In the realm of professional communication, the phrase “please see attached” has become a staple. However, its overuse can make your email or letter sound robotic and impersonal. This article will explore 30 creative and effective alternatives to breathe new life into your correspondence. We’ll delve into the best use case for each option, providing you with a toolkit to enhance your communication skills and ensure your recipient’s attention is drawn to those crucial attached documents.
Is it professional to say “Please See Attached”?
Yes! While “Please see attached” is commonly used, it’s not the most professional or engaging way to refer to attachments in business communication. This phrase can come across as abrupt and impersonal. Instead, it’s more effective to provide context about the attachment, explain its relevance, and use more specific language that guides the recipient’s attention to the important attached documents.
Here are 30 ways to say “Please see attached” professionally
- “I’ve included the [document name] for your review.”
- “For your convenience, I’ve attached [document name].”
- “Please find the [document name] attached to this email.”
- “I’ve enclosed [document name] for your reference.”
- “The attached [document name] contains [specific information].”
- “I’m sharing [document name] with you in this email.”
- “The [document name] is attached for your perusal.”
- “I’ve provided [document name] as an attachment.”
- “You’ll find [document name] attached to this message.”
- “The attached [document name] offers more details on [topic].”
- “For a more comprehensive overview, please refer to the attached [document name].”
- “I’ve taken the liberty of attaching [document name] for your consideration.”
- “The [document name] is included as an attachment to supplement our discussion.”
- “To give you a better picture, I’ve attached [document name].”
- “For your records, I’ve attached [document name].”
- “I’ve appended [document name] to this message for your review.”
- “You’ll discover [document name] attached, which outlines [specific information].”
- “To facilitate our discussion, I’ve attached [document name].”
- “For a visual representation, please see the attached [document name].”
- “I’m forwarding [document name] as an attachment to this email.”
- “The supporting documentation is attached for your reference.”
- “I’ve included [document name] in this email for your consideration.”
- “The [document name] is attached herewith for your perusal.”
- “I’ve added [document name] to this email for your information.”
- “Please find [document name] accompanying this message.”
- “For your ease of reference, I’ve attached [document name].”
- “The [document name] is included as an attachment to aid your understanding.”
- “I’ve incorporated [document name] into this email for a more comprehensive view.”
- “To illustrate my point, I’ve attached [document name].”
- “For a deep dive into the topic, please refer to the attached [document name].”
1. “I’ve included the [document name] for your review.”
This straightforward approach is perfect when you want to be clear and direct. It’s crucial to direct the recipient’s focus to the specific document you’ve attached.
Scenario: Imagine you’re sending a project proposal to a potential client. You might write:
“Hi Sarah,
I’ve included the project proposal for your review. It outlines our approach to revamping your website and includes a detailed timeline.”
This phrasing immediately tells Sarah what to expect and why it’s important.
2. “For your convenience, I’ve attached [document name].”
This option emphasizes that you’re being helpful, which can foster goodwill in courteous communication.
Scenario: You’re following up after a job interview:
“Dear Mr. Thompson,
For your convenience, I’ve attached my updated resume and portfolio. These documents showcase my recent projects that align closely with the position we discussed.”
3. “Please find the [document name] attached to this email.”
While this is a more traditional phrase, it still works well in formal settings. It’s clear and polite, maintaining a formal tone without sounding too stiff.
Scenario: You’re submitting a report to your supervisor:
“Hello Dr. Chen,
Please find the quarterly sales report attached to this email. It contains a comprehensive analysis of our performance over the past three months.”
4. “I’ve enclosed [document name] for your reference.”
This phrase works well when you’re providing supplementary information that may not require immediate action but is still valuable.
Scenario: You’re providing background information to a new team member:
“Welcome aboard, Alex!
I’ve enclosed our team’s standard operating procedures for your reference. This document will help you understand our workflow and processes.”
5. “The attached [document name] contains [specific information].”
This approach is excellent for enhancing understanding by immediately explaining what the recipient will find in the attachment.
Scenario: You’re sharing research findings with your team:
“Team,
The attached report contains our latest market research findings. You’ll find detailed information on consumer trends and competitor analysis that will inform our next product launch.”
6. “I’m sharing [document name] with you in this email.”
This casual yet professional phrase works well for internal communications or with clients you have a good rapport with.
Scenario: You’re updating a colleague on a joint project:
“Hey Jamie,
I’m sharing our updated project timeline with you in this email. I’ve made some adjustments based on our discussion yesterday.”
7. “The [document name] is attached for your perusal.”
This slightly formal phrasing is suitable for professional communication with superiors or in very formal business contexts.
Scenario: You’re submitting a proposal to a government agency:
“Dear Ms. Rodriguez,
The grant proposal is attached for your perusal. It outlines our organization’s plan to implement a city-wide recycling program.”
8. “I’ve provided [document name] as an attachment.”
This clear and straightforward phrase leaves no room for confusion about where to find the document.
Scenario: You’re sending important paperwork to a new hire:
“Hello Priya,
I’ve provided the new employee handbook as an attachment. Please review it before your first day next week.”
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9. “You’ll find [document name] attached to this message.”
This friendly yet professional phrase works well in most business contexts.
Scenario: You’re sharing a presentation with a client:
“Hi Carlos,
You’ll find our product showcase presentation attached to this message. It highlights the features we discussed in our meeting last week.”
10. “The attached [document name] offers more details on [topic].”
This phrasing is great when you want to provide context for why you’re sending an attachment.
Scenario: You’re following up after a sales call:
“Dear Ms. Patel,
The attached brochure offers more details on our software’s security features. I thought this might be helpful given your concerns about data protection.”
11. “For a more comprehensive overview, please refer to the attached [document name].”
This option works well when you’ve provided some information in the body of your email but are directing the recipient to the attachment for more detailed information.
Scenario: You’re explaining a new company policy:
“Team,
We’re implementing a new flexible work policy starting next month. For a more comprehensive overview, please refer to the attached policy document. It covers eligibility, scheduling, and communication expectations.”
12. “I’ve taken the liberty of attaching [document name] for your consideration.”
This polite phrasing works well when you’re providing additional, potentially helpful information that wasn’t explicitly requested.
Scenario: You’re following up after a job interview:
“Dear Mr. Yamamoto,
Thank you for the opportunity to interview for the marketing manager position. I’ve taken the liberty of attaching a brief proposal outlining my ideas for your upcoming campaign. I hope you find it useful in your decision-making process.”
13. “The [document name] is included as an attachment to supplement our discussion.”
This phrasing is excellent for enhancing understanding by connecting the attachment to a previous conversation.
Scenario: You’re following up after a client meeting:
“Hello Dr. Nguyen,
As promised during our call, the research paper on emerging renewable energy technologies is included as an attachment to supplement our discussion. It provides in-depth analysis of the trends we touched upon.”
14. “To give you a better picture, I’ve attached [document name].”
This friendly, helpful tone works well for both internal and external communications.
Scenario: You’re explaining a complex concept to a colleague:
“Hi Raj,
To give you a better picture of how the new CRM system works, I’ve attached a flowchart. It visually breaks down the customer journey from initial contact to post-sale follow-up.”
15. “For your records, I’ve attached [document name].”
This phrasing is useful when sending documents that the recipient might need to keep for future reference.
Scenario: You’re sending a receipt to a client:
“Dear Ms. O’Brien,
Thank you for your recent purchase. For your records, I’ve attached the receipt and warranty information for your new laptop.”
16. “I’ve appended [document name] to this message for your review.”
This slightly formal phrasing adds a touch of sophistication to your professional communication.
Scenario: You’re sending a legal document to a client:
“Dear Ms. Lawson,
I’ve appended the revised contract to this message for your review. The changes we discussed in our last meeting are highlighted in yellow.”
17. “You’ll discover [document name] attached, which outlines [specific information].”
This phrasing creates a sense of discovery, potentially piquing the recipient’s interest in the attachment.
Scenario: You’re sharing a new marketing strategy with your team:
“Team,
You’ll discover our Q4 marketing strategy attached, which outlines our approach to the upcoming holiday season. Pay special attention to the section on social media campaigns.”
18. “To facilitate our discussion, I’ve attached [document name].”
This option works well when the attachment is meant to support an upcoming meeting or conversation.
Scenario: You’re preparing for a project kickoff meeting:
“Hi Alex,
To facilitate our discussion in tomorrow’s kickoff meeting, I’ve attached the project brief. It contains the key objectives and deliverables we’ll be reviewing.”
19. “For a visual representation, please see the attached [document name].”
This phrase is particularly useful when sending diagrams, charts, or other visual aids.
Scenario: You’re explaining a complex process to a colleague:
“Hey Sam,
For a visual representation of our new product development cycle, please see the attached flowchart. It breaks down each stage from ideation to market launch.”
20. “I’m forwarding [document name] as an attachment to this email.”
This phrasing works well when you’re passing along information from another source.
Scenario: You’re sharing information from a conference with your team:
“Team,
I’m forwarding the presentation slides from yesterday’s industry conference as an attachment to this email. The speaker’s insights on AI in marketing were particularly relevant to our upcoming campaign.”
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21. “The supporting documentation is attached for your reference.”
This formal phrase is suitable for situations where you’re providing evidence or backup for claims made in your email.
Scenario: You’re responding to an audit request:
“Dear Mr. Johnson,
As per your request, the supporting documentation for our Q2 expenses is attached for your reference. You’ll find itemized receipts for all transactions over $500.”
22. “I’ve included [document name] in this email for your consideration.”
This polite phrasing suggests that you value the recipient’s opinion on the attached material.
Scenario: You’re proposing a new initiative to your boss:
“Hello Dr. Martinez,
I’ve included a proposal for a company-wide sustainability program in this email for your consideration. I believe it aligns well with our corporate values and could significantly reduce our environmental impact.”
23. “The [document name] is attached herewith for your perusal.”
This formal phrasing is suitable for very official or legal communications.
Scenario: You’re submitting a report to a government agency:
“Dear Sir/Madam,
The environmental impact assessment report is attached herewith for your perusal. It contains comprehensive data on the proposed construction project’s potential effects on local ecosystems.”
24. “I’ve added [document name] to this email for your information.”
This straightforward phrase works well when you’re providing detailed information that doesn’t require immediate action.
Scenario: You’re updating your team on industry trends:
“Team,
I’ve added our latest market analysis report to this email for your information. It provides valuable insights into emerging trends that could inform our strategy in the coming months.”
25. “Please find [document name] accompanying this message.”
This polite, formal phrasing is suitable for professional communication in most business contexts.
Scenario: You’re sending a proposal to a potential client:
“Dear Ms. Tanaka,
Please find our comprehensive service proposal accompanying this message. It details how our consulting firm can help streamline your supply chain operations.”
26. “For your ease of reference, I’ve attached [document name].”
This phrase emphasizes that you’re trying to make things convenient for the recipient, which can be appreciated in busy professional settings.
Scenario: You’re providing information to a new team member:
“Welcome aboard, Raj!
For your ease of reference, I’ve attached our department’s organizational chart and contact list. This should help you navigate your first few weeks with us.”
27. “The [document name] is included as an attachment to aid your understanding.”
This phrasing is excellent for situations where the attachment provides crucial context or explanation.
Scenario: You’re explaining a new company policy:
“Dear colleagues,
The new remote work policy guidelines are included as an attachment to aid your understanding of our updated procedures. Please pay special attention to the sections on communication protocols and data security.”
28. “I’ve incorporated [document name] into this email for a more comprehensive view.”
This phrase suggests that the attachment provides a broader perspective on the topic at hand.
Scenario: You’re discussing project progress with a client:
“Hello Mrs. Patel,
I’ve incorporated our latest project status report into this email for a more comprehensive view of our progress. You’ll find detailed updates on each milestone, including those completed ahead of schedule.”
29. “To illustrate my point, I’ve attached [document name].”
This phrasing works well when the attachment serves as evidence or example for claims made in your email.
Scenario: You’re pitching a new idea to your team:
“Team,
To illustrate my point about the potential of AR in retail, I’ve attached a case study of successful implementations in the fashion industry. The results are quite compelling.”
30. “For a deep dive into the topic, please refer to the attached [document name].”
This phrase is useful when you’ve given a brief overview in the email but are providing more detailed information in the attachment.
Scenario: You’re responding to a colleague’s query about a complex issue:
“Hi Carlos,
I’ve outlined the basics of our new data privacy policy in this email. For a deep dive into the topic, please refer to the attached comprehensive guide. It covers all aspects, including international compliance and user rights.”
The Importance of Context
When choosing how to refer to your attachment, consider the context of your communication. Is this a formal proposal to a potential client, or a casual update to a long-time colleague? The level of formality in your relationship with the recipient should guide your choice of phrasing.
For instance, “I’ve taken the liberty of attaching…” might be too formal for daily interactions with your team, but perfect for reaching out to a new business contact.
Guiding the Recipient
It’s crucial to direct your recipient’s attention not just to the fact that there’s an attachment, but to what they should do with it. Are you looking for feedback? Do you need them to sign something? Or is it just for their information?
Consider adding a sentence like:
“I’d appreciate your feedback on the attached report by Friday.”
or
“Please review and sign the attached contract at your earliest convenience.”
This guidance helps set clear expectations and can improve response times.
Enhancing Clarity
When dealing with multiple attachments, clarity becomes even more critical. Instead of a vague “Please see attached,” consider listing out the documents:
“I’ve attached three documents for your review:
- The project proposal
- Our company portfolio
- A breakdown of estimated costs”
This approach leaves no room for confusion and helps the recipient quickly understand what they’re receiving.
The Power of Previews
To further enhance understanding, consider providing a brief preview of key points from your attachment in the body of your email. This can pique the recipient’s interest and provide context for the attached document.
For example:
“The attached report highlights three key findings from our market research:
- A 15% increase in demand for sustainable products
- Growing preference for online shopping among 18-34 year old
- Emergence of voice-activated shopping as a significant trend
For a detailed breakdown of these trends and their implications for our business, please review the full report.”
Timing and Follow-up
When you send an email with attachments, especially large files or numerous documents, it’s good practice to give the recipient some time to review before following up. However, if the matter is urgent, make sure to clearly state this in your email along with any specific deadlines.
A gentle follow-up if you haven’t heard back could look like this:
“Hi Alex,
I hope you’ve had a chance to look at the project proposal I sent last week. I’m looking forward to your thoughts, especially on the timeline outlined on page 5. Please let me know if you need any clarification or additional information.”
Technical Considerations
In our digital age, it’s easy to assume that all attached files will seamlessly reach their destination. However, technical issues can sometimes interfere. Here are a few tips to ensure smooth delivery:
- Mention the file format: “I’ve attached the report in PDF format for easy viewing.”
- Consider file size: Large attachments might be blocked by email servers. In such cases, you might say, “Due to the large file size, I’ve shared the video presentation via our secure file-sharing platform. You’ll find the access link below.”
- Confirm receipt: For crucial documents, you might add, “Could you please confirm that you’re able to open and view the attached files?”
Adapting to Different Communication Channels
While we’ve focused primarily on email communication, these principles can be adapted for other channels. In a formal letter, you might write, “Enclosed, please find…” In a messaging app, a more casual “I’m sending you a file with…” might be appropriate.
The key is to maintain clarity and professionalism while adapting to the norms of each communication channel.
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Conclusion
Mastering the art of referring to attachments is a small but significant part of professional communication. By varying your language, providing context, and guiding your recipient, you can ensure that your attached documents receive the attention they deserve.
Remember, the goal is not just to inform the recipient that a document is attached, but to enhance understanding of why it’s important and what action, if any, is required. Whether you’re sending a crucial business proposal or sharing information with your team, these techniques will help you communicate more effectively.
As with all aspects of professional writing, practice and awareness are key. Pay attention to how others in your industry refer to attachments, and don’t be afraid to adapt these phrases to suit your personal style and company culture.
By thoughtfully incorporating these strategies into your email or letter writing, you’ll not only draw your recipient’s attention to important attachments but also showcase your communication skills. In the world of business, where every interaction counts, these small touches can make a big difference in how your message is received and acted upon. Certainly! Let’s continue our exploration of professional ways to refer to attachments, starting from number 16.
Melissa Davis is a seasoned writer with expertise in grammar and language. She is dedicated to helping readers improve their writing skills and understanding of English grammar.