B2 Expression Very Formal 7 min read

Attached herewith

Formal business communication expression

Literally: Fastened or joined together with this document

In 15 Seconds

  • Ultra-formal way to say you included a file.
  • Best for legal, financial, or official business documents.
  • Avoid in casual chats, Slack, or friendly emails.
  • Signals serious professionalism and high-stakes communication.

Meaning

Using `Attached herewith` is the linguistic equivalent of handing someone a document with a very stiff, formal bow. It tells the recipient that you've included a specific file or document with the current message, usually in a professional or legal context. It carries a heavy, serious vibe that screams 'I am being very official right now.'

Key Examples

3 of 10
1

Emailing a formal contract

Attached herewith is the signed agreement for your records.

Attached herewith is the signed agreement for your records.

<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M21 13.255A23.931 23.931 0 0112 15c-3.183 0-6.22-.62-9-1.745M16 6V4a2 2 0 00-2-2h-4a2 2 0 00-2 2v2m4 6h.01M5 20h14a2 2 0 002-2V8a2 2 0 00-2-2H5a2 2 0 00-2 2v10a2 2 0 002 2z"/></svg>
2

Sending an official invoice

Please note that the final invoice is attached herewith.

Please note that the final invoice is attached herewith.

<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M21 13.255A23.931 23.931 0 0112 15c-3.183 0-6.22-.62-9-1.745M16 6V4a2 2 0 00-2-2h-4a2 2 0 00-2 2v2m4 6h.01M5 20h14a2 2 0 002-2V8a2 2 0 00-2-2H5a2 2 0 00-2 2v10a2 2 0 002 2z"/></svg>
3

HR sending a job offer

Attached herewith is your employment contract; please sign and return it.

Attached herewith is your employment contract; please sign and return it.

<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M21 13.255A23.931 23.931 0 0112 15c-3.183 0-6.22-.62-9-1.745M16 6V4a2 2 0 00-2-2h-4a2 2 0 00-2 2v2m4 6h.01M5 20h14a2 2 0 002-2V8a2 2 0 00-2-2H5a2 2 0 00-2 2v10a2 2 0 002 2z"/></svg>
🌍

Cultural Background

The phrase `Attached herewith` is a relic of the era of physical correspondence. Before emails, business was conducted via letters sent in envelopes, where documents were literally 'attached' with paperclips or staples and 'enclosed' within the paper. The word `herewith` comes from Middle English, designed to provide legal precision—ensuring there was no ambiguity about which documents belonged to which letter. Even as we moved to digital attachments, the legal and corporate worlds clung to this phrasing to maintain a sense of continuity and rigorous formality.

🎯

Avoid Redundancy

Don't say 'Please find attached herewith.' It's a triple redundancy that sounds a bit silly even in formal rooms. Just use 'Attached herewith is...'

💬

The 'Paper' Origin

This phrase survives from the days of paper letters where documents were physically pinned together. Using it digitally shows a respect for long-standing corporate traditions.

In 15 Seconds

  • Ultra-formal way to say you included a file.
  • Best for legal, financial, or official business documents.
  • Avoid in casual chats, Slack, or friendly emails.
  • Signals serious professionalism and high-stakes communication.

What It Means

Imagine you're wearing a tuxedo to a backyard BBQ. That's a bit like using Attached herewith in a casual email to your coworker about Friday's lunch plans. It's an ultra-formal way to say you've included a file. Most people today just say I've attached or Here is. But in the world of big law and high-stakes business, this phrase is still the king of the paperclip. It acts as a formal signpost for your attachments.

What It Means

At its core, Attached herewith is a digital pointer. It connects your words to the file you just uploaded. The word herewith essentially means 'with this communication.' So, you are saying, 'Attached to this very email you are reading.' It feels heavy and intentional. It’s like using a wax seal instead of a piece of tape. It doesn't just mention the file; it highlights it as an official part of the record. Use it when you want to sound like a serious professional who follows every rule. It's great for making sure someone doesn't miss an important invoice. Just don't use it if you're just sending a funny cat meme to your best friend.

How To Use It

You usually place this phrase at the very beginning of a sentence. It acts as an introduction to what you are sending. For example, Attached herewith is the signed contract. You can also put it in the middle, but that's a bit more advanced. Most people use it to introduce invoices, reports, or legal notices. It works best when the file you are sending is the main reason for the email. Think of it as a formal 'Look at this!' without the excitement. You are simply stating a fact in the most professional way possible. If you want to be extra fancy, make sure the rest of your email matches this tone. Don't say Attached herewith is the file... thanks, talk later! That's a bit like wearing a suit jacket with pajama pants. It just doesn't quite fit the vibe.

Formality & Register

This phrase lives at the top of the formality mountain. It’s categorized as very_formal. You won't find this in a casual text or a friendly Slack message. It belongs in the world of lawyers, accountants, and government officials. If you use it, you are signaling that this is an official transaction. In modern offices, many people find it a bit too 'old-school.' It’s like using a fountain pen in a world of digital tablets. Some managers love it because it feels respectful and precise. Others might think you're being a bit too stuffy. It's all about reading the room—or the inbox. If the person you're emailing uses emojis, avoid Attached herewith. If they use Dear Sir/Madam, then you're in the right place.

Real-Life Examples

You’ll see this most often in formal letters or PDF cover notes. A law firm might send a letter saying, Attached herewith, please find the non-disclosure agreement. A bank might send an email with your monthly statement using this phrase. It’s also common in international business where English is used as a formal bridge. Sometimes, it appears in academic settings when submitting a thesis or a formal application. Even a landlord might use it when sending a formal lease agreement. It’s the standard for anything that might end up in a court or a permanent file. If you’re applying for a visa, the embassy might use it too. It’s the language of bureaucracy at its finest.

When To Use It

Use it when the stakes are high. If you're sending a final invoice for a $10,000 project, go for it. If you're responding to a formal complaint from a customer, it works well. It’s also perfect for legal documents or anything that requires a signature. It shows that you are paying attention to detail. Use it when you want to create a distance between you and the recipient. It’s a professional barrier that says 'This is business, not personal.' It’s also a safe bet when you don't know the person at all. You can never be 'too polite' in a first-time business email. Just remember to actually attach the file before you hit send. There’s nothing less formal than a 'forgotten attachment' follow-up email.

When NOT To Use It

Do not use this with friends or family. It will make them think you’ve been replaced by an AI or a 1950s secretary. Avoid it in casual workplaces like tech startups or creative agencies. Using it on WhatsApp or iMessage is a definite 'no-no.' It’s also best to avoid it in quick, back-and-forth email threads. If you've already sent five emails that morning, don't start the sixth one with Attached herewith. It will sound weirdly robotic. Also, if you’re just sending a quick screenshot or a link, don’t use it. It’s reserved for 'real' documents. Basically, if the context is 'chill,' leave the herewith at home. Your friends will thank you for not being a walking dictionary.

Common Mistakes

The biggest mistake is redundancy. People often say Please find attached herewith... which is basically saying the same thing three times. Pick one and stick to it! Another mistake is using it without an attachment. Your computer doesn't check your grammar, so it won't stop you. Another classic error is misspelling herewith as here with. While here with is a real phrase, it doesn't have the same formal power. Some people also use it to refer to something mentioned in a previous email. That’s wrong—herewith only applies to the current message.

Please find attached herewith the file Attached herewith is the file
I am here with your document Attached herewith is your document

Common Variations

If Attached herewith feels too heavy, try Please find attached. This is the most popular professional choice. It’s like a slightly more relaxed suit. For a neutral tone, just say I’ve attached the... or Attached is the.... If you’re feeling very modern, you can just say Here’s the file. In very old-fashioned legal circles, you might see Enclosed herewith. This was used for physical envelopes, but some people still use it for emails. Included herewith is another option, though less common. You might also see Attached hereto in legal contracts, but that’s even more specific. Basically, you have a whole wardrobe of ways to say 'I sent a file.' Pick the one that fits the occasion best.

Real Conversations

L

Lawyer

Good morning, Mr. Smith. Attached herewith is the final draft of the merger agreement.
C

Client

Thank you, I will review it immediately.

HR Manager: Hello, Sarah. Attached herewith is your official offer letter for the Marketing Director position.

C

Candidate

That’s great news! I’ll sign it and send it back soon.
A

Accountant

Dear Client, Attached herewith is your tax return for the previous year.
C

Client

Perfect, I’ll take a look at the numbers tonight.

Quick FAQ

Is Attached herewith grammatically correct? Yes, absolutely! It’s just very old-fashioned. Should I use it in every business email? No, only the very formal ones. Does it mean the same thing as See attached? Yes, but with a much higher level of formality. Can I use it for an image? Only if the image is a formal document, like a scan. Is it better than Please find attached? Not necessarily; it depends on how stuffy you want to sound. Will it make me look smarter? It will make you look very professional and detail-oriented. Is herewith one word? Yes, always one word! Can I use it in a text? Only if you want to confuse your friends for a laugh.

Usage Notes

Use this only in very formal business or legal situations. It is a 'high-register' phrase that can sound out of place or even arrogant in casual settings. Always ensure the attachment is actually present to avoid looking unprofessional.

🎯

Avoid Redundancy

Don't say 'Please find attached herewith.' It's a triple redundancy that sounds a bit silly even in formal rooms. Just use 'Attached herewith is...'

💬

The 'Paper' Origin

This phrase survives from the days of paper letters where documents were physically pinned together. Using it digitally shows a respect for long-standing corporate traditions.

⚠️

The 'Robot' Risk

Using this in a casual startup can make you look out of touch or like you're using an AI to write your emails. Save it for the lawyers!

💡

Check Your Attachments

The faster you use a formal phrase like this, the more embarrassing it is if you forget the actual file. Always double-check before clicking send!

Examples

10
#1 Emailing a formal contract
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M21 13.255A23.931 23.931 0 0112 15c-3.183 0-6.22-.62-9-1.745M16 6V4a2 2 0 00-2-2h-4a2 2 0 00-2 2v2m4 6h.01M5 20h14a2 2 0 002-2V8a2 2 0 00-2-2H5a2 2 0 00-2 2v10a2 2 0 002 2z"/></svg>

Attached herewith is the signed agreement for your records.

Attached herewith is the signed agreement for your records.

A classic use in a high-stakes professional exchange.

#2 Sending an official invoice
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M21 13.255A23.931 23.931 0 0112 15c-3.183 0-6.22-.62-9-1.745M16 6V4a2 2 0 00-2-2h-4a2 2 0 00-2 2v2m4 6h.01M5 20h14a2 2 0 002-2V8a2 2 0 00-2-2H5a2 2 0 00-2 2v10a2 2 0 002 2z"/></svg>

Please note that the final invoice is attached herewith.

Please note that the final invoice is attached herewith.

Ensures the recipient treats the invoice as an official document.

#3 HR sending a job offer
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M21 13.255A23.931 23.931 0 0112 15c-3.183 0-6.22-.62-9-1.745M16 6V4a2 2 0 00-2-2h-4a2 2 0 00-2 2v2m4 6h.01M5 20h14a2 2 0 002-2V8a2 2 0 00-2-2H5a2 2 0 00-2 2v10a2 2 0 002 2z"/></svg>

Attached herewith is your employment contract; please sign and return it.

Attached herewith is your employment contract; please sign and return it.

Adds weight to the importance of the job offer.

#4 Submitting a formal report to a board
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M21 13.255A23.931 23.931 0 0112 15c-3.183 0-6.22-.62-9-1.745M16 6V4a2 2 0 00-2-2h-4a2 2 0 00-2 2v2m4 6h.01M5 20h14a2 2 0 002-2V8a2 2 0 00-2-2H5a2 2 0 00-2 2v10a2 2 0 002 2z"/></svg>

Attached herewith is the quarterly financial report for review.

Attached herewith is the quarterly financial report for review.

Standard for high-level corporate reporting.

#5 Sending a legal notice
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M21 13.255A23.931 23.931 0 0112 15c-3.183 0-6.22-.62-9-1.745M16 6V4a2 2 0 00-2-2h-4a2 2 0 00-2 2v2m4 6h.01M5 20h14a2 2 0 002-2V8a2 2 0 00-2-2H5a2 2 0 00-2 2v10a2 2 0 002 2z"/></svg>

Attached herewith is the formal notice regarding your lease termination.

Attached herewith is the formal notice regarding your lease termination.

Used to ensure the notice is legally recognized.

#6 Applying for a government permit
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M21 13.255A23.931 23.931 0 0112 15c-3.183 0-6.22-.62-9-1.745M16 6V4a2 2 0 00-2-2h-4a2 2 0 00-2 2v2m4 6h.01M5 20h14a2 2 0 002-2V8a2 2 0 00-2-2H5a2 2 0 00-2 2v10a2 2 0 002 2z"/></svg>

Attached herewith are the required identity documents for my application.

Attached herewith are the required identity documents for my application.

Appropriate for bureaucratic or government interactions.

Sending a wedding invitation via email Common Mistake
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

✗ Attached herewith is the invite to my bday party! → ✓ I've attached the invite for my birthday party!

✗ Attached herewith is the invite to my bday party! → ✓ I've attached the invite for my birthday party!

Don't use such formal language for a casual social event.

Redundancy error in a business email Common Mistake
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M21 13.255A23.931 23.931 0 0112 15c-3.183 0-6.22-.62-9-1.745M16 6V4a2 2 0 00-2-2h-4a2 2 0 00-2 2v2m4 6h.01M5 20h14a2 2 0 002-2V8a2 2 0 00-2-2H5a2 2 0 00-2 2v10a2 2 0 002 2z"/></svg>

✗ Please find attached herewith the file. → ✓ Attached herewith is the file.

✗ Please find attached herewith the file. → ✓ Attached herewith is the file.

Avoid combining multiple formal phrases that mean the same thing.

#9 A sarcastic comment between coworkers
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

Attached herewith is the sandwich you requested, your majesty.

Attached herewith is the sandwich you requested, your majesty.

Using hyper-formal language for something trivial is a common way to joke.

#10 A formal apology letter with evidence
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M21 13.255A23.931 23.931 0 0112 15c-3.183 0-6.22-.62-9-1.745M16 6V4a2 2 0 00-2-2h-4a2 2 0 00-2 2v2m4 6h.01M5 20h14a2 2 0 002-2V8a2 2 0 00-2-2H5a2 2 0 00-2 2v10a2 2 0 002 2z"/></svg>

Attached herewith is a copy of the receipt showing I paid the fine.

Attached herewith is a copy of the receipt showing I paid the fine.

Helps resolve a dispute with official evidence.

Test Yourself

Fill in the blank to make the sentence formal.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Attached herewith

`Attached herewith` is the most formal option provided, fitting the professional context of an invoice.

Find and fix the error in this formal sentence.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer:

`Herewith` should always be written as a single word in this formal context.

Choose the correct option

Which sentence uses the phrase correctly without being redundant?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Attached herewith is the contract.

`Attached herewith is the contract` is the most direct and grammatically standard formal usage.

🎉 Score: /3

Visual Learning Aids

Formality Spectrum for Attachments

Casual

Friends and close coworkers

Here's the file!

Neutral

Daily office life

I've attached the document.

Formal

Clients and upper management

Please find attached the report.

Very Formal

Legal and official notices

Attached herewith is the agreement.

When to Use 'Attached Herewith'

Attached herewith
⚖️

Legal Contracts

Lawyers sending drafts

💰

Formal Invoices

Large corporate billing

👔

Job Offers

HR official letters

🏛️

Government Forms

Visa applications

📊

Audit Reports

Financial compliance

Attached Herewith vs. Modern Alternatives

Traditional (Very Formal)
Attached herewith Serious, legal, old-school
Enclosed herewith Physical mail feeling
Modern (Professional)
Please find attached Standard business polite
I have attached Direct and clear

Common Business Redundancies

⚠️

The 'Over-Formal' Pitfall

  • Please find attached herewith
  • Attached herewith please find
  • Enclosed herewith attached

Safe Modern Choices

  • Attached herewith is...
  • I am attaching...
  • Please see the attached...

Practice Bank

3 exercises
Fill in the blank to make the sentence formal. Fill Blank beginner

... ___ is the invoice for last month.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Attached herewith

`Attached herewith` is the most formal option provided, fitting the professional context of an invoice.

Find and fix the error in this formal sentence. Error Fix intermediate

Find and fix the mistake:

Attached here with is the report.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Attached herewith is the report.

`Herewith` should always be written as a single word in this formal context.

Choose the correct option Choose advanced

Which sentence uses the phrase correctly without being redundant?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Attached herewith is the contract.

`Attached herewith is the contract` is the most direct and grammatically standard formal usage.

🎉 Score: /3

Frequently Asked Questions

18 questions

Yes, it is still quite common in legal, financial, and highly traditional corporate sectors. While it might seem old-fashioned to some, it provides a level of precision and formality that is often required in official documentation.

'Attached herewith' typically refers to an attachment to the current email or letter. 'Attached hereto' is even more legalistic and usually refers to an attachment that is physically or legally bound to a specific contract or document mentioned in the text.

It is generally not recommended to use such a formal phrase in a casual setting. It can come across as stiff, robotic, or even sarcastic if you are communicating with friends or close coworkers in a relaxed environment.

It should always be written as one word: 'herewith'. Using 'here with' as two separate words changes the meaning entirely and makes the sentence look unprofessional and grammatically incorrect in a business context.

Actually, the phrase originated with physical letters and envelopes. Today, it is used almost exclusively for digital attachments, but the meaning remains the same: something that accompanies the message you are currently reading.

While it is grammatically possible, it is quite wordy and redundant. Most style guides suggest choosing a simpler version like 'Attached herewith is...' or 'Please find the attached...' to avoid sounding overly repetitive.

Yes, it is extremely polite, but in a very formal and distant way. It shows a high level of respect for professional boundaries and traditional business etiquette, which can be very useful when dealing with new clients or high-level officials.

If you are worried about sounding too stiff, use 'I have attached' or 'Attached is'. These phrases achieve the same goal but sound much more like a natural person speaking, which is often preferred in modern office communication.

Yes, because it is usually the first word of the sentence. For example: 'Attached herewith is the report.' Capitalizing it correctly maintains the professional appearance of your email or formal letter.

No, 'attached' implies a file that has been uploaded to the message. If you are sending a link, it is better to say 'Below is a link to...' or 'Please find the link to the document below'.

Yes, it is very common in formal British business and legal correspondence. The UK corporate world often leans into traditional phrasing more than American tech-focused business culture, making 'herewith' a standard choice there.

Literally, 'herewith' means 'by means of this' or 'with this'. In an email context, it acts as a specific pointer to the file that is traveling alongside the message you have just sent.

'Enclosed' was traditionally used for items inside a physical envelope. 'Attached' is for items paperclipped to a letter. In digital terms, 'Attached' is more accurate, though 'Enclosed' is still used by some older professionals.

It is rarely used in the body of an academic paper itself. However, it is very common in the cover letter or email you write when submitting your paper or thesis to a professor or a journal for review.

Yes! You can say 'Attached herewith are the documents...' Just remember to change 'is' to 'are' to match the plural subject, which is a common mistake that many people make when writing quickly.

It is used in American law, banking, and government, but it is less common in general American business than in the UK. Many US companies have shifted toward 'Plain English' initiatives to make communication more direct.

Yes, it functions as an adverbial phrase of accompaniment. It describes the relationship between the message and the file, providing a formal bridge that links the two items together in a single official unit.

The vibe is 'Serious Professional.' It suggests that the sender is careful, follows traditional rules, and treats the current transaction with a high level of importance and administrative rigor.

Related Phrases

😊

Please find attached

informal version

Standard professional way to introduce an attachment.

This is the most common professional alternative that sounds slightly less stiff than herewith but maintains a high level of politeness.

🔗

Enclosed herewith

related topic

Traditional way to say something is inside the envelope.

While technically for physical mail, it is used interchangeably with attached in very old-fashioned legal contexts.

👔

Attached hereto

formal version

Legalese for attached to this document.

This is even more formal and is almost exclusively found in legal contracts rather than standard emails.

😊

I've attached

informal version

The most direct and modern way to say you sent a file.

This phrase is much more common in modern workplaces and sounds more like a real person talking.

😊

See attached

informal version

A quick, efficient way to point to a file.

This is very common in fast-paced business environments where people value brevity over traditional formality.

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