a flurry of emails

USAGE SUMMARY

'a flurry of emails' is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to a large number of emails being sent or received in a short period of time. For example, "I got a flurry of emails from my boss yesterday checking on the status of the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

I woke to a flurry of emails about the news.

The Guardian - Opinion

England's squad should anticipate a flurry of emails containing attachments featuring instructive video clips.

The Guardian - Sport

After a flurry of emails, Iceland pledges to guarantee bank deposits up to maximum of €20,887.

The Guardian - Business

He sent a flurry of emails to staff at the film's makers, Sony Pictures and Columbia Pictures, and received a reply from a former set designer on the film – two years later.

The Guardian

He changed the statement 24 hours later after a "flurry" of emails and texts to Mahmood, and the comments about her disapproval of drugs were removed, the prosecution alleges.

The Guardian

The university's claims that students had been consulted on the changes were met with a flurry of emails to EducationGuardian.co.uk from students and researchers at the department saying they had no idea of the plans.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

One expects a flurry of email to the address to ask for those alternatives.

The Economist

Some organizations have "central nervous systems" like those of jellyfish: able to react to stimuli (perhaps with a flurry of email and meetings), but incapable of coordinating a conscious plan.

TechCrunch

The Obama campaign responded to the burst in fundraising by its Republican rivals with a flurry of email solicitations, including one from the president with the subject line, "I will be outspent".

Huffington Post

She received a flurry of threatening emails.

The Guardian - Opinion

We did, in a flurry of encrypted emails.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a situation where you've received many emails in a short period, use "a flurry of emails" to convey the sense of sudden activity. It's more vivid than simply saying "many emails."

Common error

Avoid using "a flurry of emails" when you want to describe negative feedback via email. "Flurry" usually has a neutral connotation. When the emails express negative emotions like anger, use terms like "a barrage of complaints" or "a storm of protests".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a flurry of emails" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object in a sentence. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is used to describe a large number of emails arriving or being sent in rapid succession. For example, "The announcement resulted in a flurry of emails."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Formal & Business

17%

Science

11%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Academia

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a flurry of emails" is a commonly used and grammatically sound phrase used to describe a sudden influx of emails. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is versatile, applicable in both formal and informal contexts, and is particularly prevalent in news and media. When using this phrase, ensure that it accurately reflects a rapid succession of emails, rather than simply a large number of emails received over an extended period. Consider alternatives like "a barrage of emails" or "a stream of emails" to fine-tune the meaning. Remember, as explained in the usage guidance, avoid the phrase if the email context is predominantly negative; in such cases, a phrase that emphasizes the negative sentiment would be more appropriate. In essence, "a flurry of emails" is a useful expression to convey a specific and often energetic sense of high-volume email activity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a barrage of emails

Implies a heavier, more forceful influx of emails.

a flood of emails

Suggests an overwhelming quantity of emails.

a stream of emails

Indicates a continuous flow of emails.

a deluge of emails

Highlights a sudden and substantial downpour of emails.

a rush of emails

Suggests emails arriving in a quick and energetic manner.

an avalanche of emails

Similar to a flood, but emphasizes the massive scale.

a burst of emails

Emphasizes a sudden release or increase in emails.

a heap of emails

Highlights the large amount of emails accumulated.

a wave of emails

Similar to stream but less continuous and more impactful.

numerous emails

Simply denotes a great number of emails without implying a specific timeframe.

FAQs

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

You can use "a flurry of emails" to describe receiving many emails in a short time, like "After the announcement, we received "a flurry of emails" from interested customers."

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

You can use alternatives like "a barrage of emails", "a flood of emails", or "a stream of emails" depending on the specific context and desired emphasis.

Is it appropriate to use "a flurry of emails" in a formal business context?

Yes, "a flurry of emails" is suitable for formal business contexts. It's a clear and professional way to describe a high volume of email communication.

What's the difference between "a flurry of emails" and "a string of emails"?

"A flurry of emails" implies a sudden, concentrated burst of emails, while "a string of emails" suggests a series of emails sent over a longer period, possibly related to a single topic or conversation.