Please Find Enclosed vs. Enclosed Please Find
Both “please find enclosed” and “enclosed please find” are traditional document-transmittal formulas. Institutional examples attest both orders, but modern plain-language guidance often favors stating directly what is enclosed or attached rather than relying on either formula.
Both orders are understandable and traditional. “Please find enclosed …” is common in formal letters; “Enclosed please find …” is also attested but can sound more formulaic. For clearer modern prose, directly name the enclosed document when possible.
Key details
Important caveats
Scope Boundary
Use “enclosed” for material included with a physical letter or package; in email, “attached” is normally the more literal term for a file attachment.
Further guidance
Application
In a traditional letter, either formula may be acceptable. In contemporary professional writing, a direct sentence such as “I’ve enclosed the report” or “The report is enclosed” is usually easier to read.
Core Rule
Neither order is a universal grammar error; both appear in formal institutional correspondence. The choice is primarily one of convention, rhythm, and style.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- Writing Your Letter of Transmittal — UMGC Effective Writing Center (opens in a new tab)University of Maryland Global Campus · Institutional example of “Enclosed please find” in formal transmittal letters
- Legal Writing in Plain English, Exercise 20 — University of Chicago Press (opens in a new tab)University of Chicago Press · Plain-language exercise identifying formulaic “Enclosed please find” wording for revision
- Sample Cover Letter (Traditional Style) — Gallaudet University (opens in a new tab)Gallaudet University · Institutional traditional-letter example using “Please find enclosed”