a list of mails

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a list of mails" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a collection of email messages or postal letters. Example: "Please send me a list of mails that need to be responded to by the end of the day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

So when you're reading emails in landscape orientation you have a list of mails on the left and one message displayed on the right, like on the iPad.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

You obtain a list of mailing addresses.

The New Yorker

The group has developed a list of mail-order sources for organic food products, the majority of which it says have been certified organic by independent testing and inspection agencies.

The New York Times

Well, at least the actress wore it when she was playing Gloria Bunker Stivic, not when she was doing those television commercials for a list of mail-order technical schools that included both high-school equivalency studies and firearms repair.

The New York Times - Tech

A listing of mail-order sources last Wednesday with an article about apricots misstated the shipping cost for a three-pound box from Eden Garden in Tracy, Calif.

The New York Times - Food

Correction: June 25 , 2003 Wednesday A listing of mail-order sources last Wednesday with an article about apricots misstated the shipping cost for a three-pound box from Eden Garden in Tracy, Calif.

The New York Times - Food

A listing of mail-order sources for grass-fed meat last Wednesday, with the Eating Well column, referred erroneously in some copies to Cabbage Hill Farm in Mount Kisco, N.Y.

The New York Times - Food

There you can also view a listing of mail order companies that will deliver organic dairy to your door.

HuffPost

Visual voice mail means you get a list of voice mails, and transcription is an extension of that.

Forbes

Jangl users won't be bothered with every call to their phone, but will instead scan a list of voice mails from new callers and choose to connect or not.

TechCrunch

He is accused of stealing a list of e-mail addresses of soldiers deployed in Iraq, not with leaking that database to WikiLeaks after he allegedly downloaded it.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a list of mails", ensure the context clarifies whether you are referring to physical mail or electronic mail (emails) to avoid ambiguity. If referring to electronic mail, it's generally clearer to use the phrase "a list of emails".

Common error

Avoid using "mails" when referring to electronic correspondence; the common term is "emails". Use "mails" primarily for physical letters or postal items to maintain clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a list of mails" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object in a sentence. It denotes a collection or enumeration of mail items, whether physical letters or electronic messages. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

25%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

15%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a list of mails" is a grammatically correct phrase, though its usage is more appropriate for physical mail. For electronic correspondence, "a list of emails" is preferred. As noted by Ludwig, the phrase appears in various contexts, from news media to scientific papers and wikis. To ensure clarity, specify the type of mail you are referring to and consider using "a list of emails" when discussing electronic messages. While it's a neutral phrase, pay attention to the context for the most appropriate usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a collection of mails

Highlights that the mails are a group of items.

a record of mails

Focuses on the documentary aspect of the mails.

a mail directory

Focuses on the directory aspect, highlighting the organizational structure of the mail.

a file of mails

Highlights the physical or digital storage of the mails.

a compilation of mails

Emphasizes the act of gathering mails together.

a catalog of mails

Indicates an organized and detailed listing of mails.

a register of mails

Suggests a formal or official recording of mails.

a log of mails

Emphasizes the chronological order or sequence of mails.

an inventory of mails

Implies a detailed account of all mails present.

a schedule of mails

Implies a planned or arranged sequence of mails.

FAQs

How can I use "a list of mails" in a sentence?

You might say, "The secretary prepared "a list of mails" to be sorted by department" to refer to physical letters or "The IT department provided "a list of mails" that were flagged as potential phishing attempts" for emails.

What's the difference between "a list of mails" and "a list of emails"?

"A list of mails" generally refers to physical letters or postal items, whereas "a list of emails" refers to electronic messages. Using "a list of emails" is more specific when discussing electronic correspondence.

What can I say instead of "a list of mails"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "mail directory" if you mean an overview of stored mail or a "collection of emails" for electronic messages.

Is "a list of mails" formal or informal?

The phrase "a list of mails" is generally neutral, but leaning towards formal usage. For informal contexts, especially when referring to electronic messages, "a list of emails" is more common.