What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
letters
Example
I received a letter from my friend who lives in another country. [letter: noun]
Example
She wrote a letter to her grandmother thanking her for the birthday gift. [letter: verb]
Example
I need to go to the post office to mail this package to my sister. [mail: verb]
Example
The mailman delivered a package to my doorstep this morning. [mail: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Mail is more commonly used than letters in everyday language. Mail is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while letters are less common in modern times due to the rise of electronic communication.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between letters and mail?
Letters can be more formal and personal, while mail can be more general and business-oriented. However, both letters and mail can be used in various formality levels depending on the context and purpose of the communication.