an attached file

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an attached file" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a document that is sent along with an email, message, or other form of communication. For example, "Please find an attached file containing the budget for the project".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

The exception would be if you received an attached file that is infected and you opened it.

Forbes

For instance, an ActiveX control could be contained in a Christmas E-mail as an attached file.

Forbes

A mail procedure concept that notifies that a file is to be collected and obtains an attached file in response.

Human-centric Computing and Information Sciences

A mail procedure concept that notifies that a file is to be collected and obtains an attached file in response.  .

Human-centric Computing and Information Sciences

That's why sandboxing should occur at the network level, Monrad argues, where you can "focus on the entire stream of packets, in order to analyze what is happening, in a similar way, as normal users are exposed to the code when they browse the Internet, click on a link in an email or open an attached file".

TechCrunch

Someone neglects to sign out of their email account while in an Internet Cafe out of the country has their email hacked and unintentionally sends out thousands of email messages to friends, relatives and business contacts with an attached file that contains a virus.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

For example, some Verizon users have had success sending the clip to the phone's e-mail address (usually the cell number followed by "@vzwpix.com") and using a menu option to save the attached file as a ring tone.

The New York Times - Tech

Victims believed they were opening a photo of their new online friend, but when they clicked on the bogus picture the attached file contained a Trojan virus which infected their computers, allowing the sexual predator to establish remote control.

The Guardian - Tech

Appendix 2 (Second attached file, app2.txt, a text file) shows the output from the preceding session, which includes a correction of the input values.

BMC Medical Research Methodology

Pls check the attached file.

Functional Linguistics

Download the attached files to your Mac.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to "an attached file", clearly state its purpose or contents in the body of your message to give the recipient context.

Common error

A common mistake is mentioning "an attached file" in your message but forgetting to actually attach it. Always double-check before sending!

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an attached file" functions as a noun phrase where "attached" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "file". As Ludwig AI highlights, it refers to a file that is sent along with a message or email.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

33%

Wiki

19%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "an attached file" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed term to denote a file accompanying a message or email. As Ludwig AI points out, it's used to inform recipients about the presence of a file for their review or action. While the phrase is appropriate for both professional and informal settings, as supported by examples across news media, science, and wiki sources, it's crucial to ensure the file is actually attached to avoid miscommunication. Related phrases like "a file that is attached" or "an enclosed file" can be used to provide variety in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a file that is attached

This alternative uses a more descriptive and verbose phrasing.

a file included as an attachment

This phrase emphasizes the inclusion of the file as an attachment.

a document attached

Replaces "file" with "document", which may be more appropriate depending on the content of the file.

the attached document

Uses "the" to indicate a specific attached document, assuming it's already been referenced.

an enclosed file

Replaces "attached" with "enclosed", implying the file is within the message.

a file sent as an attachment

This alternative highlights the action of sending the file.

a file in attachment

A more concise way of saying a file is attached.

a supplementary file

Specifies that the attached file provides additional or supporting information.

the linked file

Specifies that the file provides an additional document. Slightly changes the nature of how the file is provided.

please find the attached file

A more polite and direct way to refer to the attached file.

FAQs

How do I properly refer to "an attached file" in an email?

You can say, "Please find "an attached file" containing the report" or "I have included "an attached file" with the details".

What's a more formal way to say "an attached file"?

In a more formal context, you might use "the enclosed document" or "the aforementioned file". You can also say "a supplementary file".

Is it correct to say 'the attached file' instead of "an attached file"?

Yes, both are correct. "An attached file" is used when you're introducing the file for the first time. "The attached file" is appropriate when referring to a specific file that's already been mentioned.

What should I do if I forget to attach the file I mentioned?

Send a follow-up email as soon as possible, apologizing for the oversight and including the missing "an attached file". For example, "My apologies, I forgot to attach the document. Please find it attached now."