How to use "herewith"

What Does "herewith" Mean?

• It expresses the manner in which something is being transmitted or presented, specifically indicating that it accompanies the current communication.
• It typically modifies the verb in a sentence.
• Register: formal

How to Use It

• Typical sentence positions: initial or mid. Initial position is more common, often followed by a comma. Mid-sentence use is less common but can occur before the verb. Final position is generally unnatural.
• It modifies the verb by indicating that something is being sent, given, or enclosed with the current message. It adds a sense of formality and directness.
• Grammatical flexibility: It can be fronted for emphasis. Negation is not typically used directly with "herewith." Questions are not a natural context for its use.
• What sounds unnatural or incorrect: Using "herewith" in informal conversation or in contexts where formality is not required. Placing it at the end of a sentence. Using it to modify nouns directly.

Real-World Examples

These examples are sourced from herewith on Ludwig.guru.

"Herewith, a few instant classics." — The Guardian - Money

"You will note that Special Agent Bannerman has succeeded in procuring this passport and I herewith enclose the same for your disposition. . . ." — The New Yorker

"Herewith is their reply: Thank you for your letter." — The New Yorker

"I herewith give him back, in his grand dimensions, to his nation and the world"." — The New Yorker

"Herewith, some suggestions from the "Things to Do with Your Prius" message board." — The New Yorker

Examples sourced from https://ludwig.guru/s/herewith

Similar Phrases and Alternatives

Phrase	Context
with this	More neutral and versatile; suitable for both formal and informal contexts.
enclosed	Specifically emphasizes physical enclosure; common in business correspondence.
attached	Similar to 'enclosed' but often refers to digital attachments in emails.
here is	Simpler and more direct; suitable when introducing something.
presented here	More formal, suitable for academic or professional settings.
I am sending	Direct and clear; suitable for business communication.
please find	Common in business emails to introduce attached or enclosed documents.

Common Mistakes

• Wrong position: Placing "herewith" at the end of a sentence sounds very unnatural.
• Register mismatch: Using "herewith" in informal conversation sounds overly formal and archaic.
• Confusion with similar words: Confusing "herewith" with similar-sounding words like "therewith" is a common error.

Quick-Reference Summary

Expression	Function	Register	Typical Position
herewith	Indicates something is enclosed or presented with the current communication	Formal	Initial or mid-sentence

FAQs

Where in a sentence should "herewith" appear?

"Herewith" is most naturally placed at the beginning of a sentence, often followed by a comma, such as "Herewith, the results of the investigation." It can also appear mid-sentence, typically before the verb it modifies: "I herewith submit my resignation." However, placing it at the end of a sentence is grammatically incorrect and sounds unnatural.

---

How does "herewith" differ from its closest alternative, "with this"?

While both "herewith" and "with this" indicate that something accompanies the current communication, "herewith" is significantly more formal and archaic. "With this" is a more neutral and versatile alternative that can be used in a wider range of contexts, including both formal and informal situations, whereas "herewith" is typically reserved for highly formal writing.

---

What's a common mistake to avoid when using "herewith"?

A common mistake is using "herewith" in spoken contexts or informal writing where it sounds overly formal and archaic. It's also important to avoid confusing it with similar-sounding words like "therewith." Remember that "herewith" should primarily be used in formal written communication to indicate that something is being enclosed or presented with the current document.