The phrase “please see attached” is common in emails, but it can sound a little stiff or overused. If you want your message to feel more natural and professional, there are smoother alternatives. For example:
- “I’ve included the document for your review.” – professional and polished.
- “Attached is the file you requested.” – simple and clear.
- “You’ll find the report attached for easy reference.” – polite and helpful.
Each alternative keeps your email courteous while sounding a bit more personal, making your communication feel polished and reader-friendly.
Definition and Purpose
The phrase “Please see attached” is a standard expression used in written communication, particularly in emails and formal letters. Its primary function is to inform the recipient that a document or file is included with the message and that they should review it.
The phrase is a courteous way to direct the recipient’s attention to the attachment.
The purpose extends beyond a simple notification. It also implies that the attached document contains information relevant to the message itself.
Furthermore, it serves as a subtle instruction, prompting the recipient to open and examine the attached file. However, its frequent use can make writing sound repetitive.
Exploring alternative phrases can make your communication more engaging and precise.
Structural Breakdown
The basic structure of “Please see attached” can be broken down into three key components:
- Politeness Marker: “Please” adds a courteous tone to the request.
- Action Verb: “See” is the verb that directs the recipient to perform an action.
- Attachment Indicator: “Attached” specifies that the object of the action is a file included with the message.
When constructing alternative phrases, consider these elements and how they can be rephrased or replaced. For example, instead of “see,” you might use “find,” “review,” or “refer to.” The word “attached” could be replaced with a more specific description of the document.
By understanding this structure, you can create variations that are more tailored to the specific context of your message and the nature of the attachment. This will make your writing more impactful and less formulaic.
Other Ways to Say Please See Attached
There are several categories of alternatives to “Please see attached,” each with its own nuances and appropriate use cases. These categories can help you choose the best phrase for your specific communication needs.
Direct References
These phrases directly refer to the attachment without necessarily prompting a specific action. They are straightforward and suitable for general use.
Action-Oriented Phrases
These phrases encourage the recipient to take a specific action, such as reviewing, reading, or examining the attachment. They are useful when you want to emphasize the importance of the attachment.
Content-Specific Phrases
These phrases describe the content of the attachment, providing more context for the recipient. They are helpful when the attachment contains specific information that you want to highlight.
Formal Alternatives
These alternatives are suitable for professional and formal communication, maintaining a respectful and courteous tone.
Informal Alternatives
These options are appropriate for casual communication, such as emails to colleagues or friends, where a more relaxed tone is acceptable.
Examples
This section provides extensive examples of alternative phrases, categorized by type. Each example is designed to illustrate how the phrase can be used in different contexts.
Direct Reference Examples
These phrases are simple and direct, informing the recipient of the attachment without explicitly requesting an action. They are versatile and can be used in various situations.
The following table provides 30 examples of direct reference alternatives to “Please see attached.” Each example is followed by a brief explanation of its usage.
| Alternative Phrase | Example Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| The attachment is included. | The attachment is included for your review. | A simple and direct statement. |
| I have attached the document. | I have attached the document for your reference. | Clearly states that you have included the attachment. |
| The file is attached. | The file is attached for your convenience. | Similar to “the attachment is included.” |
| Find the document attached. | Find the document attached with the details. | Directs the recipient to locate the attachment. |
| The relevant document is attached. | The relevant document is attached for your consideration. | Highlights the document’s importance. |
| Attached you will find… | Attached you will find the report. | A more formal way to introduce the attachment. |
| Please find the attached document. | Please find the attached document for your records. | A polite and direct instruction. |
| The attached file contains… | The attached file contains the project proposal. | Describes the content of the attachment. |
| Included is the document… | Included is the document you requested. | Emphasizes that the document is being provided. |
| The document is provided as an attachment. | The document is provided as an attachment for your review. | A formal and informative statement. |
| I’ve included the attachment. | I’ve included the attachment with all the necessary details. | A slightly more informal way to state it. |
| This email includes the attachment. | This email includes the attachment with the agenda. | Makes it clear the attachment is part of the email. |
| Please see the document attached. | Please see the document attached for more information. | A slight variation of the original phrase. |
| Refer to the attached document. | Refer to the attached document for specific details. | Suggests the recipient should consult the document. |
| The details can be found in the attached file. | The details can be found in the attached file. | Highlights where the information can be located. |
| As an attachment, you’ll find… | As an attachment, you’ll find the invoice. | Introduces the attachment in a clear manner. |
| The following document is attached. | The following document is attached for your reference. | A more formal way to introduce the attachment. |
| Attached is a copy of… | Attached is a copy of the agreement. | Specifies that the attachment is a duplicate. |
| You’ll find the attachment below. | You’ll find the attachment below in the email. | Indicates the attachment’s location. |
| Attached for your information is… | Attached for your information is the latest update. | Specifies the purpose of the attachment. |
| The required document is attached. | The required document is attached for your action. | Highlights the necessity of the document. |
| This message contains an attachment. | This message contains an attachment for your records. | A straightforward statement. |
| The relevant information is in the attached file. | The relevant information is in the attached file for your review. | Emphasizes the importance of the information. |
| I’ve added the document as an attachment. | I’ve added the document as an attachment for clarity. | Highlights the inclusion of the document. |
| The attachment provides… | The attachment provides additional context. | Describes what the attachment offers. |
| Enclosed is the document. | Enclosed is the document for your consideration. | A formal alternative. |
| This email has an attachment. | This email has an attachment that you need to check. | Simply states the existence of the attachment. |
| The PDF is attached. | The PDF is attached for printing. | Specifies the file type. |
| I’ve included the file. | I’ve included the file for your reference. | Another simple statement. |
| Attached, please find… | Attached, please find the updated report. | A polite and slightly formal option. |
Action-Oriented Examples
These phrases prompt the recipient to take a specific action, such as reviewing, reading, or examining the attachment. They are useful when you want to emphasize the importance of the attachment and encourage the recipient to engage with it.
The following table provides 30 examples of action-oriented alternatives to “Please see attached.” Each example includes a sample sentence and an explanation of its use.
| Alternative Phrase | Example Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Please review the attached document. | Please review the attached document at your earliest convenience. | Directly asks the recipient to review the document. |
| Kindly examine the attached report. | Kindly examine the attached report for detailed findings. | A polite request to examine the report. |
| Take a look at the attached file. | Take a look at the attached file for the project timeline. | An informal way to ask someone to check the file. |
| Please read the attached proposal. | Please read the attached proposal before our meeting. | Specifically asks the recipient to read the proposal. |
| I invite you to review the attached summary. | I invite you to review the attached summary of our discussion. | A more formal and inviting approach. |
| Could you please analyze the attached data? | Could you please analyze the attached data and provide feedback? | Asks the recipient to analyze the data. |
| We encourage you to study the attached information. | We encourage you to study the attached information carefully. | Suggests a thorough review of the information. |
| Please consider the attached suggestions. | Please consider the attached suggestions for improvement. | Asks the recipient to think about the suggestions. |
| I’d appreciate it if you could check the attached invoice. | I’d appreciate it if you could check the attached invoice for accuracy. | A polite way to ask for a check. |
| Please go through the attached guidelines. | Please go through the attached guidelines before starting the project. | Asks the recipient to read the guidelines. |
| Please evaluate the attached performance report. | Please evaluate the attached performance report and share your thoughts. | Directs the recipient to assess the report. |
| I would be grateful if you could assess the attached document. | I would be grateful if you could assess the attached document at your convenience. | A formal and polite request for assessment. |
| Please scrutinize the attached contract. | Please scrutinize the attached contract for any discrepancies. | Asks for a detailed examination of the contract. |
| Kindly peruse the attached memo. | Kindly peruse the attached memo for important updates. | A formal request to read the memo. |
| Take some time to examine the attached proposal. | Take some time to examine the attached proposal and let me know your thoughts. | Suggests dedicating time to review the proposal. |
| Please investigate the attached findings. | Please investigate the attached findings and provide your insights. | Asks the recipient to look into the findings. |
| I recommend you inspect the attached diagram. | I recommend you inspect the attached diagram for clarity. | Suggests a careful inspection of the diagram. |
| Please analyze the attached market research. | Please analyze the attached market research to inform our strategy. | Directs the recipient to analyze the research. |
| We encourage you to study the attached materials. | We encourage you to study the attached materials for the upcoming training. | Suggests a thorough study of the materials. |
| Please deliberate on the attached recommendations. | Please deliberate on the attached recommendations and share your decision. | Asks the recipient to carefully consider the recommendations. |
| Please check out the attached presentation. | Please check out the attached presentation for the key highlights. | An informal way to ask someone to review the presentation. |
| Please read over the attached terms and conditions. | Please read over the attached terms and conditions carefully. | Asks the recipient to carefully read the terms. |
| Please give the attached summary a look. | Please give the attached summary a look before the meeting. | An informal request to review the summary. |
| Please take a moment to consider the attached outline. | Please take a moment to consider the attached outline for the project. | Suggests taking time to think about the outline. |
| I’d like you to review the attached figures. | I’d like you to review the attached figures and provide your analysis. | A polite request to review the figures. |
| Could you spare some time to look over the attached document? | Could you spare some time to look over the attached document this week? | A polite and considerate request. |
| Please audit the attached financial statement. | Please audit the attached financial statement for compliance. | Directs the recipient to audit the statement. |
| We request that you examine the attached proposal. | We request that you examine the attached proposal thoroughly. | A formal request to examine the proposal. |
| Please take a look at the attached infographic. | Please take a look at the attached infographic for a quick overview. | Suggests reviewing the infographic for a summary. |
| I encourage you to explore the attached data. | I encourage you to explore the attached data and draw your own conclusions. | Suggests a detailed exploration of the data. |
Content-Specific Examples
These phrases describe the content of the attachment, providing more context for the recipient. They are helpful when the attachment contains specific information that you want to highlight and when telling the recipient what to expect in the attachment is helpful.
The following table provides 30 examples of content-specific alternatives to “Please see attached.” Each entry includes a sample sentence and an explanation of its use.
| Alternative Phrase | Example Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Attached is the agenda for the meeting. | Attached is the agenda for the meeting, outlining the key topics. | Specifies that the attachment is the meeting agenda. |
| Find the project timeline attached. | Find the project timeline attached, showing key milestones. | Indicates the attachment is the project timeline. |
| The attached file contains the budget proposal. | The attached file contains the budget proposal for the next quarter. | Clarifies that the content is the budget proposal. |
| Included is the report on sales performance. | Included is the report on sales performance for the last month. | Specifies the attachment is a sales performance report. |
| The attached document provides details on the new policy. | The attached document provides details on the new policy implementation. | Indicates the document contains policy details. |
| Attached you will find the list of attendees. | Attached you will find the list of attendees for the conference. | Specifies the attachment is a list of attendees. |
| Please find attached the updated price list. | Please find attached the updated price list for all products. | Clarifies the attachment is an updated price list. |
| The attached file includes the survey results. | The attached file includes the survey results from the customer feedback campaign. | Indicates the attachment contains survey results. |
| Attached is a copy of the contract agreement. | Attached is a copy of the contract agreement for your records. | Specifies the attachment is a copy of the contract. |
| Included is the summary of the research findings. | Included is the summary of the research findings from the study. | Clarifies the content is a summary of research findings. |
| Attached is the invoice for services rendered. | Attached is the invoice for services rendered in the past month. | Specifies the attachment is an invoice. |
| Find attached the minutes from the last meeting. | Find attached the minutes from the last meeting for your review. | Indicates the attachment contains meeting minutes. |
| The attached document contains the project scope. | The attached document contains the project scope and objectives. | Specifies the document outlines the project scope. |
| Attached, please find the marketing plan. | Attached, please find the marketing plan for the upcoming quarter. | Clarifies the attachment is a marketing plan. |
| Included is the risk assessment analysis. | Included is the risk assessment analysis for the proposed venture. | Indicates the content is a risk assessment. |
| Attached is the employee handbook. | Attached is the employee handbook for your reference. | Specifies the attachment is the employee handbook. |
| Please find attached the customer testimonials. | Please find attached the customer testimonials we collected. | Clarifies the attachment contains customer testimonials. |
| The attached file includes the sales forecast. | The attached file includes the sales forecast for the next year. | Indicates the attachment contains a sales forecast. |
| Attached is the list of approved vendors. | Attached is the list of approved vendors for the project. | Specifies the attachment is a vendor list. |
| Included is the draft of the presentation. | Included is the draft of the presentation for your feedback. | Clarifies the content is a presentation draft. |
| Attached is the certificate of completion. | Attached is the certificate of completion for the training program. | Specifies the attachment is a certificate. |
| Find attached the job description. | Find attached the job description for the open position. | Indicates the attachment is a job description. |
| The attached document contains the meeting schedule. | The attached document contains the meeting schedule for the week. | Specifies the document contains a schedule. |
| Attached, please find the confidentiality agreement. | Attached, please find the confidentiality agreement for your signature. | Clarifies the attachment is a confidentiality agreement. |
| Included is the summary of key performance indicators. | Included is the summary of key performance indicators for the department. | Indicates the content is a KPI summary. |
| Attached is the compliance report. | Attached is the compliance report for the audit. | Specifies the attachment is a compliance report. |
| Please find attached the user manual. | Please find attached the user manual for the new software. | Clarifies the attachment is a user manual. |
| The attached file includes the project specifications. | The attached file includes the project specifications and requirements. | Indicates the attachment contains specifications. |
| Attached is the marketing campaign proposal. | Attached is the marketing campaign proposal for your approval. | Specifies the attachment is a marketing proposal. |
| Included is the outline of the course. | Included is the outline of the course for the upcoming semester. | Indicates the content is a course outline. |
Formal Alternative Examples
These alternatives are suitable for professional and formal communication, maintaining a respectful and courteous tone. They are ideal for communicating with superiors, clients, or external stakeholders.
The following table provides 20 examples of formal alternatives to “Please see attached.” Each example is followed by a brief explanation of its usage.
| Alternative Phrase | Example Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Kindly refer to the attached document. | Kindly refer to the attached document for further details. | A polite and formal request to refer to the document. |
| Please find enclosed the relevant documentation. | Please find enclosed the relevant documentation pertaining to the matter. | A formal and traditional way to indicate an enclosure. |
| We respectfully request your attention to the attached file. | We respectfully request your attention to the attached file for your consideration. | A very formal and respectful request. |
| The aforementioned document is attached hereto. | The aforementioned document is attached hereto for your review. | A highly formal and legalistic phrasing. |
| I have taken the liberty of attaching the necessary information. | I have taken the liberty of attaching the necessary information for your perusal. | A formal way of saying you’ve included the attachment. |
| For your consideration, the document is attached. | For your consideration, the document is attached for your convenience. | Formally offers the document for review. |
| The attached file is submitted for your review. | The attached file is submitted for your review and feedback. | Formally submits the file for review. |
| It is respectfully requested that you review the attached. | It is respectfully requested that you review the attached report. | A highly formal and polite request. |
| Please be advised that the document is attached. | Please be advised that the document is attached for your information. | A formal way to inform the recipient about the attachment. |
| The subject document is attached for your perusal. | The subject document is attached for your perusal and comments. | A formal way to invite the recipient to read the document. |
| We have attached the document for your convenience. | We have attached the document for your convenience and reference. | Politely indicates the attachment is for the recipient’s convenience. |
| The attached materials are provided for your reference. | The attached materials are provided for your reference and analysis. | Formally indicates that the materials are for reference. |
| Please accept the attached document for your review. | Please accept the attached document for your review at your leisure. | A polite and formal offering of the document. |
| Enclosed herewith, please find the specified document. | Enclosed herewith, please find the specified document as requested. | A very formal and traditional phrasing. |
| We trust that the attached document will be of assistance. | We trust that the attached document will be of assistance in your deliberations. | A formal expression of hope that the document will be helpful. |
| The document in question is attached for your scrutiny. | The document in question is attached for your scrutiny and evaluation. | A formal way to invite detailed examination. |
| I am pleased to provide the attached document for your consideration. | I am pleased to provide the attached document for your consideration and feedback. | A polite and formal offering of the document. |
| The document is appended hereto for your examination. | The document is appended hereto for your examination and analysis. | A highly formal and legalistic phrasing. |
| We invite your attention to the attached file. | We invite your attention to the attached file, which contains critical information. | A formal invitation to review the file. |
| It is our pleasure to submit the attached documentation. | It is our pleasure to submit the attached documentation for your approval. | A formal and polite submission of the document. |
Informal Alternative Examples
These options are appropriate for casual communication, such as emails to colleagues or friends, where a more relaxed tone is acceptable. These are generally not suitable for external communication or communication with superiors.
The following table provides 20 examples of informal alternatives to “Please see attached.” Each example is followed by a brief explanation of its usage.
| Alternative Phrase | Example Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| I’ve attached the file. | I’ve attached the file for you. | A simple and direct statement. |
| Check out the attachment. | Check out the attachment when you get a chance. | An informal way to tell someone to look at the attachment. |
| The file’s attached! | The file’s attached! Let me know what you think. | Enthusiastic and informal. |
| I’m sending the document over. | I’m sending the document over as an attachment. | Casual way to say you’re sending the document. |
| Here’s the attachment. | Here’s the attachment you asked for. | A quick and friendly way to point out the attachment. |
| You’ll find the file attached. | You’ll find the file attached to this email. | A slightly more descriptive but still informal. |
| Just attached the document. | Just attached the document for your review. | Short and to-the-point. |
| I’ve included the file below. | I’ve included the file below, take a look! | Indicates the attachment is at the bottom of the email. |
| Have a look at the attachment. | Have a look at the attachment when you have a moment. | A casual request to review the attachment. |
| Attached is the thing. | Attached is the thing we talked about. | Very informal and vague, use with caution. |
| I threw in the document as an attachment. | I threw in the document as an attachment for ya. | Very casual, use only with close colleagues. |
| It’s attached! | It’s attached! Let me know your thoughts. | Simple and excited. |
| Here’s the attachment, FYI. | Here’s the attachment, FYI. | Informal and uses an abbreviation. |
| Peep the attachment. | Peep the attachment when you get a chance. | Very slangy, use with caution. |
| I’ve stuck the file on this email. | I’ve stuck the file on this email, hope it helps! | Informal and friendly. |
| The attachment is chilling below. | The attachment is chilling below, ready for your review. | Playful and informal. |
| I’ve slapped the file on this email. | I’ve slapped the file on this email for you. | Very informal, use with close friends/colleagues only. |
| You’ll see the attachment down there. | You’ll see the attachment down there, give it a look. | Casual and descriptive. |
| I’m pinging you the attachment. | I’m pinging you the attachment now. | Informal and techy. |
| Just a heads up, attachment is there. | Just a heads up, attachment is there for your review. | Informal and informative. |
Usage Rules
While there are many alternatives to “Please see attached,” it’s important to use them appropriately. Consider the following usage rules:
- Context: Choose a phrase that is appropriate for the context of your message. Formal situations require more formal language, while informal situations allow for a more relaxed tone.
- Audience: Consider your audience when selecting a phrase. What is appropriate for a colleague may not be appropriate for a client or supervisor.
- Clarity: Ensure that your chosen phrase is clear and easy to understand. Avoid overly complex or ambiguous language.
- Specificity: If possible, be specific about the content of the attachment. This helps the recipient understand the purpose of the attachment and prioritize their review.
- Action: If you want the recipient to take a specific action, use a phrase that prompts that action.
By following these rules, you can ensure that your communication is effective and professional.
Common Mistakes
Even with a good understanding of the alternatives, it’s easy to make mistakes. Here are some common errors to avoid:
- Using informal language in formal situations: Avoid using casual phrases like “Check it out” when communicating with clients or superiors.
- Being too vague: Avoid phrases like “The attachment is included” without providing any context.
- Using overly complex language: Avoid using overly formal or legalistic language in everyday communication.
- Forgetting the “please”: Omitting “please” can make your request sound demanding or impolite, especially in formal contexts.
Here are some examples of common mistakes and their corrections:
| Incorrect | Correct |
|---|---|
| Check out the attached file. | Please review the attached file. |
| The attachment is there. | The document is attached for your review. |
| Attached you’ll find the stuff. | Attached you’ll find the project documents. |
Practice Exercises
To solidify your understanding of the alternatives, try the following exercises:
- Rewrite Sentences: Rewrite the following sentences using alternative phrases to “Please see attached”:
- Please see attached the project proposal.
- Please see attached the meeting agenda.
- Please see attached the updated report.
- Contextual Choice: Choose the most appropriate alternative phrase for each of the following scenarios:
- Sending a document to your supervisor.
- Sending a file to a close colleague.
- Sending an invoice to a client.
- Phrase Creation: Create your own alternative phrases for “Please see attached,” and share them with a colleague for feedback.
Advanced Topics
For those looking to further refine their communication skills, consider these advanced topics:
- Conditional Attachments: Discussing attachments that are only relevant under certain conditions.
- Multiple Attachments: How to refer to multiple attachments in a clear and organized manner.
- Embedded Content: Alternatives when the content is embedded directly in the email rather than attached.
- Automated Messages: Customizing automated messages to include more engaging attachment references.
FAQ
Is it always necessary to use an alternative to “Please see attached?”
No, “Please see attached” is a perfectly acceptable phrase in many situations. However, varying your language can make your communication more engaging and tailored to the specific context.
What is the most formal alternative to “Please see attached?”
A very formal alternative is: “Enclosed herewith, please find the specified document.”
Can I use informal alternatives in professional emails?
It depends on your relationship with the recipient. If you have a close, informal relationship with a colleague, it may be appropriate.
However, avoid using informal language when communicating with clients, superiors, or external stakeholders.
How can I be more specific about the content of the attachment?
Use content-specific phrases that describe the attachment’s content, such as “Attached is the project proposal” or “Included is the sales forecast.”
Conclusion
Mastering alternatives to “Please see attached” is a valuable skill that can enhance your professional communication. By understanding the different types of phrases, considering the context and audience, and avoiding common mistakes, you can craft more effective and engaging messages.
Practice the exercises provided in this guide to further refine your skills and elevate your writing style. Remember, clear and precise communication leaves a lasting positive impression and contributes to your overall success.