to attach

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to attach" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of joining or fastening one thing to another, often in the context of documents or files. Example: "Please remember to attach the necessary documents to your email before sending it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's up to others to attach labels.

The Guardian - Opinion

It's never going to attach to me".

The New York Times - Health

Locally-made house signs ready to attach.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

They want to attach themselves to a legend.

The New York Times - Arts

The owner is supposed to attach a repair receipt.

The New York Times

He declined to attach his name to the paper.

The New York Times - Health

They forgot to attach it until they got to France.

The New Yorker

Use frosting to attach slices for "knots" and frost them.

The New York Times - Magazine

Englishness must never be allowed to attach itself to ethnicity.

The Guardian - Books

Katz claims to attach no special meaning to it.

The New Yorker

They are looking for hair to attach to, he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing instructions, use "to attach" followed by specific details about the method or tools needed for the attachment (e.g., "to attach the wire, use a connector").

Common error

Avoid using passive constructions like "it needs to be attached" when an active voice such as "you need to attach it" is more direct and clearer.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to attach" functions primarily as an infinitive form of a verb, indicating an action to be performed. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. Examples include instructions on how to physically connect or join items.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

27%

Science

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to attach" is a versatile infinitive used to describe the act of joining or fastening something. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically correct and widely applicable. The phrase appears frequently in contexts such as News & Media and Science, and it is used in a neutral register. The best practices suggest providing specific details when using the phrase in instructions, while avoiding passive voice constructions. Numerous examples confirm its usage across diverse fields, highlighting its significance in both written and spoken communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to affix

Emphasizes a more formal and permanent method of joining, often involving glue or a similar adhesive.

to affix to

Similar to "to affix" but emphasizes the target of the attachment.

to connect

A more general term for linking two things, not necessarily physically.

to join

Implies bringing two or more things together to form a single unit.

to fasten

Focuses on securing something in place, often with a mechanical device.

to link

Similar to connect, emphasizes creating a relationship between two things.

to append

Means to add something as a supplement or appendix.

to secure

Highlights the act of making something firm and stable by attaching it.

to couple

Suggests joining two things together, often as a pair.

to bind

Indicates fastening something tightly, often with rope or similar material.

FAQs

How can I use "to attach" in a sentence?

You can use "to attach" when you want to describe the action of joining or fastening something to something else. For example, "Remember to attach the file to your email" or "Use screws to attach the shelf to the wall".

What can I say instead of "to attach"?

You can use alternatives like "to affix", "to connect", or "to join" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "attach something with something" or "attach something to something"?

The correct phrasing is "attach something to something". For example, "Attach the sensor to the wire" is correct, while "attach the sensor with the wire" is less common and may sound awkward.

What is the difference between "to attach" and "to connect"?

"To attach" often refers to a physical joining or fastening, whereas "to connect" can refer to either a physical or a logical link. For example, you attach a wire to a terminal, but you connect to a network.