an email message

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an email message" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a specific type of communication sent electronically. Example: "I received an email message from my colleague regarding the meeting schedule."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Deputy Sheriff Jason Kamerud did not immediately respond to an email message before business hours Wednesday.

The Guardian - Music

Ms. Bokova said in an email message on Wednesday that she would remain in the race.

The New York Times

In an email message Ream said, "I'm definitely not going to comment and will be laying low".

The New York Times

He had also left an email message for a friend that read "Ha, ha, ha," repeating the word 22 times.

The Guardian

I have learned never to click on a link in an email message, no matter how genuine it appears.

The Guardian - Money

"We chose to create a film that was not political," Ms. Goodman wrote in an email message en route from Los Angeles to New York.

The New York Times

A lawyer for the woman, Kenneth P. Thompson, in an email message, did not offer a direct rebuttal to the allegations.

The New York Times

A few days ago, he admitted to sending friends an email message containing a particularly crude and racist joke about President Obama.

The New York Times

"Mali's troubles come largely from beyond the country's borders, as do most of the jihadi fighters," Mr. Mann told me in an email message.

The New York Times

If the judge approves the sale, "the case is pretty much over," Scott Van Meter, managing director of LECG, a consulting firm, wrote in an email message.

The New York Times

The band recently received an email message from a similar band performing in Britain, inviting them to get together some day.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Favor the shorter and more common "an email" in most contexts where the meaning is already clear.

Common error

While technically correct, consistently using "an email message" in informal settings can sound overly formal or stilted. Opt for the simpler "an email" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an email message" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use to refer to a specific instance of electronic correspondence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Wiki

20%

Science

26%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an email message" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase for referring to electronic mail. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is widespread across various domains, including news, science, and general writing. While perfectly acceptable, consider using the shorter and more common "an email" in informal contexts for a more natural tone. Remember to prioritize clarity and conciseness in your writing, choosing the phrase that best suits the context and your intended audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an email

A shorter, more common way to refer to "an email message".

a message via email

Emphasizes the method of delivery rather than the message itself.

a notification email

This specifies the email serves as a notification.

an electronic message

A broader term that includes other forms of digital communication.

a direct email

Emphasis on the directness of the communication

a digital communication

Very general term encompassing a wide range of electronic communications.

a formal email

Highlights the level of formality of the message.

a written correspondence

More formal, emphasizing the act of writing and exchanging information.

a brief email

Emphasizes the conciseness and short length of the email.

a mail message

Classic way to call a physical message, this one refers to an electronic context.

FAQs

What's the difference between "an email" and "an email message"?

While both refer to electronic mail, "an email" is the more common and concise form. "An email message" is slightly more formal and explicit but often unnecessary in everyday contexts.

When should I use "an email message" instead of "an email"?

Use "an email message" when you want to be very explicit about the type of communication you're referencing, or in formal writing where clarity is paramount. Otherwise, "an email" is generally preferred.

Are there other ways to say "an email message"?

Yes, you can use alternatives such as "electronic message", or simply "an email" depending on the context.

Is "an email message" formal or informal?

"An email message" is slightly more formal than "an email", but both are generally acceptable in most professional and informal settings. Choose the one that best fits the tone of your writing.