correspondence column: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, journalistic
Quick answer
What does “correspondence column” mean?
A section in a newspaper, magazine, or website where letters from readers are published, often with responses from the editor or experts.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A section in a newspaper, magazine, or website where letters from readers are published, often with responses from the editor or experts.
Any regular feature in a publication dedicated to publishing and responding to readers' letters, queries, or opinions. It can also refer to the concept of a public forum for written exchange within a publication.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is more commonly used in British English. In American English, 'letters to the editor', 'letters section', or 'mailbag' are more frequent.
Connotations
In British English, it can carry a slightly traditional, established connotation (e.g., associated with broadsheet newspapers). The American alternatives are more direct and varied in tone.
Frequency
High frequency in UK journalism; lower frequency in US, where alternative terms dominate.
Grammar
How to Use “correspondence column” in a Sentence
[Publication] has a lively correspondence column on [topic].Her letter was published in the correspondence column.The correspondence column featured a debate about [issue].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “correspondence column” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The editor will correspondence-column the most insightful letters.
- Her query was correspondence-columned last Thursday.
American English
- The magazine correspondence-columns reader reactions monthly.
- They decided to correspondence-column the debate.
adjective
British English
- The correspondence-column debate grew heated.
- He is a frequent correspondence-column contributor.
American English
- She wrote a correspondence-column piece on local politics.
- The correspondence-column editor made the final selection.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in trade or industry magazines for professional debate.
Academic
Occasional in academic journals for scholarly exchange and debate.
Everyday
Used when discussing newspapers or magazines one reads.
Technical
Specific to publishing, journalism, and media studies.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “correspondence column”
- Using 'correspondence column' to refer to an advice column (e.g., 'agony aunt').
- Confusing it with the email 'Inbox' column in software.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A correspondence column publishes letters from readers on various topics, often with editorial responses. An 'agony aunt' column is specifically for personal advice.
Yes, the term is applied to digital versions of this feature on news websites, often called 'reader comments' or 'letters' sections online.
Its main purposes are to engage readers, provide a platform for public debate, offer feedback to the publication, and create a sense of community among its audience.
Typically, an editor or a dedicated 'letters editor' selects letters based on relevance, clarity, interest, and space constraints. They may also edit them for length and style.
A section in a newspaper, magazine, or website where letters from readers are published, often with responses from the editor or experts.
Correspondence column is usually formal, journalistic in register.
Correspondence column: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkɒr.ɪˈspɒn.dəns ˌkɒl.əm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌkɔːr.əˈspɑːn.dəns ˌkɑː.ləm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A storm in a correspondence column (variant of 'a storm in a teacup')”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a newspaper COLUMN that is filled with CORRESPONDENCE (letters) from readers.
Conceptual Metaphor
A PUBLIC SQUARE FOR TEXT (a designated space where written opinions are exchanged publicly).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the closest synonym for 'correspondence column' in American journalistic context?