a chain of emails

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a chain of emails" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a series of emails exchanged between individuals or groups, often regarding a specific topic or discussion. Example: "After reviewing a chain of emails, I realized that we had overlooked some important details in our project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Instead – as a chain of emails released to the Farlam inquiry disclosed – he argued for the police to move in.

The Guardian

Her evidence includes a chain of emails between Banks and employees of Cambridge Analytica, which was funded by US hedge-fund billionaire, Robert Mercer.

The Guardian

While the brokers had been sent a chain of emails showing that the company was liable for the overdraft of Qube, they said they had not read far enough down the exchange of emails to see this, which the FSA accepted.

The Guardian - Business

The document was attached to a chain of emails on Dec. 15, 2010.

Huffington Post

It all began in 2001, with a Nike promotion and a chain of emails.

Vice

I received a chain of emails last summer wherein they said the pool would be ready in the summer of 2012.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

The Assembly last week issued 20 subpoenas, many to top Christie staffers who were part of a chain of email released two weeks ago that suggested the lane closures were political payback.

Los Angeles Times

Trump Jr. later posted on Twitter a chain of email correspondence leading up to the meeting that showed he had been promised information that "would incriminate Hillary and her dealings with Russia and would be very useful to your father".

Huffington Post

The policy proposal is being weighed up by ministers who make up the inter-ministerial group (IMG) on migrants' access to benefits and public services, according to a chain of leaked emails written by officials of the Department for Education (DfE) in the past week.

The Guardian

In a chain of enthusiastic emails, an aide exclaimed that it was "not a bad Christmas present".

Huffington Post

In a chain of enthusiastic emails, an aide exclaimed that it was "not a bad Christmas present". I'm sure the Yemenis at the receiving end of the Saudi bombings would not be so enthusiastic.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a chain of emails", ensure the context clearly indicates a series of related messages, often about a specific topic or project. If the emails are unrelated, consider using "several emails" instead.

Common error

Avoid using "a chain of emails" when referring to a single email with multiple recipients. The phrase implies a progression or back-and-forth communication, not just a group email.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a chain of emails" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig examples show it describing sequences of communication in various scenarios. It's also worth noting that Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a chain of emails" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe a series of related email messages. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is straightforward, typically functioning as a noun phrase. While alternatives like "an email thread" or "a series of emails" exist, the original phrase is versatile and well-understood. It’s important to use it accurately, referring to a sequence of emails rather than a single email with multiple recipients. Primarily found in news and business contexts, it maintains a neutral to professional tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

An email thread

Focuses on the conversational aspect and replies within a single email.

A series of emails

Emphasizes the sequential nature of the messages.

A string of emails

Similar to "a series", but can imply a longer or more complex sequence.

An email exchange

Highlights the reciprocal nature of sending and receiving emails.

A succession of emails

More formal, emphasizing the order and sequence of the emails.

A stream of emails

Suggests a continuous flow of messages.

A batch of emails

Implies a group of emails sent or received together.

A log of emails

Suggests a record or history of emails.

Email correspondence

A broader term referring to the act of exchanging emails.

An email sequence

Highlights a planned or structured series of emails.

FAQs

How can I use "a chain of emails" in a sentence?

You might say, "The investigation revealed "a chain of emails" detailing the company's fraudulent activities" or "Please forward me "a chain of emails" regarding the project's specifications".

What's the difference between "an email thread" and "a chain of emails"?

While similar, "an email thread" specifically refers to a conversation with replies, whereas "a chain of emails" more broadly describes a sequence of related emails, which may not all be direct replies in the same thread. "An email thread" emphasizes replies and continuations to a prior email, while "a chain of emails" may not.

What can I say instead of "a chain of emails"?

You can use alternatives like "an email thread", "a series of emails", or "email correspondence" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a chain of emails" in formal writing?

Yes, "a chain of emails" is suitable for formal writing, especially in business or journalistic contexts, as it clearly and concisely describes a sequence of related email messages. However, in more academic or technical writing, a more precise term like "email correspondence" or "a log of emails" may be preferred.