Friday 12 November 2010

Notes in writting a business letter

I. Attached please file vs. Please find attached

If you have been googled the two phrases, you would be surprise that they are using in many texts. In fact, "Please find attached" (or "Attached please find") is also outdated, but they are very common used in business letters still to this day. Both versions are now rather old-fashioned.

It seems that modern business communication favors more modern, straightforward language such as these examples.
I have attached the new Word document.
The new Word document is attached.
Please take a look at the attached Word document.
Replace the old Word document with the new one which is attached.
You will find the new Word document attached to this e-mail.

Well, if you're going for modernity, why not "I have attached the new Word document"?


Business-writing texts have consistently condemned the phrase Enclosed please find; please find enclosed since the the late 19th century. These are archaic deadwood for here are, enclosed is, I've enclosed, I am enclosing. . . (Garner's Modern American Usage)

As some people in many English forum suggested, the same would be said of attached please find; please find attached.

So when it's professional you will always try to be polite, unless it's to your team mate, or a friendly boss:


Please find attached my CV for your attention.
(traditional and formal, can be used for your CV and wedding invites)



Please find my CV attached for your attention.
(Modern formal, better than the traditional version)
[when you sign your email "yours sincerely/faithfully and best regards"]


I've attached...I'm enclosing... the latest figures for you.
(Modern business, for friendly associates/colleagues)
[when you sign your email "best regards/regards/nothing"]


Here's that excel file that you wanted.
(Modern-casual, for team mates)

[when you sign your email "regards/thanks/nothing"]

1 comment :

Slobodan Blazeski said...

Even if you are sending the file to your team mate its wise to be polite. First it becomes a good habit.
Second unlike the conversation written word stays for good you really don't know who will read this mail as there is a chance it will be forwarded printed or whatever.
Third sometimes you may subconsciously send casual form to someone who accept something more formal like your boss, client etc.

The downside is that more formal form causes a shift in conversation mode so your friend or team mate will feel somewhat awkward when reading it.