In professional communication, clarity and precision are paramount. While “Please see attached” is a common phrase used in emails and documents, it can sometimes sound repetitive or lack the nuance needed for specific situations.
Mastering alternative phrases not only enhances your writing style but also ensures your message is received with the intended tone and clarity. This article delves into various ways to express the same idea, providing you with a range of options suitable for different contexts.
Whether you’re a student, a professional, or simply someone looking to improve their English communication skills, this guide will equip you with the tools to write more effectively and confidently.
This comprehensive guide will cover definitions, structural breakdowns, usage rules, common mistakes, and practice exercises. By exploring a variety of phrases and their appropriate contexts, you will gain a deeper understanding of how to communicate effectively and professionally.
You will also learn how to avoid common pitfalls and ensure your message is clear, concise, and impactful.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Definition and Context
- Structural Breakdown
- Types and Categories of Alternatives
- Direct References
- Action-Oriented Phrases
- Information-Focused Phrases
- Polite Requests
- Formal Alternatives
- Informal Alternatives
- Examples
- Direct References Examples
- Action-Oriented Examples
- Information-Focused Examples
- Polite Requests Examples
- Formal Alternatives Examples
- Informal Alternatives Examples
- Usage Rules
- Common Mistakes
- Practice Exercises
- Exercise 1: Choosing the Right Phrase
- Exercise 2: Rewriting Sentences
- Exercise 3: Identifying Errors
- Advanced Topics
- FAQ
- Conclusion
Definition and Context
The phrase “Please see attached” is a common way to indicate that a document or file has been included with a message, typically an email. Its primary function is to direct the recipient’s attention to the attached file.
However, relying solely on this phrase can make communication sound monotonous and impersonal. Understanding the nuances of different situations and choosing more specific and engaging alternatives can significantly improve the clarity and impact of your message.
The context of your communication, the relationship with the recipient, and the purpose of the attachment should all influence your choice of words.
In a professional setting, it’s crucial to maintain a balance between being informative and respectful. While “Please see attached” is generally acceptable, exploring alternatives can demonstrate attention to detail and a higher level of communication skill.
For example, instead of simply stating “Please see attached,” you might say, “I have attached the report for your review,” which provides more context and purpose.
Structural Breakdown
The basic structure of phrases replacing “Please see attached” typically includes a verb indicating the action you want the recipient to take, followed by a noun referring to the attached document or file. The structure can also include additional information to provide context or explain the purpose of the attachment.
Here are some common structural elements:
- Verb (Action): This could be ‘find,’ ‘review,’ ‘read,’ ‘consider,’ ‘examine,’ etc.
- Noun (Attachment): This is the specific document or file, such as ‘report,’ ‘proposal,’ ‘invoice,’ ‘presentation,’ etc.
- Context/Purpose: Additional information explaining why the attachment is included or what the recipient should do with it.
For example, in the sentence “Please review the attached report,” the verb is “review,” the noun is “report,” and the phrase implies the purpose is for the recipient to provide feedback or make a decision based on the report’s contents. By understanding these structural elements, you can create more specific and effective alternatives to “Please see attached.” Consider the following examples:
- “I’ve included the invoice for your payment.” (Verb: included, Noun: invoice, Purpose: for your payment)
- “Attached you’ll find the presentation slides.” (Verb: find, Noun: presentation slides, No explicit purpose)
- “Please examine the contract for any discrepancies.” (Verb: examine, Noun: contract, Purpose: for any discrepancies)
Types and Categories of Alternatives
There are several categories of phrases you can use instead of “Please see attached,” each with its own nuances and appropriate contexts. Here’s a breakdown of some common categories:
Direct References
These phrases directly mention the attachment and its purpose. They are straightforward and clear, making them suitable for most professional communications.
Examples include:
- “The report is attached for your review.”
- “I’ve attached the document for your consideration.”
- “Attached you’ll find the updated proposal.”
Action-Oriented Phrases
These phrases focus on the action you want the recipient to take with the attachment. They are particularly useful when you need the recipient to perform a specific task.
Examples include:
- “Please review the attached file.”
- “Kindly provide feedback on the attached proposal.”
- “Could you sign and return the attached agreement?”
Information-Focused Phrases
These phrases highlight the information contained in the attachment. They are useful when you want to emphasize the content of the document.
Examples include:
- “The attached document contains the details of the project.”
- “Please find attached the information you requested.”
- “The attached spreadsheet provides a summary of the data.”
Polite Requests
These phrases use polite language to make a request regarding the attachment. They are suitable for formal communications or when addressing someone in a higher position.
Examples include:
- “I would be grateful if you could review the attached report.”
- “Please find attached the document for your kind attention.”
- “Your feedback on the attached proposal would be greatly appreciated.”
Formal Alternatives
These phrases are appropriate for very formal or official communications. They often use more sophisticated language.
Examples include:
- “Enclosed please find the aforementioned document.”
- “We have appended hereto the relevant documentation.”
- “Kindly peruse the attached memorandum at your convenience.”
Informal Alternatives
These phrases are suitable for casual communications with colleagues or friends. They use more relaxed and conversational language.
Examples include:
- “I’ve attached the file – let me know what you think!”
- “Here’s the document I mentioned.”
- “Check out the attached report.”
Examples
To illustrate the various alternatives to “Please see attached,” here are several examples organized by category. Each example demonstrates how the phrase can be used in a sentence and the specific context in which it is appropriate.
Direct References Examples
Direct references are straightforward and provide clear information about the attachment. The table below contains 30 examples demonstrating the versatility of this category.
| # | Example Sentence | Context |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | The report is attached for your review. | Sending a report to a manager for feedback. |
| 2 | I’ve attached the document for your consideration. | Submitting a proposal for a project. |
| 3 | Attached you’ll find the updated proposal. | Sending a revised proposal to a client. |
| 4 | The invoice is attached for your payment. | Sending an invoice to a client. |
| 5 | I have attached the presentation slides for your reference. | Sharing presentation materials after a meeting. |
| 6 | Attached is the contract for your signature. | Sending a contract for legal approval. |
| 7 | The agenda is attached for tomorrow’s meeting. | Sharing the meeting agenda with attendees. |
| 8 | I’ve attached the minutes from the last meeting. | Distributing meeting minutes to participants. |
| 9 | Attached you’ll find the project timeline. | Sharing the project timeline with the team. |
| 10 | The budget is attached for your approval. | Submitting a budget for financial oversight. |
| 11 | I have attached the employee handbook for your information. | Providing new employees with the handbook. |
| 12 | Attached is the training manual for your reference. | Sharing training materials with employees. |
| 13 | The customer survey results are attached. | Sharing survey findings with the marketing team. |
| 14 | I’ve attached the marketing plan for the next quarter. | Presenting the marketing strategy. |
| 15 | Attached you’ll find the sales report for the month. | Distributing sales performance data. |
| 16 | The financial statement is attached for your review. | Providing financial overview to stakeholders. |
| 17 | I have attached the audit report for your records. | Documenting the audit results. |
| 18 | Attached is the risk assessment document. | Sharing risk analysis with management. |
| 19 | The compliance report is attached for your review. | Submitting compliance data to regulatory bodies. |
| 20 | I’ve attached the legal disclaimer for your approval. | Seeking legal clearance for a document. |
| 21 | Attached you’ll find the product specifications. | Sharing details about a product. |
| 22 | The user manual is attached for your convenience. | Providing instructions to customers. |
| 23 | I have attached the software installation guide. | Guiding users through software setup. |
| 24 | Attached is the troubleshooting document. | Helping users resolve technical issues. |
| 25 | The service agreement is attached for your records. | Formalizing the terms of service. |
| 26 | I’ve attached the maintenance schedule. | Coordinating maintenance tasks. |
| 27 | Attached you’ll find the safety guidelines. | Ensuring workplace safety protocols. |
| 28 | The training schedule is attached for your information. | Announcing training dates and times. |
| 29 | I have attached the feedback form. | Gathering responses for improvement. |
| 30 | Attached is the survey questionnaire. | Distributing a survey to collect data. |
Action-Oriented Examples
Action-oriented phrases emphasize the action you want the recipient to take. Below are 30 examples that prompt the recipient to engage with the attachment in a specific way.
| # | Example Sentence | Context |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Please review the attached file. | Requesting a general review of a document. |
| 2 | Kindly provide feedback on the attached proposal. | Seeking specific feedback on a project proposal. |
| 3 | Could you sign and return the attached agreement? | Requesting a signed agreement. |
| 4 | Please approve the attached budget. | Seeking approval for the proposed budget. |
| 5 | We would appreciate it if you could read the attached report. | Encouraging the recipient to read the report. |
| 6 | Please update the attached spreadsheet with the latest data. | Requesting data updates in a spreadsheet. |
| 7 | Could you proofread the attached document? | Seeking proofreading assistance. |
| 8 | Please implement the changes outlined in the attached document. | Requesting implementation of specified changes. |
| 9 | Kindly verify the information in the attached form. | Requesting verification of form details. |
| 10 | Please distribute the attached memo to your team. | Requesting distribution of a memo. |
| 11 | Could you forward the attached email to the relevant parties? | Requesting email forwarding. |
| 12 | Please complete the attached survey by Friday. | Requesting survey completion. |
| 13 | Kindly submit the attached application form. | Requesting application submission. |
| 14 | Please examine the attached images for quality assurance. | Requesting quality check for images. |
| 15 | Could you analyze the data in the attached spreadsheet? | Requesting data analysis. |
| 16 | Please summarize the findings in the attached report. | Requesting a summary of the report’s findings. |
| 17 | Kindly translate the attached document into Spanish. | Requesting document translation. |
| 18 | Please transcribe the audio in the attached file. | Requesting audio transcription. |
| 19 | Could you convert the attached document to PDF format? | Requesting file format conversion. |
| 20 | Please merge the data from the attached files. | Requesting data merging. |
| 21 | Kindly install the software in the attached installer. | Requesting software installation. |
| 22 | Please configure the device according to the attached instructions. | Requesting device configuration. |
| 23 | Could you test the functionality of the attached program? | Requesting program testing. |
| 24 | Please debug the code in the attached script. | Requesting code debugging. |
| 25 | Kindly validate the data in the attached database. | Requesting data validation. |
| 26 | Please archive the attached files after review. | Requesting file archiving. |
| 27 | Could you delete the attached temporary files? | Requesting deletion of temporary files. |
| 28 | Please update the website with the information in the attached document. | Requesting website update. |
| 29 | Kindly back up the data from the attached database. | Requesting data backup. |
| 30 | Please restore the system using the attached backup file. | Requesting system restoration. |
Information-Focused Examples
Information-focused phrases emphasize the content of the attachment. The following 30 examples highlight the specific information contained within the attached document.
| # | Example Sentence | Context |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | The attached document contains the details of the project. | Providing an overview of the project details. |
| 2 | Please find attached the information you requested. | Sharing requested information. |
| 3 | The attached spreadsheet provides a summary of the data. | Presenting a data summary. |
| 4 | The attached report outlines the key findings of the study. | Highlighting the study’s key findings. |
| 5 | Please find attached the list of attendees for the conference. | Sharing the attendee list. |
| 6 | The attached presentation includes the latest market trends. | Presenting market trends. |
| 7 | Please find attached the agenda for the upcoming meeting. | Sharing the meeting agenda. |
| 8 | The attached minutes summarize the discussions from the last meeting. | Summarizing meeting discussions. |
| 9 | Please find attached the contact information for our partners. | Sharing partner contact details. |
| 10 | The attached document details the company’s policies. | Outlining company policies. |
| 11 | Please find attached the guidelines for the new project. | Sharing project guidelines. |
| 12 | The attached spreadsheet contains the financial projections. | Presenting financial forecasts. |
| 13 | Please find attached the technical specifications for the product. | Sharing product specifications. |
| 14 | The attached document lists the required resources for the task. | Listing required resources. |
| 15 | Please find attached the schedule for the training program. | Sharing the training schedule. |
| 16 | The attached report evaluates the performance of the marketing campaign. | Evaluating marketing campaign performance. |
| 17 | Please find attached the analysis of the customer feedback. | Sharing customer feedback analysis. |
| 18 | The attached document explains the new security protocols. | Explaining security protocols. |
| 19 | Please find attached the inventory list for the warehouse. | Sharing the inventory list. |
| 20 | The attached spreadsheet tracks the progress of each task. | Tracking project progress. |
| 21 | Please find attached the survey results in detail. | Providing detailed survey results. |
| 22 | The attached document provides a step-by-step guide. | Offering a step-by-step guide. |
| 23 | Please find attached the list of approved vendors. | Sharing a list of approved vendors. |
| 24 | The attached report contains the environmental impact assessment. | Sharing environmental impact assessment results. |
| 25 | Please find attached the data on consumer behavior. | Providing consumer behavior data. |
| 26 | The attached document specifies the terms and conditions. | Clarifying terms and conditions. |
| 27 | Please find attached the code of conduct. | Sharing the code of conduct. |
| 28 | The attached report assesses the market opportunities. | Assessing market opportunities. |
| 29 | Please find attached the emergency evacuation plan. | Sharing the emergency plan. |
| 30 | The attached document outlines the quality control procedures. | Describing quality control procedures. |
Polite Requests Examples
Polite requests are ideal for formal communications and when addressing individuals in higher positions. Below are 30 examples that incorporate polite language.
| # | Example Sentence | Context |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | I would be grateful if you could review the attached report. | Formally requesting a report review. |
| 2 | Please find attached the document for your kind attention. | Requesting attention to the attached document. |
| 3 | Your feedback on the attached proposal would be greatly appreciated. | Seeking feedback on a proposal. |
| 4 | I would appreciate it if you could approve the attached request. | Requesting approval for a formal request. |
| 5 | It would be helpful if you could look over the attached notes. | Requesting a review of notes. |
| 6 | We would be grateful if you could provide your insights on the attached analysis. | Seeking insights on an analysis. |
| 7 | Your assessment of the attached document would be invaluable. | Requesting a valuable assessment. |
| 8 | I would be thankful if you could provide feedback on the attached draft. | Seeking feedback on a draft. |
| 9 | It would be beneficial if you could share your thoughts on the attached strategy. | Seeking thoughts on a strategy. |
| 10 | We would be obliged if you could examine the attached records. | Requesting the examination of records. |
| 11 | Your opinion on the attached matter would be greatly valued. | Seeking a valued opinion. |
| 12 | I would be pleased if you could consider the points in the attached memo. | Requesting consideration of points. |
| 13 | It would be advantageous if you could evaluate the attached proposal. | Requesting a proposal evaluation. |
| 14 | We would be honored if you could endorse the attached initiative. | Seeking endorsement for an initiative. |
| 15 | Your approval of the attached plan would be greatly appreciated. | Requesting plan approval. |
| 16 | I would be delighted if you could review the attached presentation. | Requesting presentation review. |
| 17 | It would be advantageous if you could share your expertise after viewing the attached analysis. | Seeking expertise after viewing analysis. |
| 18 | We would be privileged if you could offer your insights on the attached case study. | Seeking insights on a case study. |
| 19 | Your assessment of the data provided in the attached spreadsheet would be most helpful. | Requesting assessment of data. |
| 20 | I would be thankful if you could share any concerns after reading the attached report. | Seeking concerns after report review. |
| 21 | It would be beneficial if you could provide your assessment of the attached marketing strategy. | Seeking assessment of the marketing strategy. |
| 22 | We would be obliged if you could examine the attached financial forecasts. | Requesting examination of financial forecasts. |
| 23 | Your opinion on the attached legal document would be greatly valued. | Seeking opinion on a legal document. |
| 24 | I would be pleased if you could consider the implications of the attached research. | Requesting consideration of research implications. |
| 25 | It would be advantageous if you could evaluate the feasibility of the attached project. | Requesting project feasibility evaluation. |
| 26 | We would be honored if you could endorse the goals outlined in the attached mission statement. | Seeking endorsement of mission statement goals. |
| 27 | Your approval of the changes listed in the attached update would be greatly appreciated. | Requesting approval of changes. |
| 28 | I would be delighted if you could review the design elements in the attached mockup. | Requesting review of design elements. |
| 29 | It would be advantageous if you could share your technical insights concerning the attached schematic. | Seeking technical insights on a schematic. |
| 30 | We would be privileged if you could offer guidance regarding the attached action plan. | Seeking guidance on an action plan. |
Formal Alternatives Examples
Formal alternatives are suitable for official or very formal communications. Here are 30 examples using sophisticated language.
| # | Example Sentence | Context |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Enclosed please find the aforementioned document. | Referring to a previously discussed document. |
| 2 | We have appended hereto the relevant documentation. | Adding documentation to a formal communication. |
| 3 | Kindly peruse the attached memorandum at your convenience. | Requesting a review of a formal memo. |
| 4 | The requisite forms are annexed hereto for your completion. | Providing forms for completion. |
| 5 | Herewith, we submit the aforementioned report for your consideration. | Formally submitting a report. |
| 6 | Please be advised that the aforementioned contract is attached for your review. | Informing about the attached contract. |
| 7 | We respectfully submit the following proposal, attached for your perusal. | Formally submitting a proposal. |
| 8 | Attached, you will find the stipulated agreement for your concurrence. | Providing an agreement for concurrence. |
| 9 | Enclosed herewith is the aforementioned schedule for your reference. | Providing a schedule for reference. |
| 10 | The pertinent invoices are appended for your examination. | Attaching invoices for examination. |
| 11 | Kindly acknowledge receipt of the enclosed particulars. | Requesting acknowledgment of receipt. |
| 12 | Hereby, we provide the supplemental information as attached. | Providing supplemental information. |
| 13 | We submit for your consideration the appended addendum. | Submitting an addendum for consideration. |
| 14 | The comprehensive overview is annexed for your review. | Attaching a comprehensive overview. |
| 15 | Please note that the aforementioned appendices are included herewith. | Notifying about included appendices. |
| 16 | Enclosed for your attention is the aforementioned legal brief. | Attaching a legal brief for attention. |
| 17 | We have dispatched the aforementioned documents, attached for your convenience. | Informing about dispatched documents. |
| 18 | Kindly find appended hereto the revised guidelines for your adherence. | Providing revised guidelines for adherence. |
| 19 | We provide for your perusal the attached compendium of data. | Sharing a compendium of data. |
| 20 | The enclosed compendium contains the aforementioned statistics for your evaluation. | Providing compendium for statistics evaluation. |
| 21 | Please find attached the amendment to the original agreement for your review. | Attachment of the formal amendment. |
| 22 | We have attached the official notice for your immediate attention. | Attaching an official notice. |
| 23 | Enclosed herewith is the formal request for your consideration. | Attaching a formal request. |
| 24 | The pertinent legal documents are appended for your examination. | Attaching legal documents for examination. |
| 25 | We respectfully submit the appended report for your perusal and feedback. | Formally submitting a report for review. |
| 26 | Kindly note that the appendices are enclosed for further clarification. | Providing appendices for clarification. |
| 27 | Attached for your convenience, please find the complete set of transcripts. | Attaching a complete set of transcripts. |
| 28 | We submit for your consideration the attached executive summary. | Submitting an executive summary. |
| 29 | Enclosed please find the consolidated financial statements for your review. | Attaching consolidated financial statements. |
| 30 | Kindly examine the attached documentation pertaining to the aforementioned litigation. | Attaching documentation related to litigation. |
Informal Alternatives Examples
Informal alternatives are ideal for casual communication with colleagues or friends. Here are 30 examples using relaxed and conversational language.
| # | Example Sentence | Context |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | I’ve attached the file – let me know what you think! | Seeking informal feedback on a file. |
| 2 | Here’s the document I mentioned. | Referring to a previously discussed document. |
| 3 | Check out the attached report. | Encouraging a casual review of the report. |
| 4 | FYI, I’ve attached the updated spreadsheet. | Sharing an updated spreadsheet for information. |
| 5 | Just sending over the presentation slides. | Casually sharing presentation slides. |
| 6 | Here’s the invoice for your records. | Sharing an invoice informally. |
| 7 | I’m including the meeting agenda. | Sharing the agenda in a casual manner. |
| 8 | Wanted to share the minutes from our last meeting. | Sharing meeting minutes informally. |
| 9 | I’ve thrown in the project timeline. | Adding the project timeline casually. |
| 10 | Here’s the budget for your quick review. |