file attachment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "file attachment" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a document or file that is sent along with an email or message. Example: "Please find the file attachment containing the report for your review."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

UPDATE: A Yahoo! representative tells us that YouSendIt is still available as a file attachment option under "Applications" and "Attach Large Files".

TechCrunch

I often receive e-mail messages with a file attachment called winmail.dat at the end.

The New York Times - Tech

And by the way, what was that weird file attachment?" Also skip the programs that are themselves full-blown e-mail programs, like IncrediMail.

The New York Times - Tech

In such cases, the e-mail program will usually display a file attachment called winmail.dat along with the message sent by the user.

The New York Times - Tech

When internet users clicked on the file attachment to learn more, they unknowingly allowed cybercriminals to take control of their computers.

The Guardian - Tech

If a user wants to reply to an e-mail note, that person can dictate a response; the service will send an e-mail reply that contains an audio file attachment with the dictated message.

The New York Times - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

The Audrey and the Gateway Touch Pad show you graphics attached to e-mail messages but reject most other file attachments.

The New York Times - Tech

Sounds arrive as WAV file attachments.

The New York Times - Tech

The software can also handle file attachments on AOL mail.

The New York Times - Tech

It adds in Dropbox features for file attachments and a built-in To-Do list.

The Guardian - Tech

All file attachments except JPEG photo files are stripped away, and even those take several clicks to open.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to a "file attachment", specify the file format (e.g., PDF, DOCX) to ensure recipients can open it.

Common error

Avoid assuming all recipients have the necessary software to open a specific "file attachment". Offer alternative formats or conversion options when possible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "file attachment" primarily functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a direct object or a complement. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it denotes a file that is attached to an email or other electronic communication. Examples from Ludwig show it used in contexts like 'click on the file attachment' or 'send as a file attachment'.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

15%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "file attachment" is a common noun phrase used to describe a file that is attached to an email or other electronic message. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide usage. As shown by the examples, it appears most frequently in News & Media, Formal & Business and Science contexts. When using this phrase, ensure you specify the file format for compatibility and consider offering alternative formats to avoid access issues. Alternatives like "attached document" or ""email attachment"" can be used depending on the context. This phrase is suitable for both neutral and professional communications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

attached document

Replaces "file" with "document", emphasizing the content of the attachment.

email attachment

Specifies that the attachment is part of an email.

document attached

Changes the word order while keeping the same meaning, emphasizing the document.

attached file

Switches the order of the words, maintaining the core meaning.

enclosed file

Uses "enclosed" to indicate the file is included.

uploaded file

Suggests the file was added electronically, often to a message or form.

supporting document

Indicates that the attached file provides additional information.

additional file

Highlights that the file is extra or supplementary.

appended file

Uses "appended" to show that the file has been added to the end.

incorporated document

The attachment is a formal part of the message.

FAQs

How to use "file attachment" in a sentence?

You can use "file attachment" to refer to a file sent along with an email. For example, "Please find the report in the "email attachment"".

What can I say instead of "file attachment"?

You can use alternatives like "attached document", ""email attachment"", or "enclosed file" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "file attachment" or "attached file"?

Both "file attachment" and "attached file" are correct and commonly used. The choice depends on personal preference or the specific context.

What's the difference between a "file attachment" and a link?

A "file attachment" is the actual file included directly in the email, whereas a link points to a file stored elsewhere (e.g., on a cloud service). Using a link instead of a "file attachment" can save space in the recipient's inbox.