommendation

to the letter

to the letter (exactly)

red-letter day

red-letter day (an important day)

Often Confused With

letter vs later

'Later' refers to time, while 'letter' is a piece of mail or a character in the alphabet.

letter vs litter

'Litter' refers to trash on the ground or a group of baby animals.

📝

Usage Notes

In modern business, 'letter' usually implies a formal physical document, whereas 'email' is used for electronic messaging. Use 'letter' when referring to official correspondence or symbols of the alphabet.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners often misspell 'letter' as 'leter' or confuse the pronunciation with 'later'. Remember that 'letter' has a short 'e' sound.

💡

Memory Tip

Think of the 'double T' in 'letter' as two poles holding up a mailbox.

📖

Word Origin

From the Old French 'letre', derived from the Latin 'littera', meaning a character of the alphabet.

Grammar Patterns

Countable noun (plural: letters) Often used with 'to' (a letter to someone) Can be used as a verb meaning to write or mark with letters
🌍

Cultural Context

In many cultures, a handwritten letter is seen as more personal and sincere than digital communication for special occasions.

Quick Quiz

You should send a cover ___ with your job application.

Correct!

The correct answer is: letter

More Business words

employee

A1

A person who is paid to work for a person or a company. It refers to someone who has a job and receives a salary or wage in return for their labor.

employer

A1

An employer is a person or a company that provides jobs and pays people for their work. They are the party that hires workers and manages the workplace.

desk

A1

A desk is a piece of furniture with a flat surface used for reading, writing, or working on a computer. It often includes drawers for storage and is typically found in offices, schools, or home study areas.

phone

A1

A device used to talk to people who are far away or to send messages and use the internet. In a business context, it is a tool for professional communication with colleagues and clients.

email

A1

A message sent from one computer to another using the internet. It is the most common form of digital communication in both personal and professional environments.

director

A1

A director is a person who is in charge of an organization, a department, or a creative project like a movie. In business, they are high-level leaders who make important decisions for the company's future.

coordinator

A1

A coordinator is a person who organizes different people and tasks to make sure a project or event works well. They act as a link between groups to ensure everyone is working toward the same goal.

intern

A1

An intern is a student or a recent graduate who works at a company for a short time to get experience. They usually do this to learn skills for their future job.

file

A1

A file is a collection of information or data stored together under a specific name. It can be a digital document on a computer or a physical folder used to keep papers organized.

form

A1

A document with blank spaces where you write information such as your name, address, or answers to questions. In business, it is used to collect data, apply for jobs, or order products.

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