“Please see attached” may seem like a small P-S-A; however, when writing professional emails that shine, this seemingly small detail can make all the difference between success and failure. Careful Attachment References Good attachment references help with clarity, pay attention to detail , and can vary across office modes, from formal client communication to ad hoc team-sharing. Polish This subtle skill and your attachments will get noticed, understood, and acted upon while showing off those all-important digital manners.
What Is the Meaning of “Please See Attached in Email”?
“I have forwarded your email” usually means that your email has been passed on to someone else, presumably for whatever reason, appetite, or help, often to ensure that those in the direct line of the crossfire are reading along. This gesture usually means the individual feels what you’ve sent is noteworthy or relevant enough to share with others; it could also indicate that they’re inclined to work together or need help with a specific question. Knowing what a transmission like this one says can help you explain where we’re processing your question or request and where they may be about making a more fulsome response to you directly.
When Should You Use “Please See Attached in Email”?
“Please find the attached in the email” is very common in emails; this isn’t it! It’s a formal and straightforward way to ask the recipient to check the attached files. That phrase works in many professional contexts — when sending proposals, contracts, reports, decks, and application materials. But if you want your tone to be more conversational or engaging — particularly when emailing a colleague or client you have a regular relationship with — you may want to opt for a less neutral sign-off.
Is It Polite and Professional to Say, “Please See Attached in Email”?
“Please see attached in an email” is polite and professional. In corporate or formal communication, it is often used to indicate that a file or document is attached to the message. It is an optimum choice for various workplace environments. But for all its clarity and simplicity, that phrase can sound generic or disengaged, especially in email, where you might use it constantly to create rapport. To sound a bit warmer and more personalized-opposite when speaking to clients, co-workers, or partners, you might consider more casual, friendly alternatives to the following phrases.
Pros and Cons of Saying “Please See Attached in Email”
Pros
- Clear Direction: Tells the recipient exactly where to find important files.
- Keeps Emails Neat: Avoids long email bodies by moving details to attachments.
- Professional Tone: A formal and polite way to share documents.
- Easy Reference: Recipients can save or forward attachments separately.
- Universal Understanding: Most email users recognize this phrase.
Cons
- Attachment Errors: Files may fail to send or get blocked by email filters.
- Overuse Can Be Annoying: If every email has attachments, it feels impersonal.
- Accessibility Issues: Some recipients struggle with downloading/viewing files.
- Security Risks: Attachments can carry malware if not scanned properly.
- Missed Attachments: People sometimes forget to actually attach the file!
1. Kindly find the attached document.
Meaning: A polite request to locate the file included with the email.
Definition: Formal phrasing directing attention to an attachment.
Explanation: Uses “kindly” to soften the request, which is common in professional settings.
Example: “Kindly find the attached document outlining Q3 sales projections.”
Best Use: Formal emails to clients, superiors, or when cultural norms prioritize deference (e.g., UK/Indian business contexts).
Worst Use: Casual chats with colleagues may sound stiff or outdated in relaxed teams.
Tone: Respectful, traditional.
2. The requested file is attached for your reference.
Meaning: Confirms a previously asked-for document is now provided.
Definition: Directly addresses reciprocity or prior agreement.
Explanation: Emphasizes action taken (“you asked, I delivered”).
Example: “The requested file is attached for your reference ahead of Monday’s meeting.”
Best Use: Delivering promised materials; reassures recipients that expectations are being met.
Worst Use: Unsolicited attachments imply obligation where none exists.
Tone: Professional, solution-oriented.
3. I’ve attached [document name] for your review
Meaning: Highlights a specific file needing feedback or approval.
Definition: Action-focused, signaling the recipient’s input is required.
Explanation: Personal (“I’ve”) + purpose (“review”) creates accountability.
Example: “I’ve attached the budget proposal for your review by EOD Friday.”
Best Use: Collaborative workflows (e.g., edits, approvals).
Worst Use: Sharing read-only resources (e.g., event flyers); overstates needed action.
Tone: Collaborative, clear.
4. Please refer to the attached [file type].
Meaning: Instructs recipient to use the attachment as a resource.
Definition: Concise; positions the file as supplemental material.
Explanation: Assumes context is established (e.g., mentioned in the email body).
Example: “Please refer to the attached PDF for technical specifications.”
Best Use: Supporting complex information; avoids cluttering the email body.
Worst Use: Vague requests (“refer to the attached”); lacks direction if context is missing.
Tone: Neutral, instructional.
5. Please[document name].
Me attachedaning: Archaic-sounding but a polite directive to locate a file.
Definition: A formal holdover from business letter conventions.
Explanation: “Please find” mimics physical document retrieval (e.g., file folders).
Example: “Please find the signed contract attached.”
Best Use: Legal, finance, or ultra-formal industries valuing tradition.
Worst Use: Startups and creative fields may seem pompous or robotic.
Tone: Rigorously formal.
6. You’ll find [document] enclosed with this email.
Meaning: Gentle announcement that a file is included.
Definition: “Enclosed” evokes snail-mail nostalgia; less common digitally.
Explanation: Softer than “attached”; emphasizes convenience.
Example: “You’ll find the report enclosed with this email.”
Best Use: Older recipients or industries like academia/law where tradition persists.
Worst Use: Tech-forward audiences; “enclosed” feels anachronistic for email.
Tone: Polite, slightly dated.
7. The relevant documents are attached herein.
Meaning: Legalistic phrasing denoting attached materials.
Definition: “Herein” (within this email) signals self-contained completeness.
Explanation: Implies no further action is needed beyond reading.
Example: “The relevant documents are attached herein per our agreement.”
Best Use: Contracts, compliance, or formal notices requiring paper-trail precision.
Worst Use: Routine team updates; sounds overly bureaucratic.
Tone: Authoritative, legalese.
8. I’m sharing [file name] as an attachment.
Meaning: Casual, transparent statement about file delivery.
Definition: Modern phrasing focusing on the sender’s action (“sharing”).
Explanation: Feels collaborative; downplays hierarchy.
Example: “I’m sharing the presentation deck as an attachment.”
Best Use: Peer-to-peer communication; startups or creative teams.
Worst Use: Formal reports to executives may seem too relaxed.
Tone: Friendly, informal.
9. Please review the accompanying [document].
Meaning: Directs attention to a file meant to be read alongside the email.
Definition: “Accompanying” frames the attachment as complementary.
Explanation: Suggests parallel use (email + attachment).
Example: “Please review the accompanying slides for workshop details.”
Best Use: Training materials, guides, or multi-part communications.
Worst Use: Urgent requests; “accompanying” implies optional engagement.
Tone: Formal, organized.
10. The supporting documentation is attached.
Meaning: Positions attachments as evidence or backup.
Definition: Asserts the file and validates the email’s claims.
Explanation: Used when attachments prove a point (e.g., data, receipts).
Example: “The supporting documentation is attached for expense verification.”
Best Use: Audits, compliance, or data-driven proposals.
Worst Use: Subjective content (e.g., creative briefs); “documentation” feels clinical.
Tone: Factual, authoritative.
11. Attached: [file name]
Meaning: Ultra-minimalist file announcement.
Definition: Uses subject-style formatting to declare an attachment.
Explanation: Skips verbs/courtesies for efficiency; relies on visual formatting (e.g., bold or colon).
Example: Subject: Q4 Report Feedback and Body: Attached: Q4_Sales_Report.pdf
Best Use: Internal teams familiar with brief communication; email threads where context exists.
Worst Use: First-time email to clients; lacks warmth and may seem abrupt.
Tone: Neutral, efficient, modern.
12. See attachment.
Meaning: A blunt directive to locate the file.
Definition: Assumes the recipient knows why to look.
Explanation: Omits context and pleasantries—useful in time-sensitive exchanges.
Example: “Budget discrepancies addressed. See attachment.”
Best Use: Quick replies to colleagues (e.g., chat-like email chains).
Worst Use: Formal requests; feels dismissive (“See attachment” ≈ “Figure it out yourself”).
Tone: Abrupt, transactional.
13. Document attached.
Meaning: Generic confirmation of an included file.
Definition: Focuses on existence, not purpose.
Explanation: Leaves the “why” and “what next” to the email body.
Example: “Project timeline updated. Document attached.”
Best Use: When the email body already explains the attachment’s role.
Worst Use: Ambiguous contexts; fails if the type of document matters (e.g., contract vs. memo).
Tone: Informative, detached.
14. File included.
Meaning: Gentle alternative to “document attached.”
Definition: Softer phrasing with a collaborative vibe.
Explanation: “Included” subtly emphasizes the recipient’s access rather than the sender’s action.
Example: “I’ve added notes from the workshop—file included.”
Best Use: Peer collaborations or low-stakes updates.
Worst Use: High-importance deliverables (e.g., legal docs); too vague for urgency.
Tone: Casual, cooperative.
15. Attachment for review.
Meaning: Signals the file needs active engagement.
Definition: Clearly states the purpose (review) without naming the file.
Explanation: Useful when the filename is self-explanatory or mentioned nearby.
Example: “Draft press release ready. Attachment for review.”
Best Use: When the file’s intent is obvious (e.g., drafts, proposals).
Worst Use: Complex packages (e.g., multiple files); recipients won’t know which attachment to prioritize.
Tone: Action-oriented, concise.
16. [File name] attached.
Meaning: Balances brevity with specificity.
Definition: Names the file upfront for instant recognition.
Explanation: It is ideal for recipients to scan emails (e.g., “Invoice_2024.xlsx attached”).
Example: “Meeting minutes finalized. Q1_Meeting_Minutes.docx attached.”
Best Use: Any scenario where clarity > formality is universally safe.
Worst Use: If filenames are cryptic (“Document1_final_v2.pdf” → confusion).
Tone: Clear, practical.
17. Attached as requested.
Meaning: Confirms fulfillment of a prior ask.
Definition: Builds trust by acknowledging reciprocity.
Explanation: Reassures the recipient their needs are remembered.
Example: Attached as requested is the vendor contact list.
Best Use: Delivering promised items; avoiding redundant explanations.
Worst Use: Unsolicited attachments imply a request that never happened.
Tone: Reliable, responsive.
18. As attached.
Meaning: Assumes the recipient will automatically find/use the file.
Definition: Corporate shorthand for “it’s in this email.”
Explanation: Requires strong context (e.g., “Changes made to slide 12, as attached”).
Example: Updated figures are highlighted. As attached.
Best Use: Fast-paced teams with shared understanding; follow-up emails.
Worst Use: With new contacts or complex topics, it feels lazy or presumptuous.
Tone: Confident, borderline curt.
19. “Included: [file name]”
Meaning: Modern, scannable file announcement.
Definition: Mirrors bullet-point formatting for readability.
Explanation: The colon creates a visual hierarchy; it feels fresh and organized.
Example: Key deliverables this week: Client presentation deck and Budget tracker and Included: Project_Timeline.pdf
Best Use: Email summaries with multiple action items; tech/design industries.
Worst Use: Highly traditional fields (finance/law) may seem too casual.
Tone: Structured, approachable.
20. Attachment enclosed.
Meaning: Nostalgic phrasing from the physical mail era.
Definition: “Enclosed” is technically misused for email (files are attached, not enclosed).
Explanation: Persists in formal industries despite digital inaccuracy.
Example: “Per our agreement, the signed NDA attachment is enclosed.”
Best Use: Legal/administrative contexts where tradition trumps precision.
Worst Use: Tech environments; invite pedantic corrections (“Actually, it’s attached!”).
Tone: Archaic, ceremonious.
21. Your feedback on the attachment is welcome.
Meaning: An invitation for the recipient to provide their thoughts on the attached document.
Definition: This phrase encourages collaboration and input without imposing a requirement.
Explanation: Stating that feedback is “welcome” fosters an open and inclusive environment for sharing ideas.
Example: “Your feedback on the attached design mockup is welcome by Friday!”
Best Use: During brainstorming sessions or when seeking voluntary input.
Worst Use: When formal approval is needed, it may downplay the importance of the recipient’s response.
Tone: Inviting and appreciative.
22. The file you need is attached.
Meaning: Providing a file presumed necessary for the recipient.
Definition: Suggests the sender anticipates the recipient’s needs.
Explanation: Positions the sender as proactive and considerate, aiming to assist without prompting.
Example: “The file you need for the audit is attached.”
Best Use: When anticipating and addressing the recipient’s requirements without a direct request.
Worst Use: It may seem presumptuous if the recipient hasn’t indicated a need.
Tone: Confident and solution-oriented.
23. Check out the attachment.
Meaning: Inviting the recipient to view the attached file.
Definition: A casual prompt to explore the contents of the attachment.
Explanation: Encourages engagement without imposing urgency, suitable for informal contexts.
Example: “Check out the attachment—I added those design tweaks we discussed!”
Best Use: Creative collaborations or informal updates with a relaxed tone.
Worst Use: Formal communications or time-sensitive matters requiring immediate attention.
Tone: Casual and enthusiastic.
24. I’ve included [file] with this email.
Meaning: Notifying the recipient of an additional file provided for their benefit.
Definition: I suggest the attachment be supplementary and potentially helpful.
Explanation: Conveys thoughtfulness, offering extra resources without implying obligation.
Example: “I’ve included the meeting transcript with this email for context.”
Best Use: When adding supplementary materials that may aid the recipient’s understanding or tasks.
Worst Use: It may downplay the importance of critical documents requiring immediate action.
Tone: Considerate and unobtrusive.
25. The ZIP file containing documents is attached.
Meaning: Manages expectations about file quantity.
Definition: Warns recipients about multiple files bundled together.
Explanation: Prevents confusion when attachments aren’t visible individually.
Example: The ZIP file containing all project documents is attached.
Best Use: Sharing large volumes of files (e.g., project folders, image sets).
Worst Use: Single small files (overcomplicates delivery).
Tone: Organised, resourceful.
26. Attached is the PowerPoint presentation.
Meaning: Highlights visual/structured content.
Definition: Names PowerPoint to signal slides (not paragraphs).
Explanation: Sets context for presentation prep or review.
Example: Attached is the PowerPoint presentation for Tuesday’s workshop—slide 5 needs your input.
Best Use: Pitches, lectures, or visual reports.
Worst Use: Sending text-only research papers.
Tone: Professional, polished.
27. The contract is attached for your signature.
Meaning: Clear directive with purpose.
Definition: Specifies what (contract), why (signature), and how (attachment).
Explanation: Eliminates guesswork for legally sensitive documents.
Example: “The updated NDA is attached for your signature. Kindly return by Thursday.”
Best Use: Legal/financial workflows requiring signatures.
Worst Use: Collaborative drafting phases imply finality.
Tone: Formal, procedural.
28. I’ve attached the invoice for payment.
Meaning: Action-driven and transactional.
Definition: Directly links the attachment to a financial action.
Explanation: “For payment” signals the urgency and the next steps.
Example: I’ve attached Invoice #2024-05 for payment. Due date: 30 days.
Best Use: Accounts payable, vendor communications.
Worst Use: Early-stage negotiations; premature for payment requests.
Tone: Businesslike, direct.
29. Your report is included as an attachment.
Meaning: Ownership-focused delivery.
Definition: Your report implies personal responsibility/results.
Explanation: Softens delivery by emphasizing the recipient’s work.
Example: Your Q1 performance report is included as an attachment. Great work!
Best Use: Delivering personalized documents (reviews, assessments).
Worst Use: Shared team documents; confuses ownership.
Tone: Supportive, acknowledging.
30. The presentation slides are attached.
Meaning: Material-specific announcement.
Definition: Names the format (slides) for instant recognition.
Explanation: Helps recipients prioritize (e.g., “slides” = prep needed).
Example: The presentation slides are attached for tomorrow’s client pitch.
Best Use: Sharing visual materials pre-meeting.
Worst Use: Accompanying detailed reports; too vague alone.
Tone: Practical, preparatory.
31. Please find the proposal attached.
Meaning: Traditional phrasing with subtle formality.
Definition: Please find borrows from formal letter-writing conventions.
Explanation: Persists in conservative industries despite being outdated.
Example: Please find the project proposal attached. We welcome your feedback.
Best Use: Formal bids, academic contexts.
Worst Use: Startups/tech teams; sounds stiff.
Tone: Polite, old-school.
32. The spreadsheet with data is attached.
Meaning: Precision about content type.
Definition: Clarifies the file format (spreadsheet) and content (data).
Explanation: Manages expectations for number-heavy reviews.
Example: The spreadsheet with survey data is attached—key tabs: Tab 2 (Results).
Best Use: Data analysis, financial models.
Worst Use: Subjective feedback requests; oversells precision.
Tone: Analytical, detail-focused.
33. Attached is the meeting agenda.
Meaning: Inverted structure for emphasis.
Definition: Prioritizes the document (agenda) over the action.
Explanation: Flips standard syntax to highlight importance.
Example: Attached is the meeting agenda—please add discussion items by noon.
Best Use: Time-sensitive prep materials.
Worst Use: Post-meeting recaps; irrelevant timing.
Tone: Organized, anticipatory.
34. The application form is enclosed.
Meaning: Hyper-formal delivery (despite technical inaccuracy).
Definition: Uses enclosed for perceived gravitas in regulated fields.
Explanation: Common in government/legal sectors for official forms.
Example: The permit application form is enclosed. Notarization required.
Best Use: Compliance-heavy contexts (taxes, licensing).
Worst Use: Digital-native audiences invite pedantry.
Tone: Ceremonial, rigid.
35. I’ve attached the project timeline.
Meaning: Solution-oriented and future-focused.
Definition: Identifies a planning document critical for coordination.
Explanation: Implies collaborative alignment (Let’s sync on milestones).
Example: I’ve attached the project timeline—review Phase 2 dates for feasibility.
Best Use: Kickoffs, planning phases, cross-team alignment.
Worst Use: Static reports; timeline implies dynamism.
Tone: Strategic, forward-looking.
36. The budget breakdown is in the attachment.
Meaning: Transparent resource disclosure.
Definition: Breakdown signals granularity for accountability.
Explanation: Builds trust through financial visibility.
Example: The budget breakdown is attached (Tab 3: Marketing Spend).
Best Use: Financial reviews, funding requests.
Worst Use: Summary updates; “breakdown” over promises depth.
Tone: Transparent, accountable.
37. The PDF document is attached.
Meaning: Clear format announcement.
Definition: Explicitly states the file type (PDF) to set expectations about usability.
Explanation: PDFs are typically final and uneditable. Naming the format helps recipients prepare (e.g., no editing needed).
Example: The PDF document is attached—review the finalized policy changes.
Best Use: Sharing contracts, reports, or finalized designs.
Worst Use: Sending drafts needing feedback (PDFs discourage edits).
Tone: Practical, informative.
38. Please access the Excel file attached.
Meaning: Polite instruction for data-heavy files.
Definition: Access implies interaction beyond reading (e.g., filtering, calculating).
Explanation: Prepares recipients for a spreadsheet experience.
Example: “Please access the Excel file attached to update Q2 sales forecasts.”
Best Use: Datasets, financial models, or templates requiring input.
Worst Use: Static reference materials (e.g., event flyers).
Tone: Collaborative, action-oriented.
39. I’ve attached the Word document.
Meaning: Signals editability.
Definition: Names Microsoft Word, implying feedback or collaboration is welcome.
Explanation: Encourages tracked changes or comments.
Example: I’ve attached the Word document—feel free to annotate sections needing clarity.”
Best Use: Drafts, collaborative writing, or review cycles.
Worst Use: Finalized legal docs (risk of accidental edits).
Tone: Inviting, flexible.
40. The JPG images are included.
Meaning: Visual-focused sharing.
Definition: Specifies image format (JPG = common for photos/graphics).
Explanation: “Included” suggests supplementary material.
Example: The JPG images are included in the blog post—let me know if you need a higher resolution!
Best Use: Marketing assets, presentations, or visual proofs.
Worst Use: Text-heavy content (JPGs compress text poorly).
Tone: Creative, supportive.
FAQs
1. Is “Please see attached in an email” grammatically correct?
It is understandable but not the most natural phrasing. Better alternatives include:
Please see the attached file.
Please find the attachment in this email.
2. Can I write “See attached” instead of a complete sentence?
Yes, “See attached” is acceptable in informal or quick emails.
3. What if I forget to attach the file but write “Please see attached”?
Send a follow-up email apologizing and attaching the file.
4. How do I politely remind someone to check an attachment?
Example: Just a friendly reminder—the requested document is attached for your review.
5. Is it rude to say “As attached” in an email?
As mentioned in the attached file, it can sound abrupt, which is a better option.
Conclusion
The expression “Please refer to the attached in one’s email” serves this purpose as it is an unambiguous, professional, and universally accepted way to inform the addressee about the attachments in a business email. It’s plain to the point, And your message is clear and not confusing. But, depending on the tone and context of your email, you might consider more interesting choices that provide warmth or clarity.
Ultimately, the right option depends on your relationship with the recipient and the formality of the email you want to convey. Whether you opt for the traditional phrase or select a more personalized option, just so long as your addendum is there and always reflects good communication etiquette.
