In professional communication, the phrase “Please find enclosed” is a common way to indicate that you are including documents or items with a letter or email. However, relying on this phrase repeatedly can make your writing sound monotonous.
This article explores a variety of alternative expressions that can add nuance, clarity, and sophistication to your correspondence. Understanding these alternatives will enhance your ability to communicate effectively and make a positive impression on your readers.
This guide will benefit students, professionals, and anyone looking to improve their written communication skills.
By mastering these alternative phrases, you can tailor your language to suit different contexts, whether you’re writing a formal business letter, a casual email, or an academic paper. This article provides detailed explanations, numerous examples, and practical exercises to help you confidently incorporate these expressions into your writing.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Definition and Usage of “Please Find Enclosed”
- Structural Breakdown
- Alternative Phrases
- Examples
- Usage Rules
- Common Mistakes
- Practice Exercises
- Advanced Topics
- FAQ
- Conclusion
Definition and Usage of “Please Find Enclosed”
“Please find enclosed” is a polite formula used in formal and semi-formal writing to inform the recipient that certain documents or items are included with the current communication. The word “enclosed” indicates that the items are physically included within the same envelope or package, or attached to an email.
It serves as a courteous way to direct the reader’s attention to these accompanying materials.
The primary function of this phrase is to introduce the presence of supplementary information. It ensures that the recipient is aware of the additional materials and understands their relevance to the main content of the letter or email.
While grammatically correct, overuse can make writing sound repetitive and impersonal.
The phrase is typically used in business correspondence, official letters, and formal emails. It is less common in casual or informal communication.
In modern usage, with the prevalence of email, “attached” is often used instead of “enclosed,” although “enclosed” remains acceptable, particularly when referring to physical documents.
Structural Breakdown
The phrase “Please find enclosed” consists of three key components:
- Please: A polite introductory word used to soften the request or statement. It adds a courteous tone to the communication.
- Find: A verb that directs the recipient to locate or discover the enclosed items. In this context, it’s used to draw attention to the presence of the documents.
- Enclosed: An adjective indicating that the items are included with the main communication. It specifies the manner in which the documents are being provided.
The phrase typically appears at the beginning or near the beginning of a sentence, often followed by a noun or noun phrase that specifies what is being enclosed. For example: “Please find enclosed the contract for your review.”
The structure can be slightly varied, but the core components remain the same. For instance, you might say, “Enclosed please find…” although this is less common and can sound slightly archaic.
The standard order, “Please find enclosed,” is the most widely accepted and easily understood.
Alternative Phrases
To avoid repetition and add variety to your writing, consider using these alternative phrases:
Introducing Documents
These phrases directly introduce the attached or enclosed documents:
- I have attached…
- Attached you will find…
- Please see the attached…
- The attached document contains…
- Included is…
- I am including…
Highlighting Attachments
These phrases emphasize the presence of attachments:
- For your review, I have attached…
- Attached for your consideration is…
- As requested, I have attached…
- Please find attached the relevant…
Offering Assistance
These phrases offer further help or clarification regarding the documents:
- Please let me know if you have any questions regarding the attached…
- Feel free to contact me if you require further information about…
- I am available to discuss the enclosed…
Formal Alternatives
These phrases are suitable for formal business correspondence:
- Herewith please find… (Slightly archaic, but still acceptable)
- I am pleased to enclose…
- We are pleased to provide…
- Please accept the enclosed…
Informal Alternatives
These phrases are suitable for less formal emails or letters:
- I’ve attached…
- You’ll find attached…
- I’m sending you…
- Check out the attached…
Action-Oriented Alternatives
These phrases prompt the recipient to take a specific action:
- Please review the attached…
- Kindly sign and return the enclosed…
- We request you to examine the attached…
Examples
The following tables provide numerous examples of how to use these alternative phrases in different contexts. Each table focuses on a specific category of alternatives to “Please find enclosed”, offering a variety of sentence structures and scenarios.
Table 1: Introducing Documents
This table provides examples of phrases used to directly introduce documents that are attached or enclosed. These phrases are straightforward and clearly indicate the presence of the supplementary materials.
| Phrase | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| I have attached… | I have attached the report for your review. |
| Attached you will find… | Attached you will find the minutes from our last meeting. |
| Please see the attached… | Please see the attached invoice for the outstanding balance. |
| The attached document contains… | The attached document contains all the necessary information. |
| Included is… | Included is a copy of your insurance policy. |
| I am including… | I am including a brochure with more details about our services. |
| You will find attached… | You will find attached the updated project timeline. |
| Enclosed is… | Enclosed is a prepaid envelope for your convenience. |
| Attached is… | Attached is the presentation we discussed. |
| We have included… | We have included a detailed explanation of the new features. |
| Within this email, you’ll find… | Within this email, you’ll find the answers to your questions. |
| Here is… | Here is the document you requested. |
| Contained within is… | Contained within is the full data set used for our analysis. |
| Provided is… | Provided is a sample of our product for your evaluation. |
| Below, you will find… | Below, you will find the terms and conditions of the agreement. |
| The following is attached… | The following is attached: a summary of the key findings. |
| With this email, I’m sending… | With this email, I’m sending the finalized budget proposal. |
| This email contains… | This email contains the information you need to complete your registration. |
| Find enclosed… (Less Common) | Find enclosed the original documents for your records. |
| I’ve attached… | I’ve attached the photos from the conference. |
| This message includes… | This message includes the link to the webinar. |
| I’ve added… | I’ve added the updated spreadsheet. |
| Within this package, you’ll discover… | Within this package, you’ll discover the complete set of instructions. |
| This document provides… | This document provides a comprehensive overview. |
| I have provided… | I have provided the necessary documentation. |
Table 2: Highlighting Attachments
This table demonstrates phrases that emphasize the presence and importance of the attached documents. These phrases are useful when you want to draw special attention to the materials being provided.
| Phrase | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| For your review, I have attached… | For your review, I have attached the latest draft of the manuscript. |
| Attached for your consideration is… | Attached for your consideration is our proposal for the new project. |
| As requested, I have attached… | As requested, I have attached the financial statements for the past year. |
| Please find attached the relevant… | Please find attached the relevant documentation to support your claim. |
| Enclosed, please find the required… | Enclosed, please find the required forms for your application. |
| I am including for your reference… | I am including for your reference a list of our clients. |
| Attached, you’ll see… | Attached, you’ll see the results of the survey. |
| I’ve included, for your convenience… | I’ve included, for your convenience, a pre-addressed return envelope. |
| Here’s the… | Here’s the information you were looking for. |
| Included below is… | Included below is a summary of the key points. |
| As you requested, find… | As you requested, find the signed contract included. |
| I’m sharing… | I’m sharing the presentation slides with you. |
| Please see the following… | Please see the following attachments for details. |
| For your immediate attention, I’ve attached… | For your immediate attention, I’ve attached the urgent report. |
| I’m sending along… | I’m sending along the notes from the meeting. |
| Find enclosed within this email… | Find enclosed within this email the complete guide. |
| I’m providing… | I’m providing the necessary resources for your project. |
| This attachment contains… | This attachment contains proprietary information. |
| I’m happy to provide… | I’m happy to provide the data you need. |
| Attached is a copy of… | Attached is a copy of the original receipt. |
| I’ve sent… | I’ve sent the requested information. |
| I have sent along… | I have sent along the extra materials. |
| I’m adding… | I’m adding the requested information. |
| For your perusal, please find… | For your perusal, please find the document. |
| Attached please see… | Attached please see the new changes. |
Table 3: Offering Assistance
This table provides phrases that combine the introduction of attached documents with an offer of further assistance or clarification. These phrases are particularly useful when the documents are complex or require additional explanation.
| Phrase | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| Please let me know if you have any questions regarding the attached… | Please let me know if you have any questions regarding the attached contract. |
| Feel free to contact me if you require further information about… | Feel free to contact me if you require further information about the enclosed proposal. |
| I am available to discuss the enclosed… | I am available to discuss the enclosed report at your convenience. |
| If you need any clarification on the attached… | If you need any clarification on the attached invoice, please don’t hesitate to ask. |
| Should you require any additional details regarding… | Should you require any additional details regarding the attached document, feel free to reach out. |
| I’m here to help if you need anything related to… | I’m here to help if you need anything related to the attached materials. |
| If there’s anything unclear, please ask about… | If there’s anything unclear, please ask about the information provided. |
| Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions about… | Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions about the attached policy. |
| I’m ready to provide more details if needed about… | I’m ready to provide more details if needed about the updated plan. |
| Please feel free to get in touch if the enclosed… | Please feel free to get in touch if the enclosed statement needs further explanation. |
| I’d be glad to discuss the attached… | I’d be glad to discuss the attached budget with you. |
| If you need assistance understanding… | If you need assistance understanding the attached data, let me know. |
| For any support regarding the attached… | For any support regarding the attached file, contact our support team. |
| If the enclosed raises any concerns… | If the enclosed raises any concerns, please let me know. |
| I’m happy to clarify any points related to… | I’m happy to clarify any points related to the attached document. |
| If you need more information about… | If you need more information about the attached schedule, just ask. |
| Should you have any queries on… | Should you have any queries on the attached invoice, please let us know. |
| If any further assistance is needed with… | If any further assistance is needed with the attached proposal, please contact me. |
| If questions arise regarding… | If questions arise regarding the attached report, I am here to help. |
| Should clarification be needed on… | Should clarification be needed on the attached project plan, I can assist. |
| If you require further details about… | If you require further details about the attached document, do not hesitate to ask. |
| I am available to further explain… | I am available to further explain the information in the attached report. |
| If more guidance is needed regarding… | If more guidance is needed regarding the attached guidelines, feel free to reach out. |
| If you need any extra support on… | If you need any extra support on the attached contract, please let me know. |
Table 4: Formal Alternatives
This table provides formal alternatives suitable for professional business correspondence. These phrases maintain a high level of formality and professionalism.
| Phrase | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| Herewith please find… | Herewith please find the signed agreement. |
| I am pleased to enclose… | I am pleased to enclose the certificate of completion. |
| We are pleased to provide… | We are pleased to provide the requested documentation. |
| Please accept the enclosed… | Please accept the enclosed report for your consideration. |
| We have enclosed for your attention… | We have enclosed for your attention the relevant policy documents. |
| It is my pleasure to enclose… | It is my pleasure to enclose the final version of the report. |
| We are forwarding herewith… | We are forwarding herewith the necessary paperwork. |
| I respectfully submit… | I respectfully submit the attached proposal for your review. |
| Enclosed for your perusal… | Enclosed for your perusal, please find the detailed report. |
| We hereby provide… | We hereby provide the required documents. |
| Please find attached hereto… (Very formal) | Please find attached hereto the legal documentation. |
| We are providing herewith… | We are providing herewith the updated terms and conditions. |
| I am submitting for your consideration… | I am submitting for your consideration the enclosed application. |
| We are pleased to forward… | We are pleased to forward the requested information. |
| It is with great pleasure that I enclose… | It is with great pleasure that I enclose the signed contract. |
| Kindly accept the enclosed… | Kindly accept the enclosed gift as a token of our appreciation. |
| We have included herewith… | We have included herewith the supporting documents. |
| I am happy to submit… | I am happy to submit the requested information to you. |
| It is my honor to enclose… | It is my honor to enclose the certificate. |
| We are pleased to present… | We are pleased to present the requested documents. |
| I am happy to provide for your review… | I am happy to provide for your review the final results. |
| Please accept with our compliments… | Please accept with our compliments the enclosed vouchers. |
| We are delighted to offer… | We are delighted to offer the requested documents. |
| It is with considerable pleasure that I enclose… | It is with considerable pleasure that I enclose the signed documents. |
Table 5: Informal Alternatives
This table provides informal alternatives suitable for less formal emails or letters. These phrases are more relaxed and conversational.
| Phrase | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| I’ve attached… | I’ve attached the photos from the party. |
| You’ll find attached… | You’ll find attached the directions to my house. |
| I’m sending you… | I’m sending you the updated version of the document. |
| Check out the attached… | Check out the attached article, it’s really interesting! |
| Here’s the… | Here’s the link to the video we talked about. |
| I’m including… | I’m including the details of the event too! |
| Attached is… | Attached is a fun photo! |
| I’ve added… | I’ve added the document to the email. |
| Included are… | Included are some extra notes for you. |
| Here’s what you asked for… | Here’s what you asked for, I hope it helps! |
| I’m sharing… | I’m sharing the file with you now. |
| Take a look at… | Take a look at the attached document. |
| I’m passing along… | I’m passing along the details of the conference. |
| Just sent… | Just sent you the file that we discussed. |
| You’ll see… | You’ll see the details in the attachment. |
| FYI, I’ve attached… (Common in emails) | FYI, I’ve attached the updated spreadsheet. |
| I’m forwarding… | I’m forwarding the email with the information. |
| I’ve included… | I’ve included the relevant details in the attachment. |
| See attached… | See attached for the details. |
| Here’s the stuff… | Here’s the stuff that you asked for. |
| Hope you like… | Hope you like what I’ve attached. |
| Check out… | Check out the document I’ve enclosed. |
| Here it is… | Here it is, as requested. |
| I’ve got… | I’ve got it attached for you. |
Usage Rules
When using alternatives to “Please find enclosed,” consider the following rules:
- Formality: Choose a phrase that matches the formality of the communication. Formal phrases are appropriate for business letters and official documents, while informal phrases are better suited for casual emails.
- Clarity: Ensure that the phrase clearly indicates the presence of the attached or enclosed documents. Avoid ambiguous language that could confuse the recipient.
- Context: Tailor the phrase to the specific context of the communication. For example, if you are responding to a request, use a phrase like “As requested, I have attached…”
- Placement: Position the phrase at the beginning or near the beginning of the sentence to immediately draw the recipient’s attention to the attached documents.
- Accuracy: Use “attached” when referring to digital documents sent via email and “enclosed” when referring to physical documents included in a package or envelope. While “enclosed” can be used for email attachments, “attached” is generally preferred.
- Consistency: Maintain a consistent tone and style throughout the communication. Avoid switching between formal and informal language.
Common Mistakes
Here are some common mistakes to avoid when using alternatives to “Please find enclosed”:
- Using “enclosed” for email attachments: While technically correct, “attached” is generally preferred for email attachments.
- Using overly formal language in informal contexts: Avoid using phrases like “Herewith please find…” in casual emails.
- Using ambiguous language: Ensure that the phrase clearly indicates the presence of the attached documents. Avoid vague statements like “I’ve included something for you.”
- Misplacing the phrase: Place the phrase at the beginning of the sentence to immediately draw the recipient’s attention to the attached documents.
Here are some examples of correct and incorrect usage:
| Incorrect | Correct |
|---|---|
| Enclosed is the file in this email. | Attached is the file. |
| Herewith, I’m sending you the document. | I’ve attached the document. |
| Something is attached. | I have attached the report for your review. |
| The report, please find enclosed. | Please find enclosed the report. |
Practice Exercises
Complete the following sentences using appropriate alternatives to “Please find enclosed.”
Exercise 1: Choose the best alternative.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. _______ the report for your review. | I have attached |
| 2. _______ the invoice for the outstanding balance. | Please see the attached |
| 3. _______ a copy of your insurance policy. | Included is |
| 4. _______ the updated project timeline. | You will find attached |
| 5. _______ the relevant documentation to support your claim. | Please find attached the relevant |
| 6. _______ the required forms for your application. | Enclosed, please find the required |
| 7. _______ a list of our clients for your reference. | I am including for your reference |
| 8. _______ the results of the survey. | Attached, you’ll see |
| 9. _______ a pre-addressed return envelope for your convenience. | I’ve included, for your convenience |
| 10. _______ the information you were looking for. | Here’s the |
Exercise 2: Rewrite the sentences using alternatives.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. Please find enclosed the contract for your signature. | I have attached the contract for your signature. |
| 2. Please find enclosed the minutes from the meeting. | Attached you will find the minutes from the meeting. |
| 3. Please find enclosed the detailed report. | Please see the attached detailed report. |
| 4. Please find enclosed the necessary documents. | Included are the necessary documents. |
| 5. Please find enclosed the updated schedule. | You will find attached the updated schedule. |
| 6. Please find enclosed the final budget proposal. | I am pleased to enclose the final budget proposal. |
| 7. Please find enclosed the signed agreement. | Herewith please find the signed agreement. |
| 8. Please find enclosed the photos from the event. | I’ve attached the photos from the event. |
| 9. Please find enclosed the directions to the venue. | You’ll find attached the directions to the venue. |
| 10. Please find enclosed the updated version of the document. | I’m sending you the updated version of the document. |
Exercise 3: Fill in the blanks with the most appropriate formal alternative.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. ___________ the signed agreement for your records. | Herewith please find |
| 2. ___________ the certificate of completion. | I am pleased to enclose |
| 3. ___________ the requested documentation at your earliest convenience. | We are pleased to provide |
| 4. ___________ the enclosed report for your review and insights. | Please accept |
| 5. ___________ the relevant policy documents for your attention. | We have enclosed for your attention |
| 6. ___________ the final version of the report, highlighting the key findings. | It is my pleasure to enclose |
| 7. ___________ the necessary paperwork to process your request. | We are forwarding herewith |
| 8. ___________ the attached proposal for your thorough consideration. | I respectfully submit |
| 9. ___________ the detailed report for your diligent perusal. | Enclosed for your perusal |
| 10. ___________ the required documents as per your request. | We hereby provide |
Advanced Topics
For advanced learners, consider these more complex aspects:
- Nuances in Tone: Subtle differences in phrasing can significantly impact the tone of your communication. Experiment with different alternatives to achieve the desired effect.
- Cultural Considerations: Be aware that certain phrases may be more common or preferred in different cultures. Research appropriate language conventions for international correspondence.
- Legal Implications: In legal documents, the precise wording of phrases like “enclosed” or “attached” can have legal implications. Consult with legal counsel to ensure accuracy.
- Using AI tools: Use AI tools to help you generate different alternatives and assess their appropriateness for the specific context.
FAQ
- Is it still acceptable to use “Please find enclosed” in emails?
Yes, it is still acceptable, but “attached” is generally preferred, especially in informal or semi-formal contexts. “Enclosed” is more appropriate when referring to physical documents.
- What is the most formal alternative to “Please find enclosed”?
The most formal alternatives include “Herewith please find…” and “I am pleased to enclose…”. These phrases are suitable for official business correspondence.
- What is the most informal alternative?
Informal alternatives include “I’ve attached…” and “You’ll find attached…”. These are appropriate for casual emails and less formal communication.
- When should I use “attached” versus “enclosed”?
Use “attached” when referring to digital documents sent via email. Use “enclosed” when referring to physical documents included in a package or envelope.
- How can I make my writing sound less repetitive when introducing attachments?
Vary your language by using a range of alternative phrases, such as “Attached for your consideration…” or “As requested, I have attached…”.
- Is it necessary to always use a phrase to introduce attachments?
While it’s courteous to introduce attachments, it’s not always necessary. In some cases, the context of the email may make it clear that documents are attached.
- Can I use “Please find attached” instead of “Please find enclosed”?
Yes, “Please find attached” is a perfectly acceptable and common alternative, especially in email communication. It’s generally preferred over “Please find enclosed” in digital contexts.
- Are there any phrases I should avoid using?
Avoid using overly formal or archaic phrases in informal contexts. Also, avoid ambiguous language that doesn’t clearly indicate the presence of attachments.
Conclusion
Mastering alternatives to “Please find enclosed” is a valuable skill for effective communication. By understanding the nuances of different phrases and their appropriate contexts, you can enhance the clarity, sophistication, and impact of your writing.
This article has provided a comprehensive guide to these alternatives, including detailed explanations, numerous examples, and practical exercises.
Remember to consider the formality of the communication, the specific context, and the intended audience when choosing an alternative phrase. By incorporating these expressions into your writing, you can avoid repetition, add variety, and make a positive impression on your readers.
Practice using these phrases in your own writing to develop fluency and confidence.
Ultimately, effective communication is about conveying your message clearly and courteously. By mastering these alternative phrases, you can ensure that your writing
is both professional and engaging, enhancing your overall communication skills.