Common English Errors

Grammar, Marked Up

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9 minutes

Please Find Attached: The Grammar Rule (Answered for 100+ Readers)

Susanta

answered 100+ reader questions on this exact phrase since 2014

Please find the report attached works, but please find the attached report is the safer, more common choice in modern business email. The difference is where the word “attached” sits relative to the noun — covered in full below.

The Rule

Where “attached” sits matters

An adjective like attached almost always sits before the noun it describes — “the attached report,” not “the report attached.” Put it after the noun and it becomes what grammarians call a postpositive adjective, which reads as stiff or archaic in everyday business writing.

✕
Please, find the report attached.
grammatically valid, but postpositive — sounds formal, dated
✓
Please, find the attached report.
attached sits before the noun — natural, modern phrasing
✓
Please, find attached the report you asked for.
“the” is earned by the added context — also correct

in practice

Email templates for common scenarios

The rule above, applied to the emails you actually write.

sending a report
Hi Maya, Please, find the attached report for your review. Let me know if you have any questions. Regards, Susanta

job application
Dear Ms. Carter, I’m writing to apply for the marketing role. Please, find my resume and cover letter attached for your reference. Sincerely, Susanta

also said as

Alternatives to “please find attached”

Attached is . . .
I’ve attached . . .
Kindly find attached . . .
Please see attached . . .
Enclosed are . . .
Attached for your review . . .
I’m sharing . . .
You’ll find the attachment below

the anatomy

Why “Find the Attached Report” Sounds Off — and “Find the Report Attached” Doesn’t

Every version of this phrase comes down to two small grammar decisions: where “attached” sits, and whether you need “the.” Get both right, and any sentence on this topic falls into place.

Decision 1 — Where does “attached” go?

In English, an adjective almost always sits before the noun it’s describing — a talented writer, a busy week, the attached report. Put it after the noun instead, and it becomes what grammarians call a postpositive adjective — grammatically valid, but it reads as stiff, even old-fashioned, in everyday business writing. (“There are places unexplored” is postpositive too — fine in literary writing, out of place in a work email.)

✕
Please, find the report attached.
valid, but postpositive — sounds formal, dated
✓
Please, find the attached report.
attached sits before the noun — natural, modern

Decision 2 — Do you need “the”?

“The” specifies a particular thing the reader already has in mind. Compare:

→ I saw a cool bike yesterday.

→I saw the cool bike again today.
(now it’s a specific bike — the one from yesterday)

Apply that to attachments: if the reader already knows which file you mean — because they asked for it, or you mentioned it earlier — “the” belongs there. If there’s no shared context yet, drop it.

The Bike Test
If you can swap in “the report” for “the bike” and the sentence still makes sense on its own, “the” is earned. “Please find attached the report you asked for yesterday” passes — you asked for yesterday gives “the” something to point to.

Putting both decisions together

✓
Please, find attached the report you asked for yesterday.
“the” is earned by the added context
✓
Please, see the attached report for the budget estimate.
“the” is earned; attached sits before the noun
✕
Please, find the report attached.
postpositive — valid, but the more formal of the two

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 the file you have requested

Please find the attached file for your reference

Please find attached file for your kind reference

Please find the attached file for your approval

Please find the attached file and let me know

Please find the attached file for my resume

Please see the attached file for my resume (informal)

Please see the attached file for details (informal)

Please see the attached file for your perusal (informal)

Please refer to the attached file for your perusal

Please refer to the attached file for your kind perusal

Please find the attached quotation for your perusal

Please find the attached invoice for your payment

Please find the attached file in this email

Please find the attached file herewith

Please find the attached document for your review

Please find the attached document for your records

Please find the attached documents for your signature

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.

100 responses

  1. Per

    Period or exclamation mark after “Please find…”?

    1. Susanta Sahoo

      You should use ! (exclamation) after “Please find…”

      1. Jay-ar

        Is it incorrect? Please find attached document file for the polo madrid requirements requested.

        1. Gsvv

          Please find the attached requirements for the Polo Madrid as you requested.

          1. Zaid Almas Khan

            See the below image for your reference

  2. Yousif Ali

    I need to write an email saying , Owner presented to us new shops are under construction so I want to send to the Retail Department if they are willing to rent these new shops under construction for new branch

  3. Anna

    Hi, is there any chance that one of the sentences above is missing ‘the’?
    The sentence: Please find attached file for your kind reference
    Thank you in advance for your feedback.
    With kind regards, Anna

    1. Susanta Kumar Sahoo

      Hey Anna,

      Thanks for stopping by!

      I think it should be: Please, find the attached file for your kind reference!

      So, yes, the article is missing in your given sentence.

      Hope this helps.

      Cheers,

  4. zaphand

    how about “Herein attached catalogues for your reference? is it ok or informal?

    1. Susanta Sahoo

      I’d prefer herewith to wherein. Moreover, I’d place it after next to “Attached” since it’s an adverb. So, essentially, I’d write, “Attached herewith the catalogues for your reference!”.

  5. Lim chee heng

    ” Please find attached revised document ” is correct ?

    1. Susanta Sahoo

      “Please, find attached the revised document!” or “I have attached the revised document for your feedback/review/consideration!”

  6. menete

    My apology for the last document i sent to you that is a old version.

    But kindly find the document attached as requested this is the updated one. (is this correct?)

    1. Susanta Sahoo

      I’d rephrase your sentence as follows:

      My apologies for sending you the old version of document earlier. Kindly, find the attached file for the most recent (or updated) version of the document!

    2. ADO

      Is it correct to write:
      1) Please find attached the file as your request.

      1. Susanta Sahoo

        find the attached file…

  7. Laura

    Hello! Thank you very much for your article, it is very well explained. However, I guess I have always made mistakes in my emails. Could you please help me assess the following sentences? I have written my opinion in parentheses. Sentences 1 & 2 are replies to an email asking for the report.

    1. Please find attached the Valuation report. (incorrect)
    2. Please find the Valuation report attached. (correct)
    3. Please find the Valuation report we have carried out this week attached. (incorrect)
    4. Please find attached the Valuation report we have carried out this week. (correct)

    1. Susanta Sahoo

      Hello Laura,

      I’m glad you find this useful. Here is what I think of the sentences.

      1. The sentence is not wrong by itself but it sounds incomplete since you have added “the” before “Valuation report”. We can rephrase the sentence as “Please, find attached the valuation report you asked for!”

      2. The is acceptable; however, “attached” is not an “attributive adjective” but a “postpositive adjective” here. Therefore, some people may find the tone a bit too formal for business communications.

      3. I agree with you – this sentence is incorrect.

      4. This is correct. However, I think you should put a comma after “Please” and use an exclamation (!) instead of a full stop (.) in your sentence. Moreover, I wonder if you should use a capital letter (Valuation) unless you’re talking about a proper noun. Likewise, “carry out a report” doesn’t sound correct to me. I think the phrasal verb “carry out” collocates more with assessment, inquiry, experiment, inspection, investigation, research, review, study, survey etc.

      Please, let me know what you think!

  8. hemal vadgama

    here i am sending attached file of my bank details for verification purpose

    1. Susanta Sahoo

      Here, I’m sending an attached file of my bank details for verification purposes.

  9. Soma

    I would like to forward email communication to the students about education loan. Please see whether the following words are correct: Dear students, xxxx Bank would like to offer education loan to the students. please find here under an email received from xxxBank. Students who would like to avail education loan may approach the bank directly. Details are given in the attached sheet. Please advise.

    1. Susanta Sahoo

      Dear students,

      xxxx Bank would like to offer education loans to students.

      Please, find below an email received from xxx Bank!

      Students interested in availing education loans may approach the bank directly. Details are given in the attached sheet.

  10. EMEE LOU SENTINA

    Please see the attached file for your perusal for RUD of PHILUSA.
    May i ask if this is correct.

    1. Susanta Sahoo

      Please, see the attached file for your perusal (for RUD of PHILUSA)!

      I’m not sure what you mean by “for RUD of PHILUSA”. However, if you need to use a phrase after perusal, you should use “of”. For example, “Please, see the attached file for your perusal of the situation.” Ref: Perusal Sentence Examples

      Moreover, using pdunctutuations is one of the best practices in formal writing. Therefore, you should use a comma after “Please”. Likewise, you should use an “Exclamation mark” at the end of your request.

      Hope this helps!

  11. Nora

    please is Attached the copy of my resume correct?

    1. Susanta Sahoo

      If you’re starting your sentence with “Attached”, use “is” after it. So, your sentence should read as follows: “Attached is the copy of my resume…”.

      However, it sounds rather formal for business communications. You could choose an alternative (from the list in the article above) that is less formal.

      Hope this helps!

  12. Ruby

    Please, find the attached delivery associates report.

    1. Susanta Sahoo

      Please, find the attached delivery associates report (for your perusal)!

  13. Andrew

    Please find? Was the attachment lost??

  14. Cheryl

    Documents are as attached or documents as attached?

    1. Susanta Sahoo

      Check out this guide for your answer.

  15. Ruru

    Dear Mr .X,

    As we have successfully completed the training conducted on xxx , please find the attached file with scan copies of Ms.X and mine certificates which we acquired after comletion of the course , for your record .

    Kind regards

    Is this correct ?it has to be a formal e-mail to my boss

    1. Susanta Sahoo

      Here’s the edited version:

      As we have successfully completed the training conducted on xxx, please, find the attached file containing scanned copies of certificates of Ms.X and mine which we acquired after completion of the course, for your record!

      However, this is very long sentence which could be simplified in the following manner:

      For your kind perusal, I have attached scanned copies of my certificates and those of Ms.X, which we acquired after the successful completion of our training course conducted earlier this month.

  16. Umar Sakwaya

    Attached are the photocopies of my particular for further reference ( correct) or I have attached the particular for your reference

    1. Susanta Sahoo

      I have attached the photocopies of my particulars for your further reference.

      Just so you know, it should be “particulars”.

  17. Shezaad

    Is below messages are correct ?

    Please find the attached document for your reference.

    Please see the attached and give me the feed back. or Please check and confirm us in return.

    1. Susanta Sahoo

      Please, find the attached document for your reference!

      Yes, the above sentence is correct. Mind the comma after “Please” and exclamation mark after “reference”.

      Please, see the attached and give me your feedback! Or Please, check the attached and confirm it by return!

      Note: Confirm it by return (not in return), your feedback (not the feedback)

      Hope this helps!

  18. VIJESH SHIPAI

    PLEASE, FIND WEAK BIRDS REPORT IN THE ATTACHED FILE.

  19. Haris

    Dear Sir,
    please find the attached file regarding daily sales report?
    or please see the attached file of daily sales report?

  20. Harischandra

    herewith attached the filled 2019 work programme for your kind consideration. is it correct?

  21. Basheer

    We have received the attached P003 – Specifications and Guidelines from HPD with CD. Please collect it from our office. This is for your information and record.

    above sentence is correct?

  22. Aj

    Dear Mr. Abdul Ateeq

    Please find the attached bus driver and pickup driver incentive bonus for the month of March,2019.

    Thanks & Regards,

    1. Dharmendra kumar

      Dear sir/Mam

      Please find attached below the mention my Regulations letter and medical certificate fulfilled by doctor,

  23. Sammy

    Please find below the attendance report for 04-08-19.

    Please find the attached POBC report.

    Kindly refer the attached file which you have requested..

    Please find below the list of cab users.

    Is correct??

    1. Susanta Sahoo

      Yes, they are right. You might want to use punctuate your sentences though. For example, use a comma after “Please” and “Kindly”.

  24. Mike

    Can we write “please find the last report as attachment”?

  25. maham

    please find the attached file about xyz, deadline, 20-02-2019.
    is this correct?
    please write me an official email to my manager about sending him email with attachment,

  26. Maham Mirza

    hello,
    please write me an official email to my country director about email with attachment.

  27. Matt

    How about
    “Please refer to attachments for your request.”

    1. Susanta Sahoo

      Yes, that is correct too.

  28. Voravalan Kojiw

    Please find attached the reply to signed quotation.

    correct or incorrect please help

    1. Susanta Sahoo

      I’m afraid it’s not making sense to me.

  29. Ashokb

    How to send RFQ in the attachment?

  30. Rezoo

    please, find the following attachment document for xxx countey.

  31. Mila Escarez

    Thank you for the interest in our product.

    Please, see the attached quotation for your perusal.

    I’ll look forward to your positive response.

    Thank you

    Is this correct?? thanks

    1. Susanta Sahoo

      Yes, that’s correct! You just need to put exclamation marks instead of full stops.

  32. Maisha

    Attached herewith the draft of my introduction you requested for.

    Please, let me know if any modification is required regarding the information provided in the attachment.

    Regards,
    X

    1. Susanta Sahoo

      Attached herewith is the draft of the introduction you requested.

  33. samir sayer

    Dear Sir,

    My apologies for the delayed response,
    please, find the attached file regarding of Mr.Humayun reference documents.

    regards
    is it correct or missing something?

    1. Susanta Sahoo

      No worries!

      Please, find the attached file containing Mr. Humayun’s reference documents!

  34. Ejaz

    Which one correct,

    Test report are attached or test report have attached with this inspection

    1. Susanta Sahoo

      “Test reports are attached” would be correct.

  35. John Doe

    please, see the attached Bread co./Milk co. related files.
    or
    please, see attached the Bread co./Milk co. related files.

    Thanks for your help

    1. Susanta Sahoo

      Please, see the attached files related to Bread co./Milk co.!

  36. amit kumar srivastava

    Nice One!

  37. rayne

    Hi, kindly check po

    Please find attached list of consolidated adjustment for your review and further action

    1. Susanta Sahoo

      Please, find the attached list of consolidated adjustments for your review and further action!

  38. abdullah

    My job is conducting a survey for properties to improve safety in facilities.
    I usually type a report that includes some requirements that have to be implemented during a specific time scale.

    How can I send a formal email to my clients to start implementing my observations that I found during tours?

    1. Susanta Sahoo

      Please, contact us!

  39. Rana

    please correct me on below, Thanks

    Dear Sir,

    Good Morning,

    I’ve attached the updated daily work carried report on Mar 25th (for your perusal)!

    1. Susanta Sahoo

      Yes, this looks fine to me.

  40. Khushi Jain

    how to write in email, we are sending attaching through separate emails.

  41. Anjelo

    Hi.

    Dear Sir,

    Please find attached Company Letter for your kind information and further process.

    1. Susanta Sahoo

      Please, find the attached company letter for your kind information and further process!

      1. kamran

        Kindly find the attached details which you have requested , for your review.

        is this correct ??

  42. N

    Please find the attached last year account statement kindly check it

  43. Munna

    Hi, can you check the below here I’m sending a Letter with some attachments

    “Please find attached letter regarding xxxx

    Encl as below .

    1
    2
    3

    Kindly acknowledge above letter

    Regards ,”

    Could you please correct for me that above thanks

  44. Bruno

    Hello,
    would you wind, please, checking the sentence below in regard to a Thai school English Teacher application ?

    Please find attached my 3 years College, ESL, TESOL certificates and a video.
    This is a video to introduce myself.

    Thank you for your kindly support.

  45. neha

    Hi,
    I want you to please write me an email to my boss that i have created mail account for all the employees and find the attachment for your reference .

  46. J

    I would not use the acronym “PFA” because the recipient may not know what it means.

  47. heyitsme

    Please check

    Attached are the scanned copies of docs that you have requested

  48. Went

    Please check and rephrase

    Please see attached scanned copies of Jan 201o Sales Invoice and Bill of Went Corp. you requested.

    Reply

  49. Md. Sowkat Hossain

    Dear Sir,

    Attached herewith we issued the Explanation Letter copy to Md. Mizanur Rahman, Designation: Head of Accounts, PWKL

    For your kind information only, please.

    is it ok sent to via mail for draft

  50. Mashal

    Dear xxxx

    I hope you are staying safe and healthy,

    Attached is xxxxxx Name list, Please find it for your kind reference.

    Best Regards,
    ist correct? i think its very short and simple, would you please help me in this ?

  51. Romelyn

    Please find the attached advance copy of DOAS for OP’s approval .

    Reply

  52. San

    Hereby, I inform you that the certificates i said was in process of being renewed. Now it’s in my hands.
    Kindly please find attached my updated certificates.

  53. yaku

    Please, find the attached scanned copies of transcipt of records and diploma for your review!  Thank you for your time and consideration. Is this formal and correct?

  54. ANDREW WILCOCK

    Your information does not tell me how to send an attachment, which is what i asked for!

  55. Jay-ar

    Please correct me?
    Please, find attached documents containing scanned coppies as per required to the POLO Madrid requirements Authentication!

  56. Teresa Gurulee

    Attached is the invoice for the July 2020 refund Supplier/UST report.

  57. Francis

    Kindly find attached INV# 2470 for Orraj share of wheat straw INV# 631.

    is this correct way to email ??

  58. Ashok

    I have attached in Assembly line production plan for week number: 44. For your reference.

    1. Nathirah

      “Attached revise report for your perusal” or “attached revised report for your perusal” .

      “Attached revised draft report for confirmation” or ” attached revise draft report for your confirmation”

  59. Lola Bunny

    With reference to the subject above, please find attached of “Letter, Schedule & Report Form” for your kind information to the students who undertake attachment programme with the Chambers.

    Is that correct for formal email?

  60. Miz S

    I’m a non-native English speaker and found some emails with confusing sentences since i started working.

    A formal email like this, is it correct?

    Dear all,
    Refer attached.
    Regards,
    XXX

  61. Charlyn

    How about please see the attached file below for your approval of our 9days used oil.is this correct?

  62. daniel

    Very helpful, thanks!
    I always heard “please don’t put a comma after please”. However, you use both in the examples “Please, [..]” and “Please [..]”
    Which is correct?

  63. Zubair Ahmad

    Good article – “Please Find Attached: How to Mention Email Attachments”. I have been really looking for such an article on this topic for a long time. Thanks for making this article.

  64. Belle

    Hi,

    Thank you for your article.

    May I ask if this is correct “Attached scanned copy of lease contract.”?

    Thanks

  65. Kate

    Please see the attached file in this email regarding the National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony.

on this page

where attached sits

01

email templates

02

alternatives

03

find vs see attached

04

attached vs enclosed

05

100+

Reader Emails Corrected in the Comments Below

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