B2 Expression Formal 6 min read

Please review the attached

Formal business communication expression

In 15 Seconds

  • Standard professional way to point out email attachments.
  • Requests the recipient to examine and provide feedback.
  • Best for business emails, reports, and job applications.
  • Avoid in casual texting or when no action is needed.

Meaning

This phrase is a professional way to point out a file you've sent. It asks the recipient to look over the document and give feedback. It sounds polite but direct, signaling that their input is needed for the next step.

Key Examples

3 of 10
1

Sending a project update to a manager

I have finished the draft; please review the attached document.

I have finished the draft; please review the attached document.

2

Applying for a new job via email

Please review the attached resume for my work history.

Please review the attached resume for my work history.

3

A teacher sending a syllabus to students

Class starts Monday! Please review the attached syllabus for the schedule.

Class starts Monday! Please review the attached syllabus for the schedule.

🌍

Cultural Background

In the US, efficiency is highly valued. 'Please review the attached' is often followed by a specific deadline (e.g., 'by 5 PM today'). It is seen as helpful rather than demanding. British professional culture often uses more 'hedging' or indirect language. You might see 'I would be grateful if you could review the attached' to sound more polite. When writing in English to Japanese colleagues, it's helpful to be very clear about what 'review' means. Does it mean 'read and understand' or 'edit and change'? Adding 'for your information' or 'for your approval' helps. German business culture is very direct. 'Please review the attached' is taken literally. If you send it, they will likely review it very thoroughly and provide detailed feedback.

🎯

Be Specific

Instead of just saying 'Please review the attached,' say 'Please review the attached budget' to be even clearer.

⚠️

Check the Attachment!

The most common embarrassing mistake is saying 'Please review the attached' and forgetting to actually attach the file.

In 15 Seconds

  • Standard professional way to point out email attachments.
  • Requests the recipient to examine and provide feedback.
  • Best for business emails, reports, and job applications.
  • Avoid in casual texting or when no action is needed.

What It Means

Imagine sending a massive project file and saying nothing. Your boss might miss it entirely. That is why we use Please review the attached. It is the digital equivalent of handing someone a folder. You are not just saying "here it is." You are asking them to actually read it. It carries a sense of professional expectation. You want their thoughts, their edits, or their approval. It feels organized and helpful. It also saves time by being very clear. There is no mystery about why the file is there. You have a goal in mind for that document.

How To Use It

You usually put this in the body of an email. It often sits right after the greeting. You can also place it at the very end. Sometimes you name the specific file. For example, Please review the attached budget. Other times, you leave it general if there is only one file. It works perfectly for PDFs, images, or spreadsheets. If you are using Slack or Microsoft Teams, it still works. However, it might feel a bit stiff there. In those apps, people often say Check this out instead. Use the full phrase when you want to sound like an expert. It shows you respect the other person's time.

Formality & Register

This phrase is the gold standard for office talk. It is definitely formal but not robotic. You would use it with a client you just met. You would also use it with a senior manager. It sits right in the middle of the professional spectrum. It is too stiff for your best friend. Imagine texting your roommate Please review the attached grocery list. They would think you were joking or mad. In a business setting, it is perfectly safe. It keeps a healthy distance while being collaborative. It is much better than just saying Look at this. That can sound a bit pushy or rude.

Real-Life Examples

You will see this in almost every job. A graphic designer sends a new logo draft. They say Please review the attached concept. A lawyer sends a contract for a new house. They write Please review the attached agreement. Even in schools, teachers use it with parents. They might send a field trip permission slip. It is the language of moving things forward. In the world of remote work, it is everywhere. Zoom calls often end with this promise. I will send the notes, please review the attached. It acts as a bridge between a conversation and an action.

When To Use It

Use it whenever you need a formal response. It is great for job applications. You send your resume and say Please review the attached CV. It works well for official reports. If you are requesting a signature, use this phrase. It signals that the document is important. Do not just attach a file and hope for the best. That is how files get lost in the inbox abyss. Use it when you are the one providing information. It puts the ball in their court politely. It is the ultimate tool for avoiding confusion.

When NOT To Use It

Avoid this phrase in very casual chats. If you are sending a meme to a coworker, stop. Saying Please review the attached meme is a bit weird. Unless you are being ironic, keep it simple. Do not use it if there is no attachment. That is the most common office fail. You send the email, but the file is missing. Everyone has done it at least once. It is a rite of passage for office workers. Also, do not use it if you just want them to see it. If no action is needed, try For your information.

Common Mistakes

Please review the attach Please review the attached.
Please review the attaching file Please review the attached file.
Please review attached Please review the attached.
I have review the attached Please review the attached.

Learning English grammar can feel like a maze sometimes. Using attach as a noun is a big trap. Remember, attached acts like an adjective here. It describes the state of the file. Do not forget the word the either. It makes the sentence flow much better. If you skip it, you sound a bit like a computer. We want you to sound like a human expert.

Common Variations

There are many ways to say the same thing. Please find attached is a very old-school version. Some people think it sounds a bit too stuffy now. Attached is the report is a great alternative. It is direct and modern. I have attached the files for your review is very clear. It explains exactly what you did and what you want. In casual offices, you might see Here is the file. If you are on a tight deadline, try Take a look at this. Each one changes the vibe slightly. Choose the one that fits your company's culture.

Real Conversations

M

Manager

Did you finish the monthly sales report yet?
E

Employee

Yes, I just sent it over to you.
M

Manager

Great, I will check my inbox now.
E

Employee

Please review the attached and let me know your thoughts.
M

Manager

Will do. I will get back to you by five.
R

Recruiter

Thanks for the interest in the marketing role.
C

Candidate

Thank you! I am very excited about the opportunity.
R

Recruiter

Can you send over your updated portfolio today?
C

Candidate

Of course. Please review the attached PDF for my latest work.
R

Recruiter

Perfect. This looks very impressive and professional.

Quick FAQ

Is this phrase too formal for a quick email? No, it is actually quite standard and safe. Should I name the file in the sentence? Yes, it helps if you have multiple attachments. Can I use this on WhatsApp? You can, but Check this is more common there. What if I forget the attachment? Send a quick follow-up email immediately. We have all been there, so do not panic. Is Please see attached the same thing? Yes, it is a very common and shorter version. Does review mean I have to change something? Not always, it just means you need to look carefully.

Usage Notes

Use this phrase at the beginning or end of a professional email to point out a file. It is safer to use 'attached' as an adjective (the attached file) or as a noun phrase (the attached). Avoid using 'attach' as a noun.

🎯

Be Specific

Instead of just saying 'Please review the attached,' say 'Please review the attached budget' to be even clearer.

⚠️

Check the Attachment!

The most common embarrassing mistake is saying 'Please review the attached' and forgetting to actually attach the file.

💬

Hierarchy Matters

If writing to a CEO, use 'Attached for your review' to sound slightly less like you are giving them an order.

Examples

10
#1 Sending a project update to a manager

I have finished the draft; please review the attached document.

I have finished the draft; please review the attached document.

Standard professional usage to request feedback on a specific file.

#2 Applying for a new job via email

Please review the attached resume for my work history.

Please review the attached resume for my work history.

Sets a polite and professional tone for a job application.

#3 A teacher sending a syllabus to students

Class starts Monday! Please review the attached syllabus for the schedule.

Class starts Monday! Please review the attached syllabus for the schedule.

Informative and organized, common in academic settings.

#4 Sending a design mockup to a client

Here are the new icons. Please review the attached PNG files.

Here are the new icons. Please review the attached PNG files.

Directs the client to specific file types for their approval.

#5 Instagram DM to a brand partner

I'd love to collaborate! Please review the attached media kit.

I'd love to collaborate! Please review the attached media kit.

Professional outreach even on social media platforms.

#6 Sharing a funny contract with a friend (humorous)

I'm officially moving in! Please review the attached 'Roommate Rules'.

I'm officially moving in! Please review the attached 'Roommate Rules'.

Uses formal language in a casual context for a comedic effect.

#7 Sending a farewell note with photos

I'll miss you all. Please review the attached photos of our team dinner.

I'll miss you all. Please review the attached photos of our team dinner.

A warmer way to share memories while staying polite.

#8 Submitting a formal complaint

Please review the attached evidence regarding the damaged delivery.

Please review the attached evidence regarding the damaged delivery.

Serious and formal, used to support a claim.

Common learner error with grammar Common Mistake

✗ Please review the attach file → ✓ Please review the attached file.

✗ Please review the attach file → ✓ Please review the attached file.

Shows the mistake of using the verb form 'attach' instead of the adjective 'attached'.

Common learner error with word order Common Mistake

✗ Please attached review the report → ✓ Please review the attached report.

✗ Please attached review the report → ✓ Please review the attached report.

Corrects the awkward placement of the adjective.

Test Yourself

Complete the sentence with the correct form of the word.

I have ______ the report to this email. Please ______ the attached and let me know your thoughts.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: a

The first blank needs a past participle (attached) for the present perfect tense. The second blank needs the base verb (review) after 'please'.

Which sentence is the most professional for a business email?

Choose the best option:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: b

Option B is the standard, professional way to request a review of an attachment.

Fill in the missing line in the dialogue.

Manager: 'I haven't seen the budget yet.' Employee: '________________________'

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: b

This is a polite and professional way to redirect the manager to the email already sent.

Match the phrase to the correct situation.

Situation: You are sending a final contract to a client for their signature.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: a

Contracts require formal review and signature, making 'a' the best fit.

🎉 Score: /4

Visual Learning Aids

When to use 'Review'

Action Needed

  • Drafts
  • Contracts
  • Invoices
ℹ️

No Action (FYI)

  • Newsletters
  • Receipts
  • Old reports

Practice Bank

4 exercises
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the word. Fill Blank B1

I have ______ the report to this email. Please ______ the attached and let me know your thoughts.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: a

The first blank needs a past participle (attached) for the present perfect tense. The second blank needs the base verb (review) after 'please'.

Which sentence is the most professional for a business email? Choose B2

Choose the best option:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: b

Option B is the standard, professional way to request a review of an attachment.

Fill in the missing line in the dialogue. dialogue_completion B2

Manager: 'I haven't seen the budget yet.' Employee: '________________________'

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: b

This is a polite and professional way to redirect the manager to the email already sent.

Match the phrase to the correct situation. situation_matching B1

Situation: You are sending a final contract to a client for their signature.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: a

Contracts require formal review and signature, making 'a' the best fit.

🎉 Score: /4

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It depends on the number of files. 'Attached is the report' (singular) vs. 'Attached are the reports' (plural).

Yes, 'Please see attached' is a very common, slightly more informal version used in fast-paced offices.

'Review' sounds more professional and implies a deeper look. 'Check' is more casual and might just mean 'make sure it's there'.

It's not better, just more traditional. Many modern companies prefer 'Please review the attached' because it's more direct.

It's a bit formal for a text. Better to say 'Check out the file I sent' or 'Take a look at this.'

In an email context, yes. It is a shortcut for 'the attached file' or 'the attached document'.

Add 'at your convenience' or 'when you have a moment' to the end of the sentence.

Yes, it is perfectly appropriate and expected in most professional relationships.

Don't use 'attached'. Say 'Please review the document at the link below' or 'Please review the shared file.'

It's a form of business jargon called nominalization. It's faster to type and everyone in an office knows what it means.

Related Phrases

🔗

Please find the attached

similar

A slightly more formal/older way to point out an attachment.

🔗

For your reference

specialized form

Sending a file just so the person has the information.

🔗

Attached for your approval

builds on

Specifically asking for a 'yes' or 'no' on a document.

🔗

See below

contrast

Refers to information written further down in the same email.

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