How to use "please find enclosed herewith"

What Does "please find enclosed herewith" Mean?

• Pragmatic function: This phrase serves as a polite and formal way to introduce documents or items that are included with a letter or email. It functions as a notification and a courtesy.
• Literal vs. conventional meaning: Literally, it means "please locate something included with this message," but conventionally, it's a formulaic statement indicating enclosure.
• Register: Highly formal. Its use is generally restricted to official or business communications.

How to Use It

• Typical social context: This phrase is typically used in formal business letters, official correspondence, legal documents, and other professional communications where a high degree of formality is required.
• Formality level and relationship between speakers: The phrase suggests a formal relationship between the sender and recipient. It's inappropriate for informal or casual communication.
• Expected response or follow-up: The recipient is expected to acknowledge receipt of the enclosed documents or items and, if necessary, to take appropriate action based on their contents.
• Can it stand alone or does it need a continuation? It needs a continuation specifying what is enclosed.

Real-World Examples

"Please find enclosed … a telling opinion from Lord Hoffman plus the view of Peter Lawrence (ex-Patent Division) and an interesting comment on counterfeiting from Crimestoppers.Hoffman is the most telling and concerning from an IP viewpoint'." — The Guardian

"Please find enclosed the required documents." — The Guardian

""Please find enclosed a copy of the Attachment to Independent Case Review Report for CDRU#6480 Case File #95-253567, which we received, from the U.S. Department of Justice," stated the entirety of a letter from prosecutors in Tampa to one defendant in April 2001." — The Washington Post

"That intention was made clear in a letter sent to villagers by the Israeli military authorities after Mordechai's visit, which read: "In light of your update concerning the intention to reach a solution on this subject, please find enclosed a list of the illegal buildings constructed in violation of the orders, and which you are requested to evacuate independently"." — The Guardian

"Re: Application of Verizon New York Inc. for a Cable Television Franchise Pursuant to the requirements of 16 N.Y.C.R.R. Section 894.5, please find enclosed the application of Verizon New York Inc. to the City of Glen Cove for a cable television franchise." — Huffington Post

Examples sourced from https://ludwig.guru/s/please+find+enclosed+herewith

Similar Phrases and Alternatives

Phrase	Context
Please find enclosed	Slightly less formal but still professional.
Enclosed please find	Formal, but less common and slightly archaic.
I have enclosed	More direct and active voice; maintains formality.
Attached you will find	Suitable for email, though still somewhat formal.
We are enclosing	Used when representing a company or organization.
Please see the attached	Common in email communication, less stiff.
Here are	When listing multiple items being sent physically.

Common Mistakes

• Using the phrase in informal communication, such as a casual email to a colleague or friend. This can make the sender sound overly stiff or out of touch.
• Believing that "herewith" adds significant meaning. It's largely redundant.
• Learners often use this phrase in informal settings or confuse it with simpler alternatives like "I've attached" or "Enclosed is/are," leading to an overly formal and potentially awkward tone.

Quick-Reference Summary

Expression	Social Function	Register	Typical Context
Please find enclosed herewith	Indicating enclosed documents	Highly formal	Official letters, legal documents, formal business correspondence

FAQs

How should I respond when someone uses "please find enclosed herewith" in a communication?

A simple acknowledgement is sufficient. You could say, "Thank you for the documents. I have received them" or "I acknowledge receipt of the enclosed materials." The response should be polite and professional, reflecting the formality of the original communication.

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Is "please find enclosed herewith" used the same way in British and American English?

Yes, the phrase is understood in both British and American English. However, it's considered quite formal in both dialects and might be perceived as slightly archaic or overly stuffy in modern American English. Simpler alternatives are generally preferred in the US.

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Is it correct to use "please find enclosed herewith" in an email to a close colleague?

No, it is generally not appropriate. Using this phrase in informal settings or confusing it with simpler alternatives like "I've attached" or "Enclosed is/are," leads to an overly formal and potentially awkward tone. For a colleague, "I've attached" or "You'll find attached" is much more suitable.