Last updated: 14 August 2026
“Please find enclosed” shows up in cover letters, invoices, and formal correspondence all the time. It’s correct, it’s polite, and honestly, it sounds a little tired to most readers today.
I edit business correspondence for a living, and this phrase is one of the first things I flag in a client’s draft. Not because it’s wrong — it’s grammatically fine — but because it reads like a letter from 1985. Email attachments don’t need “enclosed” at all in most cases, and even printed letters can sound more natural with a fresher phrase.
This guide gives you 12+ solid alternatives to “please find enclosed,” grouped by tone: formal, professional, and informal. You’ll get example sentences for each one, a quick table to help you pick the right phrase fast, and a look at when “enclosed” still makes sense versus when “attached” is the better word.
What Does “Please Find Enclosed” Mean?
“Please find enclosed” is a formal phrase used to tell the reader that a document or item is included with a letter or package. It’s an imperative sentence — “find” is the verb, and the reader is the implied subject: “[You] please find [the item that is] enclosed.”
The word enclosed is the past participle of the verb enclose, meaning “placed inside something, especially an envelope or package.” Technically, “enclosed” only applies to physical mail. In emails, the correct equivalent is attached, since nothing is literally sealed inside anything.
You’ll typically see this phrase in:
- Cover letters accompanying a résumé
- Formal business letters with invoices or contracts
- Legal correspondence with signed documents
- Printed mail that includes multiple items
It’s not incorrect to use it in email, but it’s outdated there. That distinction matters more than most grammar guides admit.
Why “Please Find Enclosed” Feels Outdated
The phrase sounds stiff to modern readers because it uses an indirect, old-fashioned command structure instead of simply stating what’s attached. “Please find enclosed the invoice” makes the reader hunt for something, when a plain statement like “I’ve attached the invoice” says the same thing more directly.
I see this a lot in student cover letters. A student will write “please find enclosed my résumé” in an email, even though nothing is enclosed — it’s attached as a file. That’s a small but telling mismatch between the phrase and the medium.
Business writing has moved toward plain language over the last two decades. Style guides like the Plain English Campaign and most corporate communication manuals now recommend clear, direct phrasing over legalistic or ceremonial wording. That’s the real reason alternatives exist: not because “enclosed” is wrong, but because directness reads as more professional today.
Formal Alternatives to “Please Find Enclosed”
Formal alternatives suit official letters, legal correspondence, and printed mail where “enclosed” is still technically correct but could use a smoother tone.
1. “Enclosed is the [document] for your review.”
This drops “please find” but keeps “enclosed,” which works well for printed letters with a physical attachment.
Example: “Enclosed is the signed contract for your review.”
2. “I have enclosed [document] for your records.”
Placing the subject “I” first makes the sentence feel more active and personal than the passive “please find” structure.
Example: “I have enclosed a copy of the invoice for your records.”
3. “Kindly refer to the enclosed [document].”
This works well in formal letters where you want the reader to look at a specific section or page, not just note that something exists.
Example: “Kindly refer to the enclosed schedule for full event details.”
4. “You will find the [document] enclosed with this letter.”
A slightly longer, formal option that reads naturally in legal or governmental correspondence.
Example: “You will find the updated policy enclosed with this letter.”
Professional Alternatives for Email
Professional alternatives replace “enclosed” with “attached,” which is the technically correct word for email and matches how most workplace communication actually happens.
5. “Please see the attached [document].”
This is the most common swap in modern business email, and it’s the one I recommend most often when editing client drafts.
Example: “Please see the attached proposal for the Q3 budget.”
6. “I’ve attached [document] for your review.”
Short, direct, and active. It states exactly what the reader needs to do next.
Example: “I’ve attached the report for your review before tomorrow’s meeting.”
7. “Attached is the [document] you requested.”
This version works especially well as a reply, since it directly references something the reader already asked for.
Example: “Attached is the file you requested during our call.”
8. “The attached document includes [details].”
Use this when you want to briefly explain what’s in the file, not just confirm that it exists.
Example: “The attached document includes the revised timeline and budget breakdown.”
Informal Alternatives for Everyday Writing
Informal alternatives work in casual emails to coworkers, quick internal messages, or notes where a formal tone would feel unnecessary.
9. “Here’s the [document] I mentioned.”
This is natural, conversational, and common in day-to-day workplace messages between colleagues.
Example: “Here’s the file I mentioned earlier — let me know if it opens okay.”
10. “I’m sending over the [document] now.”
This phrase works well when you’re replying quickly or sending something as a follow-up action, not a formal delivery.
Example: “I’m sending over the notes now so you have them before lunch.”
11. “Attaching the [document] here.”
A short, fragment-style phrase that’s common in fast-paced team chats and internal emails.
Example: “Attaching the slides here — let me know if anything’s missing.”
12. “Check out the attached [document].”
Casual and friendly, this fits informal internal communication or messages to people you already know well.
Example: “Check out the attached mockup and tell me what you think.”
Quick Reference: Which Alternative Fits Which Situation?
| Situation | Best Alternative | Register |
|---|---|---|
| Printed formal letter | “Enclosed is the [document] for your review.” | Formal |
| Legal or contract correspondence | “You will find the [document] enclosed with this letter.” | Formal |
| Standard business email | “Please see the attached [document].” | Professional |
| Reply to a request | “Attached is the [document] you requested.” | Professional |
| Quick note to a coworker | “Here’s the [document] I mentioned.” | Informal |
| Internal team chat or email | “Attaching the [document] here.” | Informal |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
The most frequent error is using “please find enclosed” for an email attachment, when “attached” is the technically correct word. “Enclosed” refers to something physically sealed inside a package or envelope, so it doesn’t fit digital files.
A few other things worth watching:
- Don’t mix “enclosed” and “attached” in the same sentence. Saying “please find attached enclosed” is redundant and confusing.
- Don’t use “please find enclosed” without naming the document. “Please find enclosed” on its own reads as vague. Always follow it with what’s included: the invoice, the résumé, the report.
- Avoid overly formal phrasing in casual emails. “Kindly refer to the enclosed document” in a message to a close colleague can come across as cold or distant.
- Watch subject-verb agreement with multiple items. Write “enclosed are the documents” (plural), not “enclosed is the documents.”
Other Ways to Say Please Find Enclosed in Email
The phrase “please find enclosed” has been a standard part of business emails for decades. While it is grammatically correct, many people now consider it old-fashioned and unnecessarily formal. Modern workplace communication tends to favour simpler, more natural language that is easier to read and sounds more conversational.
Instead of using “please find enclosed,” you can choose expressions that are clear, polite, and professional. Here are some excellent alternatives:
- I’ve attached the document for your review.
- Attached is the file you requested.
- I’ve included the document below.
- Please see the attached file.
- I’ve attached the report for your reference.
- Enclosed is the requested information.
- Kindly review the attached document.
- The requested file is attached.
- I’ve included the necessary documents.
- Please refer to the attached file.
Choosing modern alternatives makes your emails sound friendlier while maintaining professionalism. The best expression depends on your relationship with the recipient and the purpose of the email.
Please Find the Attached File Different Ways to Say
Many professionals use “please find the attached file” without realising there are more natural alternatives. Since the recipient can already see the attachment, there’s no need for overly formal wording. Simple phrases communicate the same message more effectively.
Here are several alternatives you can use in different situations:
- I’ve attached the file for your review.
- Attached is the file you requested.
- Please see the attached document.
- I’ve included the file below.
- The attachment contains the information you need.
- Kindly review the attached file.
- I’ve attached the updated version.
- Please review the attached report.
- Here is the document we discussed.
- The requested file is attached for your convenience.
Using varied expressions also prevents your emails from sounding repetitive, especially if you send attachments frequently.
Please Find the Attachment Below as Requested
The phrase “please find the attachment below as requested” is commonly used when sending documents someone has specifically asked for. It confirms that you are responding to their request while directing them to the attached file.
You can also use these natural alternatives:
- As requested, I’ve attached the document.
- Attached is the file you requested.
- Here’s the document you asked for.
- I’ve included the requested attachment.
- Please see the attached file as requested.
- Attached is the information you requested.
- I’ve enclosed the requested documents.
- The requested file is attached for your review.
These alternatives sound warmer and more conversational while remaining suitable for professional communication.
Please Find Attached or Please Find the Attached
Many English learners wonder whether “please find attached” or “please find the attached” is correct. The preferred expression in modern business English is “please find attached.”
For example:
- Please find attached the invoice.
- Please find attached the completed application.
Although “please find the attached file” is grammatically correct, many professionals prefer more direct wording, such as:
- I’ve attached the file.
- Please see the attached document.
- Attached is the invoice.
- I’ve included the requested report.
These options sound smoother and are commonly used in today’s business emails.
Please Find the Attached File for Your Reference
The phrase “please find the attached file for your reference” is appropriate when you’re sharing information that the recipient may need to review, save, or consult later. It politely indicates that the attachment is intended to provide helpful information rather than requiring immediate action.
Some natural alternatives include:
- I’ve attached the file for your reference.
- Please refer to the attached document.
- The attached file contains additional information.
- I’ve included the report for your review.
- Attached is the document for future reference.
- Please review the attached information at your convenience.
- The attached file may be helpful.
- I’ve attached the supporting document for your reference.
These expressions work well in business correspondence, academic communication, and client emails.
Please Kindly Find the Attached File
The expression “please kindly find the attached file” is technically understandable but considered redundant. Both “please” and “kindly” express politeness, so using them together often sounds unnatural in modern English.
A better choice would be:
- Please find the attached file.
- Kindly find the attached file.
- Please see the attached document.
- I’ve attached the requested file.
- Kindly review the attached report.
- Please review the attached document.
- Attached is the file for your reference.
Keeping your language simple makes your message clearer and more professional.
Please Find Attached Example
Seeing examples makes it easier to understand how to use attachment phrases naturally in emails. Below are a few professional examples for different situations.
Example 1
Dear Sarah,
I’ve attached the updated proposal for your review. Please let me know if you have any questions or would like any revisions.
Best regards,
Michael
Example 2
Hello James,
Attached is the invoice for this month’s services. Please review it and let me know if everything looks correct.
Thank you.
Example 3
Hi Emma,
As requested, I’ve attached the presentation slides from today’s meeting. Feel free to contact me if you need any additional information.
Kind regards,
David
These examples demonstrate concise, professional language that is widely accepted in modern business communication.
Please Find the Attached File for Your Reference Meaning
The phrase “please find the attached file for your reference” means that the sender has included a document, report, spreadsheet, or other file to provide useful information. It does not necessarily require the recipient to take immediate action. Instead, the attachment is shared so the recipient can review it whenever needed.
For example, a manager might send company guidelines, a teacher might attach course materials, or a consultant might share a report for future use. In each case, the attachment serves as supporting information.
Although the phrase is perfectly acceptable, many professionals now prefer more natural wording, such as:
- I’ve attached the document for your reference.
- Please refer to the attached file.
- Attached is the information you may need.
- I’ve included the report for your review.
- Please see the attached document for additional details.
Using clear and straightforward language improves readability and creates a more approachable tone while maintaining professionalism.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you say “please find enclosed”?
Instead of saying “please find enclosed,” you can write “Enclosed is,” “I’ve enclosed,” or “You’ll find the enclosed document.” These alternatives sound more natural and professional while clearly directing the reader to the enclosed file or document.
What can I say instead of “please find attached”?
Modern email writing often replaces “please find attached” with phrases like “I’ve attached,” “Attached is the document,” “I’ve included the file for your review,” or “Kindly see the attached report.” These options are friendlier, concise, and widely accepted in professional communication.
What does please find it enclosed mean?
The phrase “please find it enclosed” means that the referenced document, letter, or item has been included inside the envelope or with the email. It politely informs the recipient that the enclosed material is attached for their review or use.
Is it better to say attached please find or please find attached?
“Please find attached” is the correct and commonly accepted expression. “Attached please find” sounds outdated and awkward in modern English. For a more natural tone, many professionals simply write “I’ve attached the document” or “Attached is the report.”
How do you say “enclosed” in an email?
In emails, “enclosed” is usually replaced with “attached” because files are attached rather than physically enclosed. You can say “I’ve attached the invoice,” “Please see the attached file,” or “The requested document is attached for your reference.”
How do I say “please let me know” in a professional way?
Professional alternatives include “Please let me know if you have any questions,” “I’d appreciate your feedback,” “Kindly advise,” “Please share your thoughts,” or “I look forward to your response.” These expressions sound polished, respectful, and appropriate for business communication.
Conclusion
“Please find enclosed” isn’t wrong, but it belongs mostly in printed letters, not inboxes. Use “enclosed” phrasing for physical mail, switch to “attached” phrasing for email, and match your tone to how well you know the reader.
Riaz Ahmad is the founder and writer at DefineGrammar.com, dedicated to simplifying English grammar for students and writers worldwide. With a passion for language, he breaks down complex grammar rules into clear, practical lessons, helping readers write with confidence and clarity every day.
