Alternatives to “Please Find Attached”: A Comprehensive Guide

In professional communication, the phrase “Please find attached” is commonly used to indicate that a document or file is included with an email or message. While perfectly acceptable, its frequent use can make your writing sound repetitive and uninspired.

Mastering alternative phrases not only adds variety to your communication but also demonstrates a higher level of professionalism and attention to detail. This article provides a comprehensive guide to various ways of conveying the same message, enhancing your written communication skills, and making your emails more engaging and effective.

This guide is beneficial for students, professionals, and anyone looking to improve their written communication skills.

The knowledge of these alternatives will help you craft more professional and engaging emails, making you sound more confident and competent. By the end of this guide, you’ll be equipped with a variety of phrases to replace “Please find attached,” allowing you to tailor your message to the specific context and audience.

This will help you avoid monotony and keep your communication fresh and effective.

Introduction
Definition and Purpose
Structural Breakdown
Types and Categories of Alternatives
Examples
Usage Rules and Guidelines
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Practice Exercises
Advanced Topics
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Conclusion

Definition and Purpose

The phrase “Please find attached” is a common expression used in written communication, particularly in emails, to inform the recipient that a document or file is included with the message. Its primary purpose is to direct the recipient’s attention to the attachment and to provide a polite indication that they should review or use the attached material.

Classification: It is classified as a conventional phrase or a stock phrase, meaning it is a commonly used expression in a specific context. In terms of grammar, it combines a polite request (“please”) with a directive (“find attached”).

Function: The function of “Please find attached” is twofold: Firstly, it serves as a notification, alerting the recipient to the presence of an attachment. Secondly, it adds a touch of courtesy to the message, making the communication more polite and professional. It sets the expectation that the recipient will need to open or review the attached document.

Contexts: This phrase is typically used in professional settings, such as business emails, formal letters, and other forms of official correspondence. It is appropriate when sending reports, documents, invoices, presentations, and other files that require the recipient’s attention or action. Although versatile, its overuse can lead to monotony, making it beneficial to explore alternative phrases that convey the same meaning with greater nuance and variety.

Structural Breakdown

The phrase “Please find attached” consists of three main components, each contributing to its overall meaning and function. Understanding these components can help in creating effective alternatives.

“Please”: This is a polite request that adds a courteous tone to the message. It softens the directive and makes the communication more respectful. The inclusion of “please” indicates consideration for the recipient.
“Find”: This is a verb that directs the recipient to locate or discover the attachment. It implies that the attachment is readily available and easy to access within the email. It’s a direct instruction to the recipient.
“Attached”: This adjective indicates that the document or file is affixed to the email. It specifies the location of the document, clarifying that it is not embedded within the body of the email but rather included as a separate file.

When constructing alternatives, each of these components can be substituted with similar words or phrases that maintain the same level of politeness and clarity. For example, “Please” can be replaced with “Kindly” or “You will find.” “Find” can be replaced with “see” or “locate.” “Attached” can be replaced with “included” or “enclosed.” By understanding these structural elements, you can create a variety of alternatives that are both effective and appropriate for different contexts.

Types and Categories of Alternatives

There are several categories of alternatives to “Please find attached,” each suited for different contexts and levels of formality. Understanding these categories allows you to choose the most appropriate phrase for your specific communication needs.

Direct Statements

Direct statements are straightforward and clear alternatives that directly inform the recipient about the attached document. These are suitable for professional and formal communication where clarity is paramount.

Courteous Requests

Courteous requests maintain a polite tone while informing the recipient about the attachment. These are appropriate for most professional settings where a balance of clarity and politeness is desired.

Informal Alternatives

Informal alternatives are suitable for casual communication, such as emails to colleagues or internal communications within a company. These phrases are more relaxed and less formal.

Descriptive Alternatives

Descriptive alternatives provide additional information about the attachment, such as its purpose or content. These are useful when you want to give the recipient more context about the attached document.

Formal Alternatives

Formal alternatives are appropriate for highly professional or official communication, such as letters to clients or external stakeholders. These phrases maintain a high level of formality and respect.

Examples

This section provides extensive examples of alternatives to “Please find attached,” organized by category. Each example is designed to illustrate the appropriate usage and context for each phrase.

Table 1: Direct Statements

The following table presents direct statements that can be used instead of “Please find attached.” These statements are clear, concise, and suitable for professional communication.

Alternative Phrase	Example Sentence
The document is attached.	The document is attached for your review.
I have attached the file.	I have attached the file containing the report.
The report is attached.	The report is attached for your consideration.
Attached you will find…	Attached you will find the minutes from our last meeting.
I’ve included the file.	I’ve included the file with the project proposal.
The proposal is included.	The proposal is included for your feedback.
You’ll find the document attached.	You’ll find the document attached to this email.
The invoice is attached.	The invoice is attached for your payment.
I’ve attached the contract.	I’ve attached the contract for your signature.
The presentation is attached.	The presentation is attached for your reference.
I’ve included the spreadsheet.	I’ve included the spreadsheet with the budget details.
The agenda is attached.	The agenda is attached for tomorrow’s meeting.
I have attached the photos.	I have attached the photos from the event.
The updated version is attached.	The updated version of the document is attached.
I’ve attached the summary.	I’ve attached the summary of the research findings.
The guidelines are attached.	The guidelines are attached for your review.
I’ve included the brochure.	I’ve included the brochure with the product details.
The form is attached.	The application form is attached for you to complete.
I have attached the certificate.	I have attached the certificate of completion.
The list is attached.	The list of participants is attached for your information.
I’ve attached the map.	I’ve attached the map to help you find the location.
The schedule is attached.	The schedule is attached for the upcoming week.
I have attached the receipt.	I have attached the receipt for your records.
The instructions are attached.	The instructions are attached for the assembly process.
I’ve attached the menu.	I’ve attached the menu for the upcoming event.
The outline is attached.	The presentation outline is attached for your approval.
I have attached the diagrams.	I have attached the diagrams illustrating the process.

Table 2: Courteous Requests

The following table provides courteous requests that politely inform the recipient about the attached document. These phrases are suitable for most professional settings.

Table 3: Informal Alternatives

The following table provides informal alternatives suitable for casual communication with colleagues or internal communications.

Alternative Phrase	Example Sentence
I’ve attached the file.	I’ve attached the file you requested.
The file is attached.	The file is attached, let me know if you have any questions.
Here’s the file.	Here’s the file we discussed.
Check out the attached document.	Check out the attached document when you have a moment.
I’m sending the document along.	I’m sending the document along for your review.
I’ve included the document.	I’ve included the document with the final details.
The document’s in here.	The document’s in here, take a look when you can.
FYI, the file is attached.	FYI, the file is attached with the latest updates.
Attached is the file.	Attached is the file for your convenience.
Here’s the report.	Here’s the report from last week’s meeting.
I’m including the spreadsheet.	I’m including the spreadsheet with the updated numbers.
Take a look at the attached.	Take a look at the attached, it’s pretty interesting.
The info is attached.	The info is attached, hope it helps!
I’m sending the details.	I’m sending the details in the attached file.
Here are the photos.	Here are the photos from the party.
I’ve uploaded the document.	I’ve uploaded the document and attached it here.
See the file attached.	See the file attached for more information.
I’ve added the file below.	I’ve added the file below to this email.
Just attached the document.	Just attached the document, let me know what you think.
Here’s the attachment.	Here’s the attachment you requested.
I’m sharing the file.	I’m sharing the file with the new design concepts.
The file is right here.	The file is right here, ready for you to check out.
I am forwarding the document.	I am forwarding the document as we discussed.
Attached for your convenience.	Attached for your convenience is the latest draft.
Here’s what you asked for.	Here’s what you asked for, attached to this email.

Table 4: Descriptive Alternatives

The following table provides descriptive alternatives that give more context about the attachment.

Table 5: Formal Alternatives

The following table provides formal alternatives suitable for highly professional or official communication.

Usage Rules and Guidelines

To effectively use alternatives to “Please find attached,” it’s important to follow certain usage rules and guidelines. These ensure that your communication remains clear, professional, and appropriate for the context.

Consider the Audience: Tailor your language to the recipient. Use formal alternatives for external stakeholders or senior management and informal alternatives for colleagues or internal communications.
Maintain Clarity: Ensure that your alternative phrase clearly indicates that a document or file is attached. Avoid ambiguity that could confuse the recipient.
Be Specific: If possible, provide additional information about the attachment, such as its purpose or content. This helps the recipient understand the importance of the attachment.
Use Polite Language: Even in informal communication, maintain a polite tone. Avoid being abrupt or demanding.
Proofread: Always proofread your email or message before sending it to ensure that your alternative phrase is grammatically correct and appropriately used.
Avoid Overuse: While it’s good to use alternatives, avoid using too many different phrases in a single email. Consistency can help maintain clarity.
Match Tone: The alternative you choose should match the overall tone of your email. If the email is formal, use a formal alternative. If it’s informal, use an informal one.
Context Matters: The context of the email should influence your choice of words. If you are sending an important document, a more formal alternative might be better.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When using alternatives to “Please find attached,” it’s important to avoid common mistakes that can detract from the clarity and professionalism of your communication.

Table 6: Common Mistakes

The following table highlights common mistakes and provides correct examples.

Incorrect	Correct	Explanation
Find attached the document.	Please find the attached document.	Always include “Please” at the beginning for politeness.
Attached is file.	Attached is the file.	Use the definite article “the” to specify the file.
See attached, okay?	Please see the attached document.	Avoid informal language in professional communication.
Document attached.	The document is attached.	Use a complete sentence for clarity.
Find the document attach.	Find the attached document.	Use the correct form of the word “attached.”
I attach document.	I have attached the document.	Use the correct tense and include the definite article.
Attached, the report.	The report is attached.	Use a clear subject-verb structure.
Pls find attached.	Please find attached.	Avoid abbreviations in professional communication.
You will see attach file.	You will see the attached file.	Use the correct form of “attached” and include “the.”
Attached with this email the file.	Attached with this email is the file.	Correct word order for clarity.

Practice Exercises

Test your understanding of alternatives to “Please find attached” with these practice exercises.

Exercise 1: Multiple Choice

Choose the best alternative to “Please find attached” for each scenario.

Question	Options	Answer
You are sending a report to your manager.	a) Here’s the report. b) Attached is the report. c) Enclosed herewith is the report.	c) Enclosed herewith is the report.
You are sending an invoice to a client.	a) Check out the invoice. b) Please find the attached invoice. c) Invoice attached.	b) Please find the attached invoice.
You are sending a document to a colleague.	a) The document’s in here. b) Please see the attached document. c) Attached for your attention.	a) The document’s in here.
You are sending a presentation to a potential investor.	a) Here’s the presentation. b) I’ve attached the presentation. c) Attached is the presentation detailing…	c) Attached is the presentation detailing…
You are sending a contract to a lawyer.	a) Contract attached. b) Attached hereto is the agreement. c) I’ve attached the contract.	b) Attached hereto is the agreement.
Sending a schedule to team members	a) Schedule attached b) Here’s the schedule c) Attached is the schedule for…	c) Attached is the schedule for…
Sending a receipt to accounting	a) Receipt attached b) Please find enclosed the receipt c) Check out the receipt	b) Please find enclosed the receipt
Sending instructions to a client	a) Instructions attached b) Attached for your compliance are the instructions c) Here are the instructions	b) Attached for your compliance are the instructions
Sending a menu to event planners	a) Menu attached b) Enclosed is the menu selection c) Here’s the menu	b) Enclosed is the menu selection
Sending diagrams to engineers	a) Diagrams attached b) Attached hereto are the diagrams c) Check out the diagrams	b) Attached hereto are the diagrams

Exercise 2: Fill in the Blanks

Complete the following sentences with an appropriate alternative to “Please find attached.”

Question	Answer
__________ the invoice for your services.	Please find enclosed
__________ the report outlining the project’s progress.	Attached is
__________ the document you requested.	I’ve attached
__________ the presentation with the new marketing strategy.	You will find
__________ the contract for your review.	Attached hereto is
__________ the list of attendees for the event.	Included is
__________ the schedule for the upcoming week.	Kindly see
__________ the receipt for your records.	Please retain
__________ the instructions for assembling the product.	Please follow
__________ the menu for your selection.	You will find

Advanced Topics

For advanced learners, consider these more complex aspects of using alternatives to “Please find attached.”

Nuance and Subtlety: Pay attention to the subtle differences in meaning and tone between different alternatives. Some phrases may be more appropriate for certain situations than others.
Cultural Sensitivity: Be aware that different cultures may have different expectations for formal and informal communication. Tailor your language accordingly.
Personal Style: Develop your own personal style of communication by experimenting with different alternatives and finding phrases that you are comfortable using.
Contextual Awareness: Always consider the context of the communication when choosing an alternative. The same phrase may not be appropriate for all situations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

This section addresses common questions about using alternatives to “Please find attached.”

Is it really necessary to use alternatives to “Please find attached”?
While “Please find attached” is perfectly acceptable, using alternatives can make your writing more engaging and demonstrate a higher level of professionalism. It’s not strictly necessary, but it can improve your communication skills.
When is it appropriate to use informal alternatives?
Informal alternatives are appropriate for casual communication with colleagues, internal communications within a company, or emails to individuals with whom you have an established rapport. Avoid using them in formal communication or when addressing external stakeholders.
How can I ensure that my alternative phrase is clear and unambiguous?
To ensure clarity, use complete sentences, avoid abbreviations, and be specific about the attachment. For example, instead of “Attached is file,” use “Attached is the file containing the report.”
What if I have multiple attachments?
If you have multiple attachments, you can use phrases like “Attached are the documents…” or “Please find attached the following files: [list of files].” Be sure to list or describe each attachment clearly.
Are there any alternatives that are particularly well-suited for formal communication?
Yes, formal alternatives such as “Enclosed herewith is the document” or “Attached hereto is the agreement” are well-suited for highly professional or official communication.
Can I use these alternatives in cover letters or resumes?
While the phrase isn’t typically used directly in the body of a cover letter or resume, the principle of showcasing attachments can be adapted. For instance, you might say, “A portfolio showcasing my design work is available upon request.” or “References are provided as a separate document.”
Is it better to describe the attachment in the body of the email instead of using a specific phrase?
Describing the attachment in the body of the email is a good practice, but it’s still helpful to use an introductory phrase to draw the recipient’s attention to the attachment. Combining both provides clarity and context.
How do I choose the best alternative for a specific situation?
Consider the audience,

the context, the level of formality, and the overall tone of your communication. Choose an alternative that is clear, polite, and appropriate for the situation.

Conclusion

Mastering alternatives to “Please find attached” is a valuable skill that can enhance your written communication and demonstrate professionalism. By understanding the different types of alternatives and following the usage rules and guidelines, you can craft more engaging and effective emails and messages.

Whether you choose direct statements, courteous requests, informal alternatives, descriptive alternatives, or formal alternatives, the key is to be clear, polite, and appropriate for the context. By avoiding common mistakes and practicing regularly, you can elevate your communication skills and make a positive impression on your audience.

Embrace the variety of options available and make your written communication stand out.