Email can mean an electronic messaging system or a message sent through it.

The idea

Count messages with an email, two emails. Use by email without an article to name the communication method: contact the school by email.

Examples

  • She sent an email to the teacher.
  • We received two emails yesterday.
  • I contacted the school by email.
  • His email is in my inbox.
  • Can you send an email today?
  • They read the email together.

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Watch out

An email is a message; an email address identifies where messages are sent. The context distinguishes them.

Try it yourself

  1. Choose the plural for two messages. We received two ___. (emails / email)

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    emails

    Emails is the plural form after two.

  2. Choose the preposition for the communication method. I contacted the school ___ email. (by / from)

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    by

    By email names the communication method without an article.

  3. Choose what identifies where messages are sent. What identifies where an electronic message is sent? (an email address / an email message)

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    an email address

    An email address identifies where messages are sent.

Use it today

Describe an email you send or receive, and name the recipient.