Letter can mean a written message or a symbol used to write a language.

The idea

Use a letter for one and letters for several. A letter to a friend is a message; capital letters are uppercase alphabet symbols.

Examples

  • I sent a letter to my friend.
  • The letter arrived yesterday.
  • Please write your name in capital letters.
  • This word has four letters.
  • She keeps old letters in a box.
  • The first letter of my name is M.

Read-aloud uses a synthetic English voice on your device. Quality and availability vary; it does not assess pronunciation.

Watch out

Use context to identify the meaning: an envelope suggests a message; spelling a word suggests alphabet symbols.

Try it yourself

  1. Choose the plural after four. This word has four ___. (letter / letters)

    Show answer or example answer

    letters

    Letters is plural after four.

  2. Choose the word for a written message in an envelope. I put my written ___ in an envelope and mailed it. (letter / number)

    Show answer or example answer

    letter

    A letter in an envelope is a written message.

  3. Choose the word for uppercase symbols on a form. Write your name in ___ letters: A, B, C. (capital / lowercase)

    Show answer or example answer

    capital

    Capital letters are uppercase writing symbols.

Use it today

Write an imaginary letter and identify the first letter of your name.