in an email

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'in an email' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a message delivered electronically, usually through an email service provider. For example, "I received the information I needed in an email from my professor."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

End of," he wrote in an email.

Independent

Spill the beans in an email.

The Guardian - Books

It will," he wrote in an email.

The Guardian - Tech

One wrote in an email: "Finally.

The Guardian - Film

In an email, Foster recorded: "Alastair onside".

The Guardian

This was in an email sent on 5 April.

The New York Times

In an email later on Monday night, Peter Kyem elaborated.

The New York Times

"Progress comes with serious reservations," she said in an email.

The New York Times

In an email, Kroll declined to comment on Dayton's comments.

The Guardian

It criminalizes communities," he wrote in an email.

The Guardian

So I immediately wrote that to David in an email.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in an email", ensure it's clear who sent the email and when, if relevant to the context.

Common error

Avoid saying "in an email message" as it's redundant. "Email" already implies a message. Just use "in an email".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in an email" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or noun to indicate the medium or location of a communication or piece of information. This is supported by Ludwig which considers it grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in an email" is a common and grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to specify that information was communicated or found within an email. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage across various sources. It’s considered neutral in register and is frequently used in news, business, and general writing. While alternatives like "via email" or "by email" exist, it’s essential to avoid redundancies like "in an email message". Ensure clarity by specifying the sender and time of the email when relevant.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

via email

This alternative is a shorter, more direct way of saying the same thing.

by email

This alternative is another common and concise way to indicate the method of communication.

within the email

This alternative specifies that the information was contained inside the body of the email.

using email

This focuses on the act of using email to communicate the information.

in a message

This is a more general term that could refer to any type of electronic message, not specifically email.

in a written email

This alternative emphasizes the written nature of the email communication.

through electronic mail

This alternative is a more formal and verbose way of saying "in an email".

via electronic correspondence

This is a more formal and business-oriented alternative.

in an electronic communication

This phrase is more general, encompassing various forms of electronic communication.

in a digital note

This is a less common, slightly more creative way to refer to an email.

FAQs

How can I use "in an email" in a sentence?

You can use "in an email" to describe where you found some information or how you communicated something. For example, "I received the contract details "in an email" this morning".

What can I say instead of "in an email"?

You can use alternatives like "via email", "by email", or "through electronic mail" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "in the email" instead of "in an email"?

While "in the email" isn't grammatically incorrect, ""in an email"" is generally preferred when referring to a generic instance of email communication. "In the email" is more appropriate when referring to a specific, previously mentioned email.

What's the difference between "in an email" and "via email"?

"In an email" specifies the location of information or communication, while "via email" emphasizes the method of communication. They are often interchangeable, but "via email" is more concise.