Enclosed please find
Formal business communication expression
Literally: [Inside this package] please [go ahead and] find [the document]
In 15 Seconds
- Very formal way to signal an attachment or included document.
- Best for legal, financial, or highly professional business emails.
- Place at the start: 'Enclosed please find [the document].'
- Avoid in casual chats or with close, daily work colleagues.
Meaning
This is a polite, formal way to tell someone that you have put a document or file inside an envelope or attached it to an email. It feels very professional and slightly old-fashioned, like wearing a three-piece suit to a casual Zoom meeting—it’s very polite, but definitely stiff.
Key Examples
3 of 10Sending a job application to a big company
Enclosed please find my resume and cover letter for the Project Manager position.
Please find my resume and cover letter attached for the Project Manager position.
A lawyer sending a contract to a client
Enclosed please find the final draft of the purchase agreement for your signature.
Here is the final draft of the purchase agreement for you to sign.
Messaging a friend on WhatsApp about a photo
✗ Enclosed please find the photo from last night! → ✓ Here is the photo from last night!
Here's the photo from last night!
Cultural Background
This phrase is a linguistic fossil from the era of physical mail and filing cabinets. Before the internet, business was conducted through 'circulars' and hand-delivered letters where 'enclosing' a document was a literal physical act of sealing it within paper. It exists today as a 'prestige marker' in professional English, signaling that the sender is well-versed in traditional corporate etiquette and serious about the transaction. In many cultures, using this stiff language is a way to show deep respect for the hierarchy of the recipient.
The 'Lawyer' Look
If you want to sound like you have a legal team even if you're a freelancer, use this phrase. It immediately makes your emails look more 'untouchable' and official.
Don't Double Up!
Never say 'Enclosed please find attached.' It is a redundant nightmare. Pick one: 'Enclosed please find' OR 'Please find attached.' Using both makes you look like you're trying too hard.
In 15 Seconds
- Very formal way to signal an attachment or included document.
- Best for legal, financial, or highly professional business emails.
- Place at the start: 'Enclosed please find [the document].'
- Avoid in casual chats or with close, daily work colleagues.
What It Means
Ever opened an email and felt like you were reading a letter from a 19th-century lawyer? That is the vibe of Enclosed please find. It is the heavy hitter of the business world. It tells your reader exactly where the important stuff is. You are not just 'sending' a file; you are 'presenting' it with a digital bow. It carries a sense of duty and official protocol. Using it shows you respect the formal rules of the corporate game.
What It Means
At its heart, this phrase is a signpost. It points the finger at the attachment or the physical paper inside an envelope. The word enclosed literally means 'closed in' or 'shut inside.' Think of a fence around a garden. In the old days, this meant the paper was physically tucked into the envelope. Today, we use it for email attachments too. The please find part is a polite request. You aren't demanding they look; you are inviting them to discover the document you've provided. It sounds much fancier than just saying 'Look at this.'
How To Use It
You usually place this phrase at the very beginning of a sentence. It acts as an introduction to the list of things you are sending. You might say, Enclosed please find my resume. Notice how the document comes last? That is the standard rhythm. You can also put the document in the middle: Please find enclosed the signed contract. Both work, but starting with Enclosed feels slightly more traditional. If you're sending multiple things, use a list. Enclosed please find a copy of my ID, the application form, and my bank details. It keeps everything tidy and organized for the person receiving it.
Formality & Register
This phrase is sitting at the top of the formality mountain. It is very_formal. You will see this in legal letters, bank notices, and formal job offers. It is not for your friends. If you text your roommate Enclosed please find the Venmo request for pizza, they will probably think you've been hacked by a robot. It’s perfect for 'Upward Communication.' This means talking to a boss, a government agency, or a high-stakes client. It creates a professional distance. It says, 'I am taking this seriously, and you should too.' Use it when you want to sound like an expert who doesn't cut corners.
Real-Life Examples
Imagine you just finished a big project and need to send the final bill. You write an email to the accounting department. You start with, Enclosed please find Invoice #502 for the January consulting services. It looks clean and official. Or maybe you are applying for a visa. You send a packet to the embassy. Your cover letter says, Enclosed please find my passport and supporting documents. This helps the busy officer know exactly what is in the pile. Even on LinkedIn, if you are messaging a recruiter you've never met, it adds a touch of class to your introduction. It’s like a digital handshake with a firm grip.
When To Use It
Use it when the stakes are high. Contracts are the best time for this. If someone could sue you if a document is missing, use Enclosed please find to make it clear you sent it. It is also great for 'Cold Outreach.' If you are emailing a famous professor or a CEO for the first time, being 'too formal' is safer than being 'too casual.' Use it for physical mail, too. If you are actually licking an envelope (though who does that anymore?), this is the gold standard. It’s also helpful when sending sensitive data, like medical records or tax forms, to show professional care.
When NOT To Use It
Never use this in a chat app like Slack, Discord, or WhatsApp. Those places are for fast, 'Neutral' or 'Informal' talk. Saying Enclosed please find in a DM feels like bringing a tuxedo to a beach party. Avoid it with people you talk to every day. If you email your close teammate every morning, stick to Here is the file or I’ve attached the doc. Using big formal phrases with friends can actually make you seem cold or annoyed. Also, don't use it if you didn't actually attach anything. That is the quickest way to look like a confused AI. Check that paperclip icon twice!
Common Mistakes
A very common slip-up is adding unnecessary words. Don't say Enclosed please find attached. That’s saying the same thing twice! It’s like saying 'the wet water.' Another mistake is forgetting the word find. Some people write Enclosed please the document. This makes no sense in English. You need the verb! Also, watch your word order. Find please enclosed sounds like Yoda trying to work in an office. Keep it simple: Enclosed please find [Document]. Lastly, make sure you don't use Enclosed for a link to a website. Use it for files or papers only. For links, say Please find the link below.
Common Variations
If Enclosed please find feels too dusty for you, try Please find attached. This is the modern cousin. It’s still formal but feels more '21st Century.' For something a bit shorter, use Attached is... or Enclosed is... These are great for standard business emails that aren't quite as 'legal.' If you want to be super old-school, you might see Enclosed herewith please find. The word herewith is very rare now and usually only found in old law books. In the UK, you might hear Please find enclosed... slightly more often than the other way around. They all do the same job.
Real Conversations
HR Manager: Hello, we are excited to move forward with your application. Candidate: Thank you! I have sent the requested forms. HR Manager: Great. Enclosed please find your formal offer letter and benefits guide. Candidate: I see them! I will review and sign them tonight. Accountant: I’m looking for the receipt from your business lunch. Employee: Sorry for the delay! Enclosed please find the scanned receipt for the client meeting. Accountant: Perfect, I’ll process the reimbursement now. Notice how the phrase signals the end of the 'searching' phase and the start of the 'doing' phase.
Quick FAQ
Is it okay to use in 2026? Yes, especially in law, finance, and government. Is it better than 'I attached'? 'I attached' is friendlier, but Enclosed please find is more authoritative. Can I use it for a photo? Sure, if it’s a professional photo for a badge or a press release. Does it sound like I'm a non-native speaker? Not at all! Many native speakers use it to sound more 'official.' In fact, overusing it is a classic 'office worker' trait. Just don't use it for your lunch order!
Usage Notes
Use this phrase sparingly to maintain its professional impact. It is most effective in legal, financial, or first-time outreach contexts where establishing a formal tone is crucial. Avoid it in modern chat environments where it can make you seem out of touch or overly robotic.
The 'Lawyer' Look
If you want to sound like you have a legal team even if you're a freelancer, use this phrase. It immediately makes your emails look more 'untouchable' and official.
Don't Double Up!
Never say 'Enclosed please find attached.' It is a redundant nightmare. Pick one: 'Enclosed please find' OR 'Please find attached.' Using both makes you look like you're trying too hard.
The 'Enclosed' Mystery
In the UK and US, 'Enclosed' specifically implies something tucked inside something else. Even though it's now used for emails, it still carries the weight of a physical object. It’s like saying 'Hang up the phone' when no one actually hangs phones on walls anymore.
Check the Paperclip
The most embarrassing thing is saying 'Enclosed please find' and forgetting to attach the file. In a high-formality email, this mistake is much more noticeable than in a casual one!
Examples
10Enclosed please find my resume and cover letter for the Project Manager position.
Please find my resume and cover letter attached for the Project Manager position.
Starting the email with this shows you understand professional standards.
Enclosed please find the final draft of the purchase agreement for your signature.
Here is the final draft of the purchase agreement for you to sign.
Using this in legal contexts adds a necessary layer of seriousness.
✗ Enclosed please find the photo from last night! → ✓ Here is the photo from last night!
Here's the photo from last night!
The original is way too formal for a casual chat with a friend.
Enclosed please find several photos documenting the damage to the sidewalk.
I have included several photos of the sidewalk damage.
Helps organize the evidence you are providing in an official way.
Enclosed please find... absolutely nothing! Just kidding, check the link in bio for our new drop!
Look here... nothing! Just kidding, check the link in our bio.
This is a humorous way to play with the 'stiff' office language on social media.
Enclosed please find my tax returns for the last three years.
Attached are my tax returns from the last three years.
Bankers expect this level of formality when dealing with money.
Enclosed please find a small gift for your birthday.
I've included a little something for your birthday.
A bit formal for family, but works if you want to be extra polite/sweet.
✗ Please enclosed find the report. → ✓ Enclosed please find the report.
Please find the report attached.
The word 'Enclosed' should usually come before 'please find' in this specific idiom.
Enclosed please find the signed lease agreement and the security deposit check.
Here is the signed lease and the deposit check.
Very standard for real estate transactions.
Enclosed please find a pressed flower from the garden where we first met.
I've put a pressed flower in the envelope from the garden we met in.
The formality here adds a romantic, 'old-fashioned' weight to the gesture.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank to complete the formal phrase.
The standard set phrase is 'Enclosed please find.' It is a polite request.
Find and fix the error in the word order.
We use the base form 'find' and the adjective 'Enclosed' usually starts the formal phrase.
Choose the most appropriate context for this phrase.
Where is 'Enclosed please find' most likely to be used?
'Enclosed please find' is a high-formality business phrase suited for legal or official correspondence.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Formality Spectrum for Attachments
Friends/Coworkers
Here's the doc.
Standard Office
Attached is the file.
Clients/HR
Please find attached...
Legal/Banks
Enclosed please find...
Where to use 'Enclosed please find'
Bank Loan
Sending tax papers
Job Search
Sending a resume
Legal Letter
Sending a contract
Apartment
Sending a lease
Government
Sending visa forms
Old School vs. Modern School
Types of Documents to 'Enclose'
Financial
- • Invoices
- • Receipts
- • Tax Returns
Legal
- • Contracts
- • Leases
- • Agreements
Career
- • Resumes
- • Diplomas
- • References
Practice Bank
3 exercisesEnclosed _______ find the invoice for last month.
The standard set phrase is 'Enclosed please find.' It is a polite request.
Find and fix the mistake:
Please finded enclosed the document.
We use the base form 'find' and the adjective 'Enclosed' usually starts the formal phrase.
Where is 'Enclosed please find' most likely to be used?
'Enclosed please find' is a high-formality business phrase suited for legal or official correspondence.
🎉 Score: /3
Video Tutorials
Find video tutorials on YouTube for this phrase.
Frequently Asked Questions
18 questionsYes, it is perfectly correct, though it uses an older style of English grammar called the imperative mood. It functions as a polite command to the reader to locate the document you have provided for them.
Generally, no, you shouldn't use 'enclosed' for a web link because nothing is actually 'inside' the email envelope. For links, it is much more natural to say 'Please find the link below' or 'The link to the site is here.'
In this context, 'find' doesn't mean you lost the document; it means 'to discover' or 'to take note of.' It is a very old-fashioned way of saying 'please see this thing I have given you.'
It depends on who you are talking to. 'Please find attached' is slightly more modern and common in general business, while 'Enclosed please find' is more formal and better for legal or very serious documents.
Yes, you can say 'I am writing to you today and enclosed please find the requested forms.' However, it is much more powerful and clearer to start a new sentence with it to highlight the attachment.
It is used in both! Business English is quite similar across the world, and both Americans and Brits use this phrase when they want to sound extremely professional or traditional in their writing.
'Enclosed is' is a shorter, slightly less formal version of the same idea. It is still professional but doesn't have the same 'weight' as the full 'Enclosed please find' version.
If your boss is very traditional or if you are sending something very important like a project report, yes. If you talk to your boss like a friend, then it might be too stiff; stick to 'Here's the report' instead.
Sometimes it can, especially if every single email you send uses it. The key is to save it for the big, important emails so that it keeps its professional impact without sounding like a template.
This is actually the best time to use it! Since you are physically putting a paper inside an envelope, the word 'Enclosed' is literal and makes perfect sense to the person opening the mail.
That sounds like something from a 1940s movie! It's very sweet but very dramatic. It's not standard for modern romance, but it could be a cute, funny way to sign a card.
Yes, if it starts the sentence, which it usually does. If it appears in the middle of a sentence after a comma, you don't need to capitalize it, but starting the sentence with it is standard.
There isn't really a direct opposite for this specific phrase, but if you are referring to something you *didn't* include, you might say 'The following documents were omitted' or 'I will send the rest later.'
Yes, if the image is a professional document like a scan of an ID or a blueprint. If it’s just a funny meme, 'Enclosed please find' would be a hilarious, sarcastic way to send it to a coworker.
It is very common in cover letters. However, some modern career coaches suggest being slightly more direct, like 'My resume is attached for your review,' to sound more personal and less like a form letter.
'Herewith' just means 'with this letter.' It is extremely formal and mostly used in government or old legal documents. You probably don't need to use it in 99% of your emails.
It is both! Its 'oldness' is actually what makes it feel so polite. It shows you are taking the time to use traditional etiquette, which many people still appreciate in the business world.
Yes, 'Please find enclosed' is a very common and perfectly acceptable variation. It means exactly the same thing and carries the same level of formality as the 'Enclosed please find' version.
Related Phrases
Please find attached
informal versionThe standard modern business way to mention an email attachment.
It serves the same function but feels less archaic than using 'enclosed' in a digital context.
Attached is
neutral versionA short, direct way to point to a file.
It is efficient and professional without the 'stiffness' of the full formal phrase.
Enclosed is
synonymA slightly simpler version of the target phrase.
It removes the 'please find' but keeps the formal 'enclosed' vibe.
I've included
informal versionA conversational way to talk about something you added.
It focuses on the person sending the item, making it feel more personal and friendly.
Herewith please find
formal versionAn extremely old, legalistic version of the phrase.
It adds 'herewith' for extra traditional weight, mostly seen in high-level law or government mail.
