Please find attached | find the attached | find attached the file: Which One? (2024)

Please find attached or Please find the attached? Many people want to know the correct way of mentioning email attachments. So, let’s find out the correct way to mention email attachments.Here are different ways people write to mention email attachments.

Example #1: Please, find attached the report you asked for yesterday.

Example #2: Please, see the attached report for the budget estimate.

Example #3: Please, find the report attached.

In the examples above, there are two key components:

#1 – Position of the adjective “attached”

#2 – Use of the article “the”

Generally, an adjective is used before the noun in order to denote its attributes. For example, when you say “he’s a talented writer”, talented denotes the attribute of the noun (writer). However, in some cases, they use adjectives after nouns, e.g. “I want someone special”. When adjectives are used after nouns, they are known as “postpositive adjectives”. In modern business communications, the use of postpositive adjectives is rare. In fact, they are used to invoke a particular emotion. For example, “there are places unexplored”.

Therefore, some grammar purists wouldn’t approve of the following usage:

Please, find the report attached. (attached is a postpositive adjective here)

The other important point is the use of the article “the” in the examples above. As you already know, the article “the” is usually used to specify an object. Look at the two examples below:

#1 – I saw a cool bike yesterday.

Find the Attached vs See the Attached

Some people believe it should be “see the attached…” instead of “find the attached…” as using “find” might mean “to search for” in email communications. The notion is actually debatable since the word “Find” has several meanings. However, if you want to be safer, you can go with Example #2: “Please, see the attached report for budget estimate”. In this example, the use of article “the” is appropriate and the attached is used as an attributive adjective. In other words, it’s the most acceptable format of mentioning email attachments.

Variations of Example #2:

✅ Please, find the attached file for a better understanding.

✅ Please, find the attached file as per your request.

✅ Please, find the attached file you asked for.

✅ Please, find the attached file relevant to the case.

Some more examples:

Please find the attached file for your review

Please find the attached file for your request

Please find the attached file you requested

Please Find Attached vs Please Find Enclosed

Many people wonder if using the word “enclosed instead of “attached” would denote a more formal tone. But there’s nothing like that. “Enclosed” is used for physical mails whereas “attached” is appropriate for emails.

Alternatives to “Please Find Attached”

The attached diagram shows . . .
The attached spreadsheet contains . . .
When you review the attached proposal, you will notice . . .
As promised, I have attached a revised . . .
Please let me know if the attached draft . . .
Here is . . .
Enclosed are . . .
Attached is . . .
We have enclosed . . .
I have attached . . .
The attached proposal includes . . .
The enclosed document shows . . .
Please see attached…
Please review the attached diagram . . .
The attached spreadsheet covers . . .
Please use the enclosed envelope to . . .

So, remember the following rules for email attachments:

✅ “Please, find the attached file,” is more common in modern business communications. However, it’s NOT the only acceptable format.

✅ Always add context to the above format. For example, say “Please, find the attached file you requested yesterday.”

✅ When you don’t want to specify any particular file, avoid using “the”. You can simply write, “Please, find attached.” or its abbreviated form: PFA.

✅ “Attached” is the correct word for electronic communications. Enclosed is used for physical mails where envelopes are used. Don’t get confused.

✅ “Find” has more than one meaning. It doesn’t really mean you’re asking the recipient to search for something that is lost.

The rules of the English language are so complex that we often find many common errors in uncommon places. The problem is often compounded for the non-native English speakers who usually learn the language by assuming many things to be correct. Therefore, we see many people resorting to wrong usages in their everyday interactions.

Hopefully, you’ll find this guide useful.