Alternative Phrases for “Please Find Attached”: A Comprehensive Guide
In professional communication, the phrase “Please find attached” is a common way to indicate that a document is included with an email or message. However, relying on the same phrase repeatedly can make your writing sound monotonous.
Mastering alternative phrases not only enhances the clarity and professionalism of your communication but also allows you to tailor your language to different contexts and audiences. This article provides a comprehensive exploration of various ways to convey the same meaning, complete with examples, usage rules, and practice exercises suitable for learners of all levels.
This guide will benefit anyone who regularly communicates in English, including students, professionals, and non-native speakers looking to improve their written communication skills. By understanding the nuances of each phrase and its appropriate context, you can make your messages more effective and engaging.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Definition and Context
- Structural Breakdown
- Types and Categories of Alternative Phrases
- Examples
- Usage Rules
- Common Mistakes
- Practice Exercises
- Advanced Topics
- FAQ
- Conclusion
Definition and Context
The phrase “Please find attached” is a polite way to inform the recipient of a message that one or more files are included with the message. It serves as a notification, directing the recipient’s attention to the attachment(s).
It’s commonly used in emails, memos, and other forms of written communication where files are being shared.
In terms of grammatical classification, “Please find attached” is an imperative sentence fragment. “Please” is an interjection used to add politeness.
“Find” is the imperative verb, and “attached” is an adjective describing the noun (documents, files, etc.) that is implied. The full, grammatically complete sentence would be something like “Please find the attached documents.” However, the shortened version is widely accepted in professional communication because it is concise and easily understood.
The context in which you use this phrase (or its alternatives) is crucial. Formal settings, such as legal or official correspondence, may require more professional language.
Informal settings, such as communication with colleagues or friends, allow for more relaxed phrasing. The key is to choose a phrase that is both clear and appropriate for the situation.
Structural Breakdown
The basic structure of “Please find attached” can be broken down into three core components:
- Politeness Marker: This usually involves the word “Please,” which softens the command and makes the request more courteous.
- Action Verb: This indicates the action the recipient is expected to take, such as “find,” “see,” or “review.”
- Attachment Descriptor: This describes the state or location of the attached document(s). Common descriptors include “attached,” “enclosed,” or “included.”
Understanding this structure allows you to create variations by substituting different words for each component. For example:
- Replacing “Please” with “Kindly” or omitting it altogether (in informal contexts).
- Replacing “find” with “see,” “review,” “access,” or “download.”
- Replacing “attached” with “enclosed,” “included,” or specifying the document type (e.g., “the attached report”).
By manipulating these elements, you can create a wide range of alternative phrases that convey the same basic meaning while adding variety and nuance to your writing.
Types and Categories of Alternative Phrases
There are several categories of alternative phrases you can use instead of “Please find attached,” each with its own level of formality and specific usage. Understanding these categories will help you choose the most appropriate phrase for any given situation.
Direct Alternatives
These phrases are the most straightforward replacements for “Please find attached.” They use similar vocabulary and maintain a comparable level of formality.
Action-Oriented Alternatives
These phrases focus on the action you want the recipient to take with the attachment, such as reviewing, reading, or downloading it. They are slightly more direct and can be more effective in certain situations.
Formal Alternatives
These phrases are suitable for formal correspondence, such as legal documents or communication with senior management. They often use more sophisticated vocabulary and a more polite tone.
Informal Alternatives
These phrases are appropriate for casual communication with colleagues or friends. They use more relaxed language and may omit the politeness marker “Please.”
Examples
Here are some examples of alternative phrases, organized by category, to help you better understand their usage.
Direct Alternatives Examples
The following table provides a list of direct alternatives to “Please find attached,” along with example sentences. These alternatives are suitable for a wide range of professional contexts.
| Alternative Phrase | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| Attached you will find | Attached you will find the project proposal for your review. |
| Please see the attached | Please see the attached invoice for payment details. |
| The attached document contains | The attached document contains the meeting minutes from last week. |
| I have attached | I have attached the revised contract for your consideration. |
| Enclosed you will find | Enclosed you will find the report detailing the Q3 results. |
| The document is attached | The document is attached for your convenience. |
| Find attached | Find attached the presentation slides for tomorrow’s meeting. |
| I am attaching | I am attaching the necessary forms for you to complete. |
| Included is | Included is a copy of the signed agreement. |
| Here is | Here is the information you requested earlier. |
| As attached | As attached, please find the updated budget spreadsheet. |
| Refer to the attached | Refer to the attached guide for detailed instructions. |
| The file is attached | The file is attached and ready for your review. |
| This email includes | This email includes the finalized marketing plan. |
| You’ll find attached | You’ll find attached the list of attendees for the conference. |
| The following is attached | The following is attached: the agenda for the upcoming meeting. |
| With this email, you’ll find | With this email, you’ll find the supporting documents for your claim. |
| Attached for your review | Attached for your review is the performance analysis report. |
| Please accept the attached | Please accept the attached letter of recommendation. |
| I’ve included | I’ve included the relevant data in the attached file. |
| You will find in the attachment | You will find in the attachment a detailed explanation of the new policy. |
| Please note the attached | Please note the attached terms and conditions. |
| Attached is | Attached is the spreadsheet with all the calculations. |
| This contains | This contains the information you need to complete the task. |
| Please find enclosed | Please find enclosed the documents you requested. |
Action-Oriented Alternatives Examples
The following table provides action-oriented alternatives, emphasizing what the recipient should do with the attachment. These are particularly useful when you want to guide the recipient towards a specific action.
| Alternative Phrase | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| Please review the attached | Please review the attached proposal and provide your feedback. |
| Please read the attached | Please read the attached report before our meeting tomorrow. |
| Please see the attached for | Please see the attached for a detailed breakdown of the costs. |
| Please find the attached to | Please find the attached to complete your registration. |
| Kindly check the attached | Kindly check the attached document for any discrepancies. |
| Please download the attached | Please download the attached file and follow the instructions. |
| Please examine the attached | Please examine the attached data to identify any trends. |
| Please consider the attached | Please consider the attached proposal before making a decision. |
| Take a look at the attached | Take a look at the attached presentation for a summary of our findings. |
| Please analyze the attached | Please analyze the attached data to determine the root cause of the problem. |
| Please evaluate the attached | Please evaluate the attached document and let me know your thoughts. |
| Please go through the attached | Please go through the attached manual for operating instructions. |
| Please update using the attached | Please update the system using the attached configuration file. |
| Please refer to the attached for | Please refer to the attached for further details. |
| Please find the attached to learn more | Please find the attached to learn more about our new product. |
| Review the attached | Review the attached financial statements for Q2. |
| Examine the attached | Examine the attached blueprints for the building project. |
| Download and install the attached | Download and install the attached software update. |
| Read through the attached | Read through the attached policy document. |
| Analyze the data in the attached | Analyze the data in the attached spreadsheet. |
| Evaluate the information in the attached | Evaluate the information in the attached report. |
| Go over the attached | Go over the attached terms before signing. |
| Consider the details in the attached | Consider the details in the attached proposal carefully. |
| Check out the attached | Check out the attached photos from the event. |
| Please complete the attached | Please complete the attached form and return it by Friday. |
Formal Alternatives Examples
The following table provides formal alternatives, suitable for official and professional correspondence. These phrases maintain a high level of politeness and professionalism.
| Alternative Phrase | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| Please find enclosed herewith | Please find enclosed herewith the original documents as requested. |
| I have enclosed for your perusal | I have enclosed for your perusal the draft agreement. |
| Kindly refer to the attached | Kindly refer to the attached memorandum for further clarification. |
| The aforementioned document is attached | The aforementioned document is attached for your review and approval. |
| We have attached for your consideration | We have attached for your consideration the proposed amendments. |
| Enclosed, please find | Enclosed, please find the audited financial statements. |
| We are pleased to attach | We are pleased to attach the final version of the report. |
| For your review, we have attached | For your review, we have attached the updated project timeline. |
| It is our pleasure to enclose | It is our pleasure to enclose the certificate of completion. |
| We hereby submit the attached | We hereby submit the attached documents for your official record. |
| Please accept the attached | Please accept the attached formal invitation to the gala. |
| We respectfully submit the attached | We respectfully submit the attached proposal for your kind consideration. |
| The required documentation is attached | The required documentation is attached pursuant to your request. |
| We are providing the attached | We are providing the attached report detailing the findings of the audit. |
| For your information, please find attached | For your information, please find attached the official notification. |
| We wish to draw your attention to the attached | We wish to draw your attention to the attached compliance guidelines. |
| Pursuant to your request, the attached is provided | Pursuant to your request, the attached invoice is provided for settlement. |
| The pertinent details are included in the attached | The pertinent details are included in the attached confidential report. |
| We are pleased to present the attached | We are pleased to present the attached comprehensive analysis. |
| We kindly direct your attention to the attached | We kindly direct your attention to the attached terms of service. |
| With this communication, we include | With this communication, we include the necessary legal documents. |
| Please be advised that the attached | Please be advised that the attached document contains sensitive information. |
| We are providing herewith | We are providing herewith the required financial statements. |
| Enclosed for your consideration is | Enclosed for your consideration is the proposed budget. |
| We are submitting for your approval | We are submitting for your approval the updated marketing plan. |
Informal Alternatives Examples
The following table provides informal alternatives, suitable for casual communication with colleagues and friends. These phrases use relaxed language and may omit the politeness marker “Please.”
| Alternative Phrase | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| Attached is | Attached is the photo from our trip. |
| I’ve attached | I’ve attached the file you asked for. |
| Here’s the | Here’s the document we discussed. |
| You’ll find | You’ll find the information in the attached file. |
| Check out the attached | Check out the attached video. |
| I’m sending you | I’m sending you the updated version. |
| Just sent you | Just sent you the report. |
| FYI, attached is | FYI, attached is the latest update. |
| Have a look at | Have a look at the attached proposal. |
| Here it is | Here it is, the file you needed. |
| The thing you asked for is attached | The thing you asked for is attached to this email. |
| I’ve added | I’ve added the document to this email. |
| Have included | Have included the new spreadsheet in the attachment. |
| It’s attached | It’s attached, let me know what you think. |
| File’s attached | File’s attached, hope this helps! |
| Find it attached | Find it attached, as requested. |
| I’m also including | I’m also including the images we took. |
| Take a peek at | Take a peek at the attached presentation. |
| I threw in | I threw in the extra files just in case. |
| It’s in this email | It’s in this email, the attachment you need. |
| I’m sharing | I’m sharing the document with you. |
| Here’s what you need | Here’s what you need in the attachment. |
| See below | See below the file with all the updates. |
| Sharing now | Sharing now the document with the corrections. |
| Attached for you | Attached for you, the details of the event. |
Usage Rules
When choosing an alternative phrase for “Please find attached,” consider the following usage rules:
- Formality: Match the level of formality to the context of your communication. Use formal phrases for official correspondence and informal phrases for casual communication.
- Clarity: Ensure that the phrase is clear and easy to understand. Avoid using overly complex or ambiguous language.
- Specificity: If necessary, specify the type of document being attached. For example, “Please find attached the project proposal” is more specific than “Please find attached.”
- Audience: Consider your audience when choosing a phrase. What is appropriate for a colleague may not be appropriate for a senior executive.
- Tone: Maintain a professional and courteous tone, even in informal communication. Avoid using slang or overly casual language that could be misinterpreted.
Remember that consistency is also important. If you are communicating with the same person or group of people regularly, try to use a consistent style and tone throughout your communications.
Common Mistakes
Here are some common mistakes to avoid when using alternative phrases for “Please find attached”:
| Incorrect | Correct | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Please find the attachment. | Please find the attached document. | Always specify what is attached (e.g., document, file, report). |
| Attached please find. | Please find attached. | The standard word order is “Please find attached.” |
| Find attached, the report. | Find attached the report. | Avoid unnecessary commas. |
| I am attaching, please review. | I am attaching the document for your review. | Connect the two parts of the sentence with appropriate conjunctions or prepositions. |
| See attached for details. | Please see the attached document for details. | Adding “Please” makes the request more polite, especially in formal settings. |
| Attached you will find, thanks. | Attached you will find the document. Thank you. | Separate the closing remark (“Thanks”) into a separate sentence. |
| Enclosed is, let me know what you think. | Enclosed is the document. Let me know what you think. | Keep the indication of attachment separate from the request for feedback. |
| Attaching file. | I am attaching the file. | Use a complete sentence for clarity, especially in formal communication. |
| Here’s attached. | Here’s the attached file. | Be specific about what “here” refers to. |
| The attachment. | The document is attached. | Ensure there is a verb in the sentence. |
Practice Exercises
Test your understanding with these practice exercises. Choose the best alternative phrase for each sentence.
Exercise 1: Choose the best alternative phrase for a formal email.
| Question | Options | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| Please find attached the contract for your review. | a) Attached is the contract. b) Please find enclosed herewith the contract for your perusal. c) Check out the attached contract. | b) Please find enclosed herewith the contract for your perusal. |
| Please find attached the report. | a) I’ve attached the report. b) Kindly refer to the attached report. c) Here’s the report. | b) Kindly refer to the attached report. |
| Please find attached the invoice for payment. | a) Attached is the invoice. b) We hereby submit the attached invoice. c) Check the attached invoice. | b) We hereby submit the attached invoice. |
| Please find attached the proposal. | a) Here’s the proposal. b) We have attached for your consideration the proposal. c) Attached you will find the proposal. | b) We have attached for your consideration the proposal. |
| Please find attached the document you requested. | a) The document is attached. b) Please find enclosed the document you requested. c) I’ve attached what you asked for. | b) Please find enclosed the document you requested. |
| Please find attached the required forms. | a) Here are the forms. b) The required documentation is attached. c) Attaching forms. | b) The required documentation is attached. |
| Please find attached the guidelines. | a) FYI, attached are the guidelines. b) We wish to draw your attention to the attached guidelines. c) Guidelines attached. | b) We wish to draw your attention to the attached guidelines. |
| Please find attached the agreement. | a) Agreement attached. b) For your review, we have attached the agreement. c) Here’s the agreement. | b) For your review, we have attached the agreement. |
| Please find attached the report detailing the findings. | a) Report attached. b) We are providing the attached report detailing the findings. c) Here’s the report. | b) We are providing the attached report detailing the findings. |
| Please find attached the updated policy. | a) Updated policy attached. b) For your information, please find attached the updated policy. c) Here’s the policy. | b) For your information, please find attached the updated policy. |
Exercise 2: Choose the best alternative phrase for an informal email.
| Question | Options | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| Please find attached the photo from the party. | a) Attached is the photo. b) I’ve attached the photo from the party. c) Please see the attached photo from the party. | b) I’ve attached the photo from the party. |
| Please find attached the file you asked for. | a) Here’s the file. b) You will find the file attached. c) Attached you will find the file. | a) Here’s the file. |
| Please find attached the presentation. | a) The presentation is attached. b) Check out the attached presentation. c) Please review the attached presentation. | b) Check out the attached presentation. |
| Please find attached the updated document. | a) I’m sending you the updated document. b) The document is attached. c) Attached is the updated document. | a) I’m sending you the updated document. |
| Please find attached the report for your review. | a) Just sent you the report. b) Please review the attached report. c) Find attached the report. | a) Just sent you the report. |
| Please find attached the latest version. | a) FYI, attached is the latest version. b) Please find attached the latest version. c) Attached is the latest version. | a) FYI, attached is the latest version. |
| Please find attached the proposal for the project. | a) Have a look at the attached proposal. b) Please consider the attached proposal. c) Attached is the proposal. | a) Have a look at the attached proposal. |
| Please find attached the information you needed. | a) Here it is, the information you needed. b) Please find attached the information you needed. c) Attached you will find the information you needed. | a) Here it is, the information you needed. |
| Please find attached the document requested. | a) The thing you asked for is attached to this email. b) Please find attached the document requested. c) Attached you will find the document requested. | a) The thing you asked for is attached to this email. |
| Please find attached the new spreadsheet. | a) I’ve added the document to this email. b) Have included the new spreadsheet in the attachment. c) Please find attached the new spreadsheet. | b) Have included the new spreadsheet in the attachment. |
Advanced Topics
For advanced learners, consider these more complex aspects:
- Cultural Differences: Different cultures may have different expectations regarding formality and politeness in written communication. Research the norms of the culture you are communicating with to ensure your language is appropriate.
- Contextual Nuances: The best phrase to use may depend on the specific context of the message. For example, if you are responding to a request for information, you might use a phrase like “Here is the information you requested.”
- Sentence Structure: Experiment with different sentence structures to create a more varied and engaging writing style. For example, you could start the sentence with the attachment descriptor: “Attached, please find the report.”
- Combining Phrases: You can combine different elements from various phrases to create unique and tailored expressions. For example, “Kindly review the attached document for your feedback.”
Mastering these advanced topics will allow you to communicate more effectively and professionally in a variety of situations.
FAQ
- Is it always necessary to use “Please” when indicating an attachment?
No, it is not always necessary. In formal communication, “Please” adds a level of politeness that is generally expected. However, in informal communication with colleagues or friends, it can be omitted without being considered rude. The key is to assess the relationship and context of the communication.
- What is the difference between “attached” and “enclosed”?
“Attached” is typically used for digital documents sent electronically, while “enclosed” is used for physical documents included in a package or letter. However, in modern usage, “enclosed” can sometimes be used interchangeably with “attached” in digital communication, although “attached” is more common.
- Can I use “Please find the attachment” instead of “Please find attached”?
While grammatically correct, “Please find the attachment” is less common and can sound slightly awkward. It’s generally better to use “Please find attached” or “Please find the attached document,” which specifies what is being attached.
- How can I make my email more engaging when including attachments?
Instead of simply stating “Please find attached,” provide a brief summary of the attachment’s contents and explain why it is relevant to the recipient. This helps to pique their interest and encourages them to review the document promptly.
- Is it acceptable to use abbreviations like “PFA” (Please Find Attached)?
While abbreviations like “PFA” are sometimes used internally within organizations, it’s generally best to avoid them in external communication or formal settings. Using the full phrase is more professional and ensures clarity.
- How do I indicate multiple attachments in an email?
You can use phrases like “Please find the attached documents,” “Attached are the following files,” or “I have attached several documents for your review.” Be sure to clearly list or describe each attachment for easy reference.
- What if I forget to attach the file?
If you realize you’ve forgotten to attach the file after sending the email, send a follow-up email as soon as possible. Apologize for the oversight and include the attachment. A simple message like “My apologies, I forgot to attach the file in my previous email. Please find it attached now” is sufficient.
- Are there any situations where I shouldn’t use any of these phrases?
In very informal communications, especially with close colleagues or friends, you might skip these phrases altogether. Instead, you could simply say something like “Here’s the document” or “I’m sending you the file.” The level of formality should match the context and your relationship with the recipient.
Conclusion
Mastering alternative phrases for “Please find attached” is a valuable skill that can significantly enhance your written communication. By understanding the nuances of each phrase and its appropriate context, you can make your messages more effective, engaging, and professional.
Remember to consider the formality of the situation, the clarity of your language, and your audience when choosing the best phrase to use.
Continual practice and attention to detail will help you refine your writing skills and become a more confident communicator. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different phrases and find what works best for you.
By incorporating these techniques into your daily communication, you can elevate your writing and make a lasting impression.
