attached file

USAGE SUMMARY

"attached file" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to a file that you are sending along with an email or other written communication. Example: "Please find the attached file containing the documents you requested."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

An attached file contained malicious code that would give complete control of the recipient's computer to a hacker.

The Guardian

Reading the poisoned E-mail is harmless, but opening the attached file leads to heartbreak, or at least heartburn.

The New York Times - Tech

Once FOE fetches the content, it encrypts it and sends it via e-mail much like an attached file.

MIT Technology Review

See comments in the attached file for notes on use and sources of the data used therein.

Columbia University

When I opened the attached file, it didn't even appear to be in Microsoft Excel or some other spreadsheet format.

The New York Times

For practical reasons, do not open any attached file unless you know the sender; that is one way worms and viruses spread.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

You can also purchase utility software that will translate and open most kinds of attached files.

The New York Times - Tech

Do not use another program to encrypt or password protect attached files, see Email Use Requirements for details.

Columbia University

Please see the attached files for more detailed information on how to apply to each of these calls.

University of California, Berkeley

The more e-mail, Web links and attached files lodged in their computer systems, the harder it can be for people to find what they really want.

The New York Times

Please see the attached files for detailed information.

Duke University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always double-check that you have actually attached the file before sending the email, even if you have mentioned the "attached file" in the message.

Common error

Avoid the common mistake of mentioning the "attached file" in your email but forgetting to actually attach it. Proofread your email before sending to ensure the file is included.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "attached file" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as an appositive or modifier to clarify what is being attached to an email or document. Ludwig indicates it's a correct phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

25%

Science

25%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Wiki

16%

Formal & Business

9%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "attached file" is a common and grammatically correct way to refer to a file included with an email or other communication. Ludwig confirms this, providing numerous examples of its use in various contexts. It is suitable for neutral and professional communication, used to clearly inform the recipient that a file is included and should be reviewed. Common synonyms include "enclosed file" or "file attachment". Remember to avoid the mistake of mentioning the "attached file" without actually attaching it!

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

enclosed file

Replaces "attached" with "enclosed", emphasizing the file being contained within the message.

file attachment

Inverts the order of words, slightly changing emphasis but retaining the same meaning.

accompanying document

Uses a more formal term, "document", instead of "file".

included file

Replaces "attached" with "included", implying the file is part of the message.

appended file

Replaces "attached" with "appended", a more technical term for adding something at the end.

file provided

Focuses on the action of providing the file, rather than its attachment.

document attached

Inverts the phrase and uses 'document' instead of 'file'.

file sent with this message

More descriptive phrase, explicitly stating that the file is sent with the message.

the file in attachment

A less common construction, but retains the meaning.

supporting document

Indicates the file provides additional information or evidence.

FAQs

How can I use "attached file" in a sentence?

You can use "attached file" in sentences like, "Please find the "attached file" with the project details" or "I have included the report as an "attached file"".

What is a synonym for "attached file"?

A synonym for "attached file" is "enclosed file". Both terms refer to a file that is sent along with a message.

Is it better to say "attached file" or "file attachment"?

Both "attached file" and "file attachment" are acceptable. "Attached file" is slightly more common in general usage, but the meaning is identical.

What should I do if I can't open an attached file?

If you cannot open an "attached file", ensure you have the correct software to open that specific file type. If the problem persists, contact the sender to resend the file or provide an alternative format.