Alternatives to “Please See Attached”: A Comprehensive Guide
In professional communication, particularly in emails and formal letters, the phrase “Please see attached” is commonly used to direct the recipient’s attention to an accompanying document. While grammatically correct, its overuse can make writing seem repetitive and uninspired. This article provides a comprehensive exploration of alternative phrases that convey the same meaning with greater nuance and sophistication, enhancing clarity and professionalism in your communication. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or simply someone looking to improve their English writing skills, this guide will equip you with a variety of options to express the idea of attachment effectively.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Definition and Context
- Structural Breakdown
- Types and Categories of Alternatives
- Examples
- Usage Rules
- Common Mistakes
- Practice Exercises
- Advanced Topics
- FAQ
- Conclusion
Definition and Context
The phrase “Please see attached” is a conventional expression used in written communication, typically in emails or letters, to inform the recipient that a document or file is included with the message. Its primary function is to direct the reader’s attention to the attachment, prompting them to open and review it. The phrase serves as a courteous indicator, ensuring that the recipient is aware of the additional information provided. However, due to its frequent use, it can sometimes sound repetitive or lack personalization. Therefore, understanding alternative phrases is essential for effective and engaging communication.
The context in which the phrase is used is crucial. In formal business correspondence, a more professional and precise alternative might be preferred. In contrast, in informal communications with colleagues or friends, a more relaxed and conversational option could be more appropriate. The tone of the message, the relationship with the recipient, and the nature of the attached document all influence the choice of words. Mastering a variety of alternative phrases allows you to adapt your language to suit different situations, making your communication more effective and impactful.
Structural Breakdown
The basic structure of “Please see attached” consists of two key components: a polite request (“Please see”) and a reference to the attached document (“attached”). Understanding this structure allows us to deconstruct the phrase and identify alternative ways to express each component.
- “Please see”: This is a polite imperative, instructing the reader to look at something. Alternatives can include more direct commands (e.g., “View,” “Find”) or more subtle suggestions (e.g., “You’ll find,” “Note”).
- “Attached”: This refers to the document or file that is included with the message. Alternatives can specify the type of attachment (e.g., “the report,” “the invoice”), provide a brief description (e.g., “the requested information”), or use synonyms for “attached” (e.g., “included,” “enclosed”).
By varying these components, we can create a wide range of alternative phrases that convey the same meaning while adding nuance and personalization to our writing. For example, instead of “Please see attached,” we could say “Please review the attached report” or “You’ll find the invoice enclosed.” The key is to consider the specific context and choose the words that best suit the situation.
Types and Categories of Alternatives
There are several ways to categorize alternatives to “Please see attached,” based on their formality, directness, and focus. Here are some common categories:
Direct References to the Attachment
These phrases directly refer to the attached document or file, often specifying its type or content. They are clear, concise, and suitable for most professional contexts.
Action-Oriented Phrases
These phrases focus on the action the recipient should take with the attachment, such as reviewing, reading, or providing feedback. They are useful when you want to guide the reader’s engagement with the document.
Information-Focused Phrases
These phrases highlight the information contained within the attachment, emphasizing its relevance or importance. They are effective when you want to draw the reader’s attention to specific details.
Formal Alternatives
These phrases are suitable for formal business correspondence or communication with superiors. They are polite, respectful, and maintain a professional tone.
Informal Alternatives
These phrases are appropriate for informal communication with colleagues, friends, or acquaintances. They are more relaxed and conversational in tone.
Examples
Here are some examples of alternative phrases, organized by category:
Direct References Examples
This table provides examples of direct references to the attachment.
| Alternative Phrase | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| The report is attached. | The report is attached for your review. |
| The invoice is attached. | The invoice is attached for your payment. |
| The document is attached. | The document is attached containing the details. |
| Attached is the presentation. | Attached is the presentation for the meeting. |
| Enclosed is the contract. | Enclosed is the contract for your signature. |
| Please find the file attached. | Please find the file attached with the images. |
| The spreadsheet is attached. | The spreadsheet is attached with the data analysis. |
| The PDF is attached. | The PDF is attached with the complete instructions. |
| The image is attached. | The image is attached for your reference. |
| The chart is attached. | The chart is attached showing the sales figures. |
| The updated version is attached. | The updated version is attached for your consideration. |
| The revised document is attached. | The revised document is attached with the changes. |
| The final report is attached. | The final report is attached for your approval. |
| The relevant information is attached. | The relevant information is attached for your convenience. |
| The supporting documents are attached. | The supporting documents are attached for your reference. |
| The requested file is attached. | The requested file is attached as per your request. |
| The necessary documents are attached. | The necessary documents are attached for your review. |
| The complete file is attached. | The complete file is attached with all the details. |
| The attached file contains… | The attached file contains the agenda for the meeting. |
| You’ll find the file attached. | You’ll find the file attached with the project outline. |
| I have attached the document. | I have attached the document for your perusal. |
| Find the attached file. | Find the attached file containing the survey results. |
| Here’s the attached file. | Here’s the attached file as we discussed. |
Action-Oriented Examples
This table provides examples of action-oriented phrases.
| Alternative Phrase | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| Please review the attached document. | Please review the attached document at your earliest convenience. |
| Please read the attached report. | Please read the attached report and let me know your thoughts. |
| Please take a look at the attached file. | Please take a look at the attached file and provide feedback. |
| Kindly examine the attached proposal. | Kindly examine the attached proposal and share your insights. |
| Please consider the attached information. | Please consider the attached information carefully. |
| I invite you to review the attached summary. | I invite you to review the attached summary of the findings. |
| Please provide feedback on the attached draft. | Please provide feedback on the attached draft by Friday. |
| Please approve the attached request. | Please approve the attached request if you agree. |
| Please sign the attached agreement. | Please sign the attached agreement and return it to me. |
| Please update the attached spreadsheet. | Please update the attached spreadsheet with the latest data. |
| Feel free to edit the attached document. | Feel free to edit the attached document as needed. |
| Please complete the attached form. | Please complete the attached form and submit it. |
| Please analyze the attached data. | Please analyze the attached data and provide your interpretation. |
| Please evaluate the attached performance report. | Please evaluate the attached performance report and suggest improvements. |
| Please investigate the attached issue. | Please investigate the attached issue and report your findings. |
| Please check the attached invoice. | Please check the attached invoice for accuracy. |
| Please verify the attached information. | Please verify the attached information against your records. |
| Please investigate the attached issue. | Please investigate the attached issue and report your findings. |
| Please compare the attached documents. | Please compare the attached documents and highlight any discrepancies. |
| I’d appreciate your review of the attached. | I’d appreciate your review of the attached proposal when you have time. |
| Kindly review the attached. | Kindly review the attached contract and let me know if you have any questions. |
| Please find attached for your review. | Please find attached for your review the minutes of the meeting. |
| Attached for your consideration is… | Attached for your consideration is the updated budget. |
Information-Focused Examples
This table provides examples of information-focused phrases.
| Alternative Phrase | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| The attached file includes the details of the project. | The attached file includes the details of the project timeline. |
| The attached document provides an overview of the new policy. | The attached document provides an overview of the new company policy. |
| The attached report contains the latest sales figures. | The attached report contains the latest sales figures for Q3. |
| The attached spreadsheet lists the contact information. | The attached spreadsheet lists the contact information for all clients. |
| The attached presentation summarizes the key findings. | The attached presentation summarizes the key findings of the research. |
| The attached PDF outlines the procedure. | The attached PDF outlines the procedure for submitting expenses. |
| The attached image illustrates the concept. | The attached image illustrates the concept we discussed. |
| The attached chart visualizes the data. | The attached chart visualizes the data in a clear and concise manner. |
| The attached email contains the confirmation details. | The attached email contains the confirmation details for your booking. |
| The attached message includes the login credentials. | The attached message includes the login credentials for the system. |
| The attached file provides further clarification. | The attached file provides further clarification on the matter. |
| The attached document offers additional context. | The attached document offers additional context to the situation. |
| The attached report highlights the key issues. | The attached report highlights the key issues and recommendations. |
| The attached spreadsheet presents a detailed analysis. | The attached spreadsheet presents a detailed analysis of the data. |
| The attached presentation showcases the new features. | The attached presentation showcases the new features of the product. |
| The attached PDF explains the process. | The attached PDF explains the process step-by-step. |
| The attached image demonstrates the functionality. | The attached image demonstrates the functionality of the software. |
| The attached chart compares the results. | The attached chart compares the results of the two surveys. |
| The attached file offers a more in-depth explanation. | The attached file offers a more in-depth explanation of the changes. |
| Please see the attached for more information. | Please see the attached for more information regarding the event. |
| The attached document will provide you with… | The attached document will provide you with all the necessary details. |
Formal Alternatives Examples
This table provides examples of formal alternatives.
| Alternative Phrase | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| Please find enclosed the document. | Please find enclosed the document for your perusal. |
| Enclosed herewith is the report. | Enclosed herewith is the report as requested. |
| Attached hereto is the agreement. | Attached hereto is the agreement for your review and signature. |
| Kindly refer to the attached file. | Kindly refer to the attached file for further details. |
| The aforementioned document is attached. | The aforementioned document is attached for your reference. |
| I have attached the aforementioned file. | I have attached the aforementioned file for your consideration. |
| Please be advised that the document is attached. | Please be advised that the document is attached for your attention. |
| We have attached the relevant documents. | We have attached the relevant documents for your review. |
| The required information is attached herein. | The required information is attached herein for your convenience. |
| The aforementioned information is attached for your consideration. | The aforementioned information is attached for your consideration and feedback. |
| Please accept the attached document. | Please accept the attached document with our compliments. |
| The following documents are attached for your review. | The following documents are attached for your review: contract and addendum. |
| I respectfully submit the attached report. | I respectfully submit the attached report for your evaluation. |
| The document in question is attached for your perusal. | The document in question is attached for your perusal and comments. |
| Enclosed please find the necessary documentation. | Enclosed please find the necessary documentation for your approval. |
| The attached file is submitted for your approval. | The attached file is submitted for your approval and processing. |
| Refer to the attached documentation. | Refer to the attached documentation for detailed instructions. |
| The pertinent information is attached for your review. | The pertinent information is attached for your review and decision. |
| The attached correspondence is provided for your records. | The attached correspondence is provided for your records and information. |
| Please note the attached documentation. | Please note the attached documentation regarding the new policy. |
| We respectfully request that you review the attached. | We respectfully request that you review the attached proposal at your convenience. |
| The required information is provided in the attached document. | The required information is provided in the attached document for compliance purposes. |
Informal Alternatives Examples
This table provides examples of informal alternatives.
| Alternative Phrase | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| I’ve attached the file. | I’ve attached the file for you. |
| The file is attached. | The file is attached, let me know what you think. |
| Check out the attached document. | Check out the attached document when you get a chance. |
| Here’s the file. | Here’s the file you asked for. |
| I’m sending the file along. | I’m sending the file along with this email. |
| I’m including the file. | I’m including the file for your reference. |
| Have a look at the attached. | Have a look at the attached when you have a moment. |
| FYI, the file is attached. | FYI, the file is attached with the latest updates. |
| Just attached the file. | Just attached the file, hope it helps. |
| See the attached. | See the attached for the details. |
| Attached you’ll find… | Attached you’ll find the information you need. |
| Here’s the attachment! | Here’s the attachment! Let me know what you think! |
| I’ve included the attachment below. | I’ve included the attachment below; it should have everything you need. |
| Thought you might find the attached helpful. | Thought you might find the attached helpful in your research. |
| The details are in the attached file. | The details are in the attached file, so take a look when you can. |
| I’m also attaching… | I’m also attaching the photos from the event. |
| I’m adding the attachment to this email. | I’m adding the attachment to this email for your convenience. |
| I’ve put the file in this email. | I’ve put the file in this email so you can easily access it. |
| I’ve attached the document as requested. | I’ve attached the document as requested; let me know if you have any issues. |
| Here’s the thing! (attachment) | Here’s the thing! (attachment) Let me know what you think about it. |
| Just dropping this here (attachment). | Just dropping this here (attachment) for your information. |
| Quick heads-up: attachment included. | Quick heads-up: attachment included with the latest updates. |
Usage Rules
When choosing an alternative to “Please see attached,” consider the following usage rules:
- Formality: Match the formality of the phrase to the context of the communication. Use formal alternatives in professional settings and informal alternatives in casual settings.
- Specificity: Be specific about the type of attachment and its purpose. This helps the recipient understand the relevance of the document.
- Clarity: Ensure that the alternative phrase is clear and easy to understand. Avoid ambiguous language or jargon.
- Conciseness: Keep the phrase concise and to the point. Avoid unnecessary words or phrases.
- Tone: Maintain a polite and respectful tone, even in informal communications.
It’s also important to avoid redundancy. For example, saying “Please see the attached report, which is attached” is repetitive and unnecessary. Choose one phrase and use it effectively.
Common Mistakes
Here are some common mistakes to avoid when using alternatives to “Please see attached”:
| Incorrect | Correct | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Please see attachment. | Please see the attached document. | Missing article “the” and noun “document.” |
| Find attached report. | Please find the attached report. | Missing polite request “Please.” |
| Attached, please find. | Please find attached. | Incorrect word order. |
| I am attaching, please see. | Please see the attached. | Wordy and awkward phrasing. |
| Kindly see attachment. | Kindly see the attached document. | Missing article “the” and noun “document.” |
| Refer attachment. | Refer to the attached document. | Missing preposition “to” and noun “document”. |
| See the attachment below | See the attached file. | “Below” is incorrect if the attachment is at the top. |
| Find the attachment herein. | The required information is attached herein. | Better to be more descriptive about the content. |
| Attached is the document, please review. | Attached is the document for your review. | No need to explicitly ask for review if it’s implied. |
| Please see attached file that I sent. | Please see the attached file. | “That I sent” is redundant. |
Practice Exercises
Choose the best alternative to “Please see attached” for each sentence.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. I need you to sign the document. Please see attached. | Please sign the attached agreement. |
| 2. Here’s the information you requested. Please see attached. | The requested file is attached. |
| 3. I need your feedback on this draft. Please see attached. | Please provide feedback on the attached draft. |
| 4. Here are the sales numbers for Q3. Please see attached. | The attached report contains the latest sales figures. |
| 5. This explains the new company policy. Please see attached. | The attached document provides an overview of the new policy. |
| 6. Please find the notes from the meeting. Please see attached. | Please find attached for your review the minutes of the meeting. |
| 7. I’ve sent the document for your records. Please see attached. | I’ve attached the document for your perusal. |
| 8. Here’s the file you were looking for. Please see attached. | Here’s the file you asked for. |
| 9. Here’s the form you need to fill out. Please see attached. | Please complete the attached form and submit it. |
| 10. I’ve sent you the agreement for signature. Please see attached. | Enclosed is the contract for your signature. |
Exercise 2: Rewrite the sentences using a more formal alternative to “Please see attached.”
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. Please see attached for the details. | Kindly refer to the attached file for further details. |
| 2. Check out the attached report. | Please find enclosed the report for your perusal. |
| 3. I’ve attached the document. | I have attached the aforementioned file for your consideration. |
| 4. Please see the attached file. | Please be advised that the document is attached for your attention. |
| 5. Refer to the attached for instructions. | Refer to the attached documentation for detailed instructions. |
| 6. The document is attached. | The aforementioned document is attached for your reference. |
| 7. Please find the agreement attached. | Attached hereto is the agreement for your review and signature. |
| 8. The report is attached for your review. | Enclosed herewith is the report as requested. |
| 9. See the attached for more details. | Kindly refer to the attached file for further details. |
| 10. The contract is attached. | Please find enclosed the contract. |
Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences using a more informal alternative to “Please see attached.”
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. Please see attached for the details. | See the attached for the details. |
| 2. Please review the attached report. | Check out the attached report. |
| 3. I have attached the document. | I’ve attached the file. |
| 4. Please see the attached file. | Here’s the file. |
| 5. Refer to the attached for instructions. | Have a look at the attached. |
| 6. The document is attached. | The file is attached. |
| 7. Please find the agreement attached. | I’m sending the file along. |
| 8. The report is attached for your review. | I’m including the file. |
| 9. Kindly refer to the attachment. | FYI, the file is attached. |
| 10. Please find the contract attached. | Just attached the file. |
Advanced Topics
For advanced learners, consider the following nuances:
- Contextual Appropriateness: Understanding the subtle differences in meaning between synonyms like “enclosed,” “attached,” and “included.”
- Cultural Sensitivity: Being aware of cultural differences in communication styles and adjusting your language accordingly.
- Audience Awareness: Tailoring your language to the specific audience, considering their level of expertise and familiarity with the subject matter.
Mastering these advanced topics will further enhance your ability to communicate effectively and professionally in a variety of situations.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about alternatives to “Please see attached”:
- Is “Please see attached” grammatically incorrect?
No, “Please see attached” is grammatically correct. However, it can be overused and may sound uninspired in certain contexts. Using more varied language enhances the quality of your communication.
- When should I use a formal alternative?
Use formal alternatives in professional settings, such as when communicating with superiors, clients, or in formal business correspondence. These alternatives convey respect and maintain a professional tone.
- When is it appropriate to use an informal alternative?
Informal alternatives are appropriate for casual communication with colleagues, friends, or acquaintances. They create a more relaxed and conversational tone.
- How can I make my writing more engaging?
Use specific and descriptive language, vary your sentence structure, and tailor your language to the audience. This helps to capture the reader’s attention and make your writing more interesting.
- What if I have multiple attachments?
You can use phrases like “Please find the following documents attached” or “The following files are attached for your review.” List the specific files if necessary for clarity.
- Is it better to be specific about the attachment?
Yes, being specific about the attachment is generally better. Instead of “Please see attached,” say “Please review the attached report” to give the recipient a clear understanding of what they are looking at.
- What is the difference between ‘enclosed’ and ‘attached’?
“Attached” typically refers to electronic documents sent with an email. “Enclosed” traditionally refers to physical documents included in an envelope. While “enclosed” can be used in emails, “attached” is more common and generally preferred in digital communication.
- Can I use ‘below’ instead of ‘attached?’
Using “below” to refer to an attachment is generally incorrect, especially in email communications. Attachments are not necessarily displayed “below” the message body; they are separate files included with the email. It’s best to stick with “attached” or its alternatives.
Conclusion
Mastering alternatives to “Please see attached” is an essential skill for effective communication. By understanding the different categories of alternatives, usage rules, and common mistakes, you can enhance the clarity, professionalism, and engagement of your writing. Remember to consider the context, audience, and purpose of your communication when choosing the most appropriate phrase. Continuously practice and refine your language skills to become a more confident and effective communicator. Incorporating these tips will ensure that your messages are well-received and leave a positive impression on your audience.
