In 15 Seconds
- Formal way to point out included documents.
- Used in professional emails and physical mail.
- Signals organization and professional respect.
- Best for job applications and legal contracts.
Meaning
Think of this as the professional version of a 'ta-da!' moment. It is a polite way to tell someone that you have put a document or item inside your message or package. It signals that you are organized and want to make sure they do not miss the important stuff.
Key Examples
3 of 10Job application email
Please find enclosed my resume and cover letter for the Marketing Manager position.
Please find enclosed my resume and cover letter for the Marketing Manager position.
Sending an invoice to a client
Please find enclosed the invoice for last month's consulting services.
Please find enclosed the invoice for last month's consulting services.
Texting a close friend about a photo
✗ Please find enclosed the photo of my cat → ✓ Here is the photo of my cat!
✗ Please find enclosed the photo of my cat → ✓ Here is the photo of my cat!
Cultural Background
The phrase originates from the era of physical mail, where documents were literally 'enclosed' within the folds of a letter or an envelope. It reflects a time when business was conducted with heavy paper and wax seals, emphasizing the physical delivery of information. Today, it survives as a 'linguistic fossil' in digital spaces, maintaining a sense of gravity and professional etiquette that dates back centuries. In many English-speaking cultures, using such formal structures signals educational status and professional competence.
The 'Signpost' Rule
Always place the phrase close to the document name. For example, 'Please find enclosed the contract' is much clearer than 'Please find the contract enclosed at the bottom of the envelope.'
Avoid Redundancy
Never say 'Please find enclosed the attached document.' Using both 'enclosed' and 'attached' is repetitive and can make you look like you are trying too hard. Pick one!
In 15 Seconds
- Formal way to point out included documents.
- Used in professional emails and physical mail.
- Signals organization and professional respect.
- Best for job applications and legal contracts.
What It Means
Have you ever sent an email and realized you forgot the attachment? We have all been there. Please find enclosed is your safety net. It is a formal signpost. It tells your reader exactly where to look. In the old days, this was for physical letters. You would put a check or a photo inside the envelope. Today, it works for digital files too. It has a vibe of being very prepared. It shows you respect the other person's time. You are making their life easier by pointing out the extra content. It is a bit like a tour guide for your documents. It says, 'Hey, look right here for the important part.'
How To Use It
Using this phrase is like putting on a nice suit. It is simple but effective. You usually place it at the beginning or end of a sentence. For example, Please find enclosed my resume for your review. You can also put the document first. My resume is enclosed for your review. The word enclosed is the star here. It acts as an adjective describing the document. You do not need to overthink the grammar. Just pair it with the name of the file or item. It is a very stable phrase. It does not change much. It is like that one reliable friend who is always on time. If you are sending a physical package, it is even more literal. You are actually enclosing something in a box or envelope. In an email, it is a polite metaphor for an attachment.
Formality & Register
This phrase is the king of formal business English. It belongs in law offices, banks, and job applications. You would not use this with your best friend. Imagine texting a friend, Please find enclosed the meme I mentioned. They would think you were joking! It is definitely formal to very_formal. It is perfect for when you want to sound like a serious professional. It carries a sense of tradition. Some modern offices might think it is a bit too stiff. They might prefer Attached is... or I've included.... But in high-level business, it still reigns supreme. It is like a firm handshake in written form. It sets a serious tone for the rest of your message.
Real-Life Examples
Imagine you are applying for a dream job at a big tech company. Your cover letter should feel polished. You might write, Please find enclosed my portfolio of recent designs. Or maybe you are a freelance artist sending an invoice. Please find enclosed the invoice for the October project. Even in a university setting, it works. Please find enclosed my application for the scholarship. It is also common in legal letters. Please find enclosed the signed contract for the property. Think of any situation where a document is the main character. That is where this phrase shines. It is common on official websites too. If you download a form, the email might say, Please find enclosed the requested PDF document. It is everywhere in the 'grown-up' world of paperwork.
When To Use It
Use this when the stakes are high. It is great for job applications. It shows you know the 'secret code' of professional writing. Use it when sending contracts or legal papers. It makes the communication feel official. It is also perfect for physical mail. If you are sending a birthday card with money, you could say, Please find enclosed a small gift. It is useful when you want to be very clear. If an email has five attachments, Please find enclosed... helps list them. It keeps things tidy. Use it when you want to impress a boss or a new client. It signals that you are someone who pays attention to detail. It is the verbal equivalent of a clean desk.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this in casual settings. It will make you sound like a robot in a coffee shop. Avoid it in quick Slack messages or WhatsApp chats. If you are just sending a quick photo to your mom, skip it. It is also a bit redundant if you have already said I'm attaching.... Pick one and stick to it. Do not use it if there is actually nothing enclosed. That is the quickest way to look disorganized! Also, if you are working in a very casual startup, it might feel a bit 'old school'. In those cases, Here is the file is much better. It is all about reading the room. If everyone else is wearing hoodies, you might not need the verbal tuxedo.
Common Mistakes
Learners often get the verb forms mixed up. One common error is saying Please finding enclosed. That is a no-go. Another is Please find enclose. You need that -ed at the end!
Sometimes people use it for things that are not documents.
Remember, it needs to be an 'enclosure'—something added to the message. Do not use it for information that is written directly in the email body. That is like trying to put a ghost in an envelope!
Common Variations
If Please find enclosed feels a bit too heavy, you have options. Enclosed is... is a bit shorter and more direct. Attached is... is the modern cousin. It is the standard for 90% of business emails today. Some people like I have enclosed... because it feels more personal. If you want to be very old-fashioned, you might see Please find herewith enclosed. That one is mostly for lawyers and people in 19th-century novels. For a more casual but still professional vibe, try I've included [file] for you. If you are using Google Drive or Dropbox, you might say I've linked the document below. The goal is always clarity. Choose the variation that fits the 'outfit' of your email.
Real Conversations
HR Manager: Thanks for the call. Can you send over your certificates?
Applicant
(Minutes later in an email)
Applicant
Please find enclosed the certificates we discussed.Client
Sales Rep: My apologies! I must have missed it in my last email.
(Email follow-up)
Sales Rep: Hi Mark, sorry about that! Please find enclosed the corrected pricing list for 2024.
Quick FAQ
Is it still used in 2024? Yes, especially in formal industries like law, finance, and government. It is less common in tech, but never 'wrong'.
Can I use it for an email attachment? Definitely. While attached is more technically accurate for digital files, enclosed is a widely accepted formal synonym.
Should I capitalize the whole phrase? No, only the first word Please unless it is part of a title. Keep it standard!
What if I have multiple items? Just make it plural. Please find enclosed the following documents. It works like a charm.
Is it okay for a cover letter? It is actually one of the best places to use it. It makes your application feel very official and serious.
Usage Notes
This phrase is strictly formal. Use it in job applications, legal contracts, and official business letters. Be careful not to use it in casual texts or with close friends, as it will sound stiff and robotic.
The 'Signpost' Rule
Always place the phrase close to the document name. For example, 'Please find enclosed the contract' is much clearer than 'Please find the contract enclosed at the bottom of the envelope.'
Avoid Redundancy
Never say 'Please find enclosed the attached document.' Using both 'enclosed' and 'attached' is repetitive and can make you look like you are trying too hard. Pick one!
The Digital Shift
While 'enclosed' is historically for paper, many high-end law firms and corporate offices still use it in emails to maintain a sense of prestige. It signals a 'classic' education.
The Check-First Strategy
Before hitting send, search your email for the word 'enclosed'. If you see it, make sure you actually remembered to add the file. It's the #1 most forgotten step!
Examples
10Please find enclosed my resume and cover letter for the Marketing Manager position.
Please find enclosed my resume and cover letter for the Marketing Manager position.
A classic use for highlighting professional documents.
Please find enclosed the invoice for last month's consulting services.
Please find enclosed the invoice for last month's consulting services.
Professional way to handle financial documents.
✗ Please find enclosed the photo of my cat → ✓ Here is the photo of my cat!
✗ Please find enclosed the photo of my cat → ✓ Here is the photo of my cat!
Too formal for texting friends; sounds robotic or sarcastic.
Check the link in bio! Please find enclosed... just kidding, it's in the link!
Check the link in bio! Please find enclosed... just kidding, it's in the link!
Used here as a joke to contrast formal language with social media.
Congratulations on your degree! Please find enclosed a small check to help with your travels.
Congratulations on your degree! Please find enclosed a small check to help with your travels.
Perfect for physical items inside an envelope.
Please find enclosed the signed copies of the non-disclosure agreement.
Please find enclosed the signed copies of the non-disclosure agreement.
Highly appropriate for legal and binding documents.
Please find enclosed the check for the security deposit and first month's rent.
Please find enclosed the check for the security deposit and first month's rent.
Shows you are a serious and organized tenant.
It was great meeting you! Please find enclosed the article I mentioned during our chat.
It was great meeting you! Please find enclosed the article I mentioned during our chat.
Adds a professional touch to a helpful gesture.
✗ Please finding enclosed the report → ✓ Please find enclosed the report.
✗ Please finding enclosed the report → ✓ Please find enclosed the report.
Common error: using the '-ing' form instead of the imperative 'find'.
I miss you all. Please find enclosed a few recent photos of the children so you can see how they've grown.
I miss you all. Please find enclosed a few recent photos of the children so you can see how they've grown.
The formality adds a sense of importance to the sentimental items.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank
We use the past participle 'enclosed' as an adjective to describe the document.
Choose the correct option
Which sentence is most appropriate for a formal job application?
'Please find enclosed' is the standard formal phrase for job applications.
Find and fix the error
The phrase starts with the imperative verb 'find', not the gerund 'finding'.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Formality Spectrum for Sharing Documents
Texting a friend or quick Slack message.
Here is the file.
Standard business email between colleagues.
Attached is the report.
Job application or official inquiry.
Please find enclosed my resume.
Legal documents or high-level government mail.
Please find herewith enclosed...
When to Use 'Please Find Enclosed'
Applying for a Job
Resume & Cover Letter
Business Billing
Invoices & Receipts
Legal Matters
Contracts & NDAs
Physical Mail
Checks or Photos
Academic Filing
Scholarship Forms
Enclosed vs. Attached
Phrasing Variations
The 'Enclosed' Family
- • Please find enclosed...
- • Enclosed is...
- • I have enclosed...
- • Please find herewith...
The 'Attached' Cousins
- • Please find attached...
- • Attached is...
- • I've attached...
- • See attachment...
Modern & Direct
- • Here is the [file]
- • You can find the [file] below
- • I've included the [file]
- • Check the link for [file]
Practice Bank
3 exercisesPlease find ___ my application form.
We use the past participle 'enclosed' as an adjective to describe the document.
Which sentence is most appropriate for a formal job application?
'Please find enclosed' is the standard formal phrase for job applications.
Find and fix the mistake:
Please finding enclosed the contract we discussed.
The phrase starts with the imperative verb 'find', not the gerund 'finding'.
🎉 Score: /3
Video Tutorials
Find video tutorials on YouTube for this phrase.
Frequently Asked Questions
18 questionsTechnically, no. 'Enclosed' implies something is inside a container (like an envelope or email). For a link, it is better to say 'Please find the link below' or 'I have linked the document here' to be more accurate.
They are both grammatically correct, but 'Enclosed please find' is considered slightly more legalistic and stiff. 'Please find enclosed' is the more natural-sounding formal choice for most people today.
Yes, it is highly recommended. It adds a layer of professional polish that 'Here is my CV' lacks. It tells the hiring manager that you understand business etiquette and take the application seriously.
Not necessarily. You could write 'The requested documents are enclosed for your review.' However, starting with 'Please find enclosed' is a very common and effective way to lead the reader's eye.
Yes! If you are mailing a box with several items, you can include a packing slip that says 'Please find enclosed the following items.' It is the most literal and correct use of the word.
It is quite common in older corporate environments and law firms. However, it is a bit wordy. Most modern writers prefer 'Please find attached' or 'Attached is' for digital communication.
It happens to everyone! If you do, send a quick follow-up email saying 'My apologies, I forgot to include the attachment mentioned in my previous email.' It's better to admit the mistake quickly.
Yes, if it is a professional photo (like for a profile or an event). If it is a casual photo, maybe stick to 'I've attached the photo we took' to avoid sounding too stiff.
While it is traditional, it is not 'old-fashioned' in a bad way. It's like a classic black dress or a suit—it never really goes out of style for formal occasions. It remains a safe bet for professionalism.
It might be a bit too formal unless you don't know the teammate well. For someone you work with every day, 'Here's the file' or 'I've attached the report' is usually more appropriate.
They are similar, but 'enclosed' specifically suggests it is inside the message/envelope. 'Included' is more general. You could say 'The price includes tax,' but you wouldn't say 'The price encloses tax.'
Both are technically correct, but 'enclosed' is much more common in modern English. 'Inclosed' is an older spelling that you might only see in very old legal documents or British texts from the 1800s.
Yes. You would say 'Please find enclosed the requested documents.' Just make sure the noun that follows (documents, files, reports) is plural to match the multiple attachments you are sending.
Yes, 'Enclosed is [file]' or 'Attached is [file]' are shorter alternatives. They are slightly less formal than the full 'Please find enclosed' but still very professional for most business settings.
In this context, 'find' means 'to perceive or notice'. You are essentially saying 'Please notice that I have put these items inside for you.' It's a polite way to guide the reader's attention.
No, you don't need a comma. The document name follows directly: 'Please find enclosed the report.' Adding a comma would break the flow of the sentence and is grammatically incorrect in this structure.
Yes! If you are mailing a wedding invitation, you can include a small note saying 'Please find enclosed an RSVP card for your convenience.' it is very elegant and standard for formal events.
LinkedIn messages are usually a bit more casual than emails. 'I've attached my resume' or 'Here is my portfolio' is often better, unless you are reaching out to a very formal recruiter or a law firm.
Related Phrases
Attached please find
synonymA digital-focused variation of the phrase.
This is the most direct digital equivalent for emails and electronic files.
Enclosed is
informal versionA more direct, slightly shorter version.
It removes the 'Please find' part for a more modern and efficient professional tone.
Herewith enclosed
formal versionAn extremely formal/legal version.
The addition of 'herewith' makes it sound very official and is usually reserved for legal contexts.
Included below
related topicRefers to information written in the body of the message.
It is used when the information isn't a separate file but is written directly in the email.
See attached
related topicThe most common modern business variation.
It is a very brief, high-efficiency way to point out an attachment in a fast-paced environment.
