Write me vs. write to me

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Seraphin  #523576  Thu, 05 Jun 08 11:03 PM
Is it correct to write

"I will write you a mail with ***"

or is it correct ONLY if we say

"I will write a mail TO YOU with ***"

From the dictionary.com, when using "to write" to express the idea of writing a letter or communicating by letters, the verb is intransitive.

This seems to me that only the second usage is correct, UNLESS there are very subtle differences in the usage/meaning of the verb in

those two scenarios.

  
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New2grammar  #523578  Thu, 05 Jun 08 11:16 PM

mail is uncountable.

I'd say

I will write to you.

  
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Damir  #523592  Fri, 06 Jun 08 12:25 AM
Why is mail uncountable? Can't be said e.g. 3 mails (e-mails)?

"I'll send it to you in 3 e-mails because of its size."

  
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Grammar Geek  #523594  Fri, 06 Jun 08 12:32 AM

He  was quite right that "mail" is uncountable.

"E-mail" is now often used as a countable noun, but it's not universal.

In your example, I'd say that I'd send it in three e-mail messages, not three e-mails, though many do use it that way.

  
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New2grammar  #523595  Fri, 06 Jun 08 12:32 AM

I'm quite certain mail is uncountable. Email is debatable. I believe hardcore grammarians would use it as an uncountable noun. You might want to wait for native speakers.

  
Grammar Geek  #523596  Fri, 06 Jun 08 12:34 AM

Oh now. Now I'll be classified with the hardcore grammarians!

  
New2grammar  #523597  Fri, 06 Jun 08 12:36 AM

I just thought it was possible to use 'e-mails' as countable. But I like your version.

<EDIT>GG, actually the meaning of email in your version is the name of the technology for sending electronic messages over the Internet like FTP, HTTP, Javascript. For example, ftp port, html file. It's not the message itself like mail does, I believe. I hope I'm not confusing the questioner.

  
Seraphin  #523602  Fri, 06 Jun 08 12:43 AM
It seems that the discussion goes on a tangent a bit. Can anyone discuss/answer which usage is correct? Or it sounds like "write you a mail" is wrong as mail is NOT countable. ?? Thanks
  
Grammar Geek  #523603  Fri, 06 Jun 08 12:46 AM

New2Grammar gave you good advice: Just say "Write to me."

  
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