trail of emails

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "trail of emails" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a series of email messages that are related to a specific topic or conversation, often used in the context of tracking communication. Example: "I found the trail of emails that discussed the project updates, and it helped clarify the decisions made."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Gilligan, untroubled by Livingstone's criticism, said that it was just journalism, following a trail of emails and other testimony from people who had worked alongside the mayor.

The Guardian

And where there was a lengthy trail of emails, phone records and other documents linking the subordinates to the crimes, there is no such cache of evidence Fox can show jurors to implicate the former sheriff. .

Los Angeles Times

But then I followed the trail of emails and there it was, as clearly as the sky after a heavy rain: An affair that had been going on for years.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Salazar's response Salazar has published a trail of email correspondence between the pair which appears to suggest that he did not want Goucher to lose weight more quickly.

The Guardian - Sport

In 2012, Anonymous followed a trail of login names and email accounts to track down an accused cyberbully who allegedly terrorized British Columbia teen Amanda Todd.

Huffington Post

Don't submit your concept or program without a trail of evidence, such as email, fax, or other method to establish proof of exposure.

WikiHow

Today, most of us routinely leave a trail of personal information behind us – from emails to idle thoughts on Facebook, to images of ourselves grinning at parties.

The Guardian - Tech

Not to mention if anything ever does arise, you'll have the proper "paper trail.? Be wary of email solicitations.

WikiHow

"The scale of the material that needed to be searched included millions of emails, tens of thousands of documents, complex communications data and trails of financial transactions that required painstaking analysis as evidence gradually emerged," it said.

BBC

Email, with its trail of exchange, turns out to be a good way of doing this.

BBC

A lot of emails.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context. In formal settings, "email correspondence history" might be more appropriate than "trail of emails".

Common error

Avoid using "trail of emails" in very casual conversations. Opt for simpler terms like "email thread" or "email chain" in informal settings to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "trail of emails" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the object of a verb or preposition. As Ludwig explains, it refers to a series of email messages connected by a common topic or purpose, suggesting a sequence or progression that can be followed.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "trail of emails" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a sequence of interconnected email messages, often examined for investigative or analytical purposes. As indicated by Ludwig, it frequently appears in news and media contexts. While not overly formal, it is suitable for professional communication, but more specific terms may exist for academic writing. Alternatives such as "email chain" or "email thread" can be used in less formal settings. When using this phrase, consider the context and aim to highlight the chronological or investigative aspect of the email communication. Therefore, understanding the register and context will help ensure effective and appropriate communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

email chain

Replaces "trail" with "chain", emphasizing the sequential nature of the emails.

email thread

Substitutes "trail" with "thread", highlighting the interconnectedness of the emails.

series of emails

Offers a straightforward substitution for "trail of emails" by using "series of emails".

path of emails

Substitutes trail for path. Both are conceptually similar.

sequence of emails

Highlights the order in which emails were sent, using "sequence" instead of "trail".

email correspondence history

Replaces "trail" with a more formal term "correspondence history", suitable for professional contexts.

email exchange history

Uses "exchange history" to emphasize the interactive nature of the email sequence.

record of emails

Focuses on the aspect of keeping a record, using "record" instead of "trail".

documented emails

Implies that the emails are part of a formal documentation process.

electronic mail record

Replaces both words in the query, using more formal and specific terms.

FAQs

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

You can use "trail of emails" to describe a series of email messages related to a specific topic or event. For example, "The investigation revealed a "trail of emails" showing the planning stages of the project".

What can I say instead of "trail of emails"?

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

When is it appropriate to use "trail of emails"?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize the chronological sequence and interconnectedness of email messages, especially when these emails are being examined as evidence or to understand a process.

How does "trail of emails" differ from "email thread"?

"Trail of emails" often implies a more investigative or retrospective examination of the emails, suggesting a search for clues or understanding a past sequence of events. "Email thread" is a more neutral term for a series of related email messages.