E-mail or Email | Definition & Correct Spelling
E-mail and email both mean “electronic mail.” Both are acceptable, but “email” has become the more popular variant. However, some style guides and publications still prefer “e-mail.” When deciding which one to use, follow any applicable guidelines and remain consistent throughout your writing.
When to use e-mail or email
“E-mail” and “email” are different variants of the same compound word that stands for “electronic mail.” As with most compound words, “e-mail” (with the hyphen) was more common at its inception, which was around the time the internet was first created. As time went on, “email” (without the hyphen) started becoming more acceptable, and today it is the more prevalent variant.
Always refer to any relevant style guide, as some publications still prefer the use of “e-mail” over “email.” If there are no requirements, both spellings are acceptable, but choose one and maintain consistency throughout your writing.
E-mail or email as a noun
As nouns, “e-mail” and “email” stand for “electronic mail” and refer to messages sent via the internet through computers connected to a network.
E-mail or email as a verb
As verbs, “e-mail” and “email” refer to the act of sending someone an email. The different forms of this verb are:
- Base form: E-mail or email
- Simple past tense and past participle: E-mailed or emailed
- Present participle: E-mailing or emailing
- Third-person singular: E-mails or emails
E mail or e-mail
Both “e-mail” and “email” are acceptable and widely used spellings, but “e mail” is not and should not be used in writing. A QuillBot grammar check can help you avoid errors like “e mail.”
Frequently asked questions about e-mail or email
- Is email hyphenated?
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The word “email” doesn’t have to be hyphenated. Both “email” and “e-mail” are widely used and accepted, although “email” has become more common.
The QuillBot Grammar Checker can help ensure your writing is free of punctuation and spelling errors.
- Is it e mail or e-mail?
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The correct spelling is always “e-mail” or “email,” but never “e mail.”
E-mail and email are different spelling variations and mean “electronic mail.”
- What does email address mean?
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“Email address” (or “e-mail address”) refers to a unique identifier, usually consisting of letters, numbers, and some symbols, that identifies where an email is being sent (e.g., “Please write down your email address to receive special offers”).