Is 'spam' a countable or uncountable noun?

Summary

The term 'spam' is generally used as an uncountable noun to describe unsolicited electronic messages. However, several sources indicate that it can also function as a countable noun, especially when referring to specific instances, types, or categories of spam. Dictionaries like Merriam-Webster and Grammarly explicitly acknowledge both usages. Usage of the plural form 'spams' is more common in informal contexts or when distinguishing between different kinds of spam. Some languages or regions may not favor the plural form. Documentation from email providers and anti-spam organizations tends to treat 'spam' as uncountable. An expert source emphasizes that the crucial aspect is the unsolicited nature of the messages rather than its grammatical countability.

Key findings

  • Dominant Usage: 'Spam' is primarily used as an uncountable noun to refer to general unsolicited emails.
  • Countable Contexts: It can be used countably ('spams') when referring to specific instances, types, or categories of spam.
  • Linguistic Authority: Dictionaries and grammar resources recognize both countable and uncountable usages.
  • Regional Variance: The acceptability of 'spams' may vary depending on language or region.
  • Technical Usage: Technical documentation from email providers tends to use 'spam' as uncountable.
  • Core Meaning: The defining characteristic of 'spam' is its unsolicited nature, regardless of grammatical form.

Key considerations

  • Contextual Appropriateness: Choose between 'spam' and 'spams' based on the context and intended meaning.
  • Audience Awareness: Consider your audience and the formality of the communication.
  • Technical Accuracy: In technical descriptions, 'spam' as an uncountable noun is often more appropriate.
  • Focus on Definition: Ensure the primary focus is on the definition of spam as unsolicited communication.

What email marketers say
12Marketer opinions

The consensus is that 'spam' is primarily used as an uncountable noun when referring to unsolicited electronic messages in general. However, it can also function as a countable noun, particularly when referring to specific instances, types, or categories of spam. Usage of the plural form 'spams' is more common in informal contexts or when distinguishing between different kinds of spam. Native language speakers, such as those from German-speaking regions, often avoid using 'spams.' Dictionaries like Merriam-Webster and Grammarly explicitly recognize both countable and uncountable usages.

Key opinions

  • Primary Usage: 'Spam' is generally used as an uncountable noun.
  • Countable Exception: It can be countable ('spams') when referring to specific instances or types.
  • Regional Differences: Some languages/regions (e.g., German) may not use the plural form 'spams'.
  • Dictionary Support: Dictionaries recognize both countable and uncountable usages.

Key considerations

  • Context Matters: The choice between 'spam' and 'spams' depends on the context and intended meaning.
  • Formality: Use 'spam' (uncountable) in formal writing unless distinguishing types/instances.
  • Audience: Consider your audience; using 'spams' may be less common or acceptable for some.
  • Verb Usage: Remember 'spam' is also a verb (e.g., 'They spammed me!').
Marketer view

Email marketer from Collins Dictionary explains that 'spam' is generally uncountable when referring to unsolicited emails. However, it can be used countably, especially when specifying types or instances of spam.

January 2023 - Collins Dictionary
Marketer view

Email marketer from Email Geeks suggests not relying on French/German pages for proper English usage and notes that they have never heard "Spams" used in the plural in German.

March 2023 - Email Geeks
Marketer view

Email marketer from WordReference Forums suggests that while 'spam' is generally uncountable, 'spams' could be used when referring to multiple, distinct instances or types of spam activity.

August 2024 - WordReference Forums
Marketer view

Email marketer from Email Geeks shares a link to wiktionary.org that says the plural of the noun "spam" is "spams".

January 2024 - Email Geeks
Marketer view

Email marketer from Reddit explains that 'spam' is typically used as an uncountable noun but 'spams' can be used in informal contexts or when referring to different types of spam.

March 2024 - Reddit
Marketer view

Email marketer from StackExchange shares that 'spam' is usually uncountable but can be countable when discussing distinct categories or examples of spam. Using 'spams' in this context emphasizes variety.

September 2023 - StackExchange
Marketer view

Email marketer from Email Geeks shares that they always use "spam" in the singular form, often paired with other words like "spam messages," "spam email," or "spam texts."

August 2023 - Email Geeks
Marketer view

Email marketer from Merriam-Webster Dictionary explains that 'spam' can be both a countable and uncountable noun. As an uncountable noun, it refers to unsolicited electronic junk mail. As a countable noun, it can refer to a specific instance of spam or a type of spam.

June 2024 - Merriam-Webster Dictionary
Marketer view

Email marketer from Grammarly shares that the noun "spam" can be used as both countable and uncountable. As an uncountable noun it refers to general junk, but as a countable noun, it can be used to refer to individual instances of spam messages.

May 2023 - Grammarly
Marketer view

Email marketer from ProWritingAid explains that 'spam' functions mostly as an uncountable noun to refer to general instances of unsolicited electronic messages. However, using 'spams' is becoming increasingly common, and therefore acceptable.

March 2024 - ProWritingAid
Marketer view

Email marketer from Email Geeks shares that they usually use "spam emails" and have also never heard "spams" used in the plural in German.

July 2023 - Email Geeks
Marketer view

Email marketer from Email Geeks points out that "spam" is also used as a verb, as in "They spammed me!"

November 2023 - Email Geeks

What the experts say
1Expert opinion

The expert from wordtothewise.com indicates that when discussing 'spam,' the crucial aspect is the unsolicited nature of the messages rather than whether 'spam' is countable or uncountable. The term carries a negative connotation and refers to unwanted communications.

Key opinions

  • Relevance of Definition: The core concept of 'spam' lies in its unsolicited nature, irrespective of grammatical countability.
  • Negative Connotation: 'Spam' inherently carries a negative meaning due to its association with unwanted communication.

Key considerations

  • Focus on Definition: When discussing 'spam,' prioritize understanding its meaning (unsolicited communication) over its grammatical properties.
  • Practical Application: In professional communication, focus on avoiding sending unsolicited messages rather than overanalyzing whether 'spam' should be pluralized.
Expert view

Expert from wordtothewise.com explains that whilst 'spam' as a term implies unsolicited emails, the countability is irrelevant. 'Spam' refers to messaging people did not ask for, and as a general term that has a negative connation.

March 2024 - wordtothewise.com

What the documentation says
3Technical articles

Documentation from Microsoft Support, Google Support, and Spamhaus generally treats 'spam' as an uncountable noun when referring to unsolicited bulk email. While individual spam messages are managed and tracked, the overarching concept of 'spam' is handled as a general category.

Key findings

  • Uncountable Usage: Major email platforms and anti-spam organizations primarily use 'spam' as an uncountable noun.
  • General Category: 'Spam' refers to a general category or class of unsolicited messages.
  • Individual Management: While 'spam' is treated as uncountable, individual spam messages are still tracked and managed.

Key considerations

  • Technical Context: In technical documentation and descriptions of email systems, it's appropriate to use 'spam' as an uncountable noun.
  • Operational Focus: The operational focus is on identifying, filtering, and managing spam as a whole, rather than individual instances.
Technical article

Documentation from Microsoft Support explains how to report spam or phishing emails in Outlook. It implicitly treats 'spam' as a general category (uncountable) while providing options to manage individual spam messages.

March 2023 - Microsoft Support
Technical article

Documentation from Google Support details how Gmail's spam filters work to identify and filter spam. It refers to 'spam' as a general category, using the uncountable form. It details how individual messages are assessed.

May 2023 - Google Support
Technical article

Documentation from Spamhaus describes how they track and combat spam. The term 'spam' is generally used as uncountable to refer to unsolicited bulk email, whilst tracking individual spamming sources.

April 2024 - Spamhaus