Have you ever written a formal email or letter and wondered if “Please find enclosed” sounds a little… outdated? You’re not alone. While it’s certainly a classic phrase, in today’s workplace, language is shifting toward something more approachable and modern.
Let’s face it—how often do you hear someone say “enclosed” in daily conversation?
If you’re trying to make your professional communication sound fresh, clear, and human-friendly, there are better alternatives. In this blog post, we’ll cover 12 simple, professional alternatives to the phrase “Please find enclosed”. Whether you’re sending an email, a cover letter, or a report, these alternatives will help you sound polished without sounding stiff.
Why You Should Ditch “Please Find Enclosed”
Before we dive into the alternatives, let’s quickly talk about why you might want to stop using this phrase.
For starters:
- It sounds outdated. It comes from a time of typewriters and snail mail.
- It can be a bit too formal. Depending on your tone and the context, it might not be the best fit.
- Clarity matters. Many modern workplaces prefer direct, natural language that’s easy to understand.
Alright, ready to upgrade your communication? Let’s look at 12 professional ways to say “Please find enclosed.”
1. I’ve attached…
This is one of the most popular and straightforward alternatives. Simple and to the point. You can say:
“I’ve attached the latest version of the proposal for your review.”
It works well in both emails and messages with attachments. It also sounds a lot more natural compared to older formal phrases.
2. Attached is…
Another clean and clear option. For example:
“Attached is the invoice for this month’s services.”
This one’s great because it shifts focus directly to the document. Perfect for quick work emails.
3. You’ll find [document] attached
This variation adds a slightly more conversational tone:
“You’ll find the signed contract attached for your records.”
It keeps things polite without sounding robotic.
4. Please see attached
Short, polite, and very common. This small phrase does the job well. Example:
“Please see attached for the updated meeting agenda.”
If you’re in a rush but still want to sound considerate, this does the trick.
5. I’m sending you [document] as an attachment
Sometimes, a fuller sentence just feels more natural:
“I’m sending you the quarterly report as an attachment.”
This version works well when you’re emphasizing what’s being sent and why.
6. The [document] has been included for your reference
Want to sound a bit more formal without using outdated language? Try this:
“The presentation deck has been included for your reference.”
It’s professional, clear, and still feels modern.
7. Here’s the [document] you requested
This is super helpful when someone has asked for something specific:
“Here’s the signed contract you requested yesterday.”
It shows you’re responsive and helpful—win-win.
8. I’m including [document] with this message
Slightly different wording, same intent. This version is helpful when accompanying an explanation:
“I’m including the policy draft with this message so you can review it before our call.”
9. The attached [document] provides more details
If you want to point someone to more information, this version works well:
“The attached project timeline provides more details on key milestones.”
It subtly encourages them to open and read the file—and that’s kind of the point, right?
10. Enclosed is… (Still okay in printed letters)
If you’re writing a printed letter or sending hard copies, “enclosed” is still appropriate. Example:
“Enclosed is a copy of the signed agreement for your records.”
Just don’t overuse it in digital communications. It can feel stiff via email.
11. Kindly refer to the attached [document]
This sounds polite and professional, especially in formal contexts. For example:
“Kindly refer to the attached schedule for complete event details.”
Helpful when you want to be respectful or you’re communicating with external clients.
12. For your convenience, I’ve attached…
This phrase adds a thoughtful tone:
“For your convenience, I’ve attached the instructions as a PDF file.”
It shows that you’ve considered the other person’s experience, which is great for customer support or client communication.
Pro Tip: Always Mention the File Name
Regardless of which phrase you use, always make sure the document name is clear. Why?
- It avoids confusion—especially if there are multiple files.
- It saves time—so the recipient knows what to look for right away.
For instance:
“Attached is the April_Report_2024.pdf containing the latest financials.”
When Should You Use More Formal Language?
There are definitely times when a more formal tone is expected. For example:
- Submitting a cover letter or resume
- Writing to a senior executive
- Communicating with clients or legal teams
In those cases, it’s okay to be more cautious with tone, but that doesn’t mean you need to sound like a robot. Consider using phrases like:
- “Please find attached my resume and cover letter for your consideration.”
- “Enclosed is the signed contract we discussed.”
A good rule of thumb? Match the tone to your message and your audience.
One Last Thought: Sound Like You
At the end of the day, the goal of any email or letter is to communicate clearly.
So while it’s important to be professional, don’t be afraid to sound like yourself. Use phrases that feel natural to you. People appreciate clarity more than fancy words.
Think about it: Would you say “Please find enclosed” in a phone conversation?
If the answer is no, then try one of the friendlier alternatives we covered above.
Let’s Wrap It Up
There are plenty of better ways to say “Please find enclosed” that still sound professional and respectful. If you want to keep your work emails polished without sounding old-fashioned, bookmark these 12 phrases:
- I’ve attached…
- Attached is…
- You’ll find [document] attached
- Please see attached
- I’m sending you [document] as an attachment
- The [document] has been included for your reference
- Here’s the [document] you requested
- I’m including [document] with this message
- The attached [document] provides more details
- Enclosed is… (for physical letters)
- Kindly refer to the attached [document]
- For your convenience, I’ve attached…
Try a few of these out in your next emails. You’ll quickly find which ones feel most natural to your voice—and odds are, people will appreciate how easy your messages are to understand.
Your emails don’t need to sound like they were written in a law library. Add a touch of personality while keeping things polished, and you’ll stand out—for all the right reasons.
Have a favorite alternative we didn’t mention?
Drop it in the comments or send us a message. We’d love to add it to the list!