If you say "open" for emails, is it possible to say "open" for letters as well?
Native speaker’s answer
Rebecca
Yes, you can "open" letters as well! That's because, usually, a letter is inside an envelope, and one needs to open the envelope to get to the letter. Likewise, if a letter is folded, then it still needs to be "opened." The idea of "opening emails" comes from physically opening letters and mail. Ex: Have you opened the letter from the university yet? Ex: I saw the email, but I didn't open it.