Attached vs. Herewith

Attribute	Attached	Herewith
Definition	Physically connected or fastened to something	With this document or item
Usage	Commonly used to refer to physical objects or files	Commonly used in formal writing to refer to accompanying documents
Context	Can be used in various contexts, both formal and informal	Primarily used in formal contexts
Implication	Implies a physical connection or association	Implies a formal attachment or inclusion

Definition

Attached and herewith are two terms commonly used in business communication to refer to documents or files that are included with a message. When something is attached, it means that the document or file is physically included with the message, usually as an attachment to an email. On the other hand, when something is referred to as herewith, it means that the document or file is included in the same communication, either physically or digitally, but not necessarily as a separate attachment.

Usage

Attached is often used in formal communication, such as in business emails or official letters, to indicate that a document or file is included for the recipient's reference. It is a clear and direct way to inform the recipient that there is additional information that they need to review. Herewith, on the other hand, is less commonly used and may be seen as more formal or old-fashioned. It is often used in legal documents or contracts to refer to documents that are included as part of the communication.

Clarity

When using the term attached, there is no ambiguity about the presence of the document or file being referred to. The recipient knows that they should look for an attachment to the email or letter. However, when using herewith, there may be some confusion as to whether the document is physically included with the communication or if it is meant to be found elsewhere. This lack of clarity can lead to misunderstandings and delays in accessing the necessary information.

Formality

Attached is a more straightforward and modern term that is commonly used in everyday business communication. It is clear and concise, making it easy for the recipient to understand that there is a document or file included with the message. Herewith, on the other hand, is a more formal and traditional term that may be perceived as old-fashioned or overly formal in some contexts. It is less commonly used in modern business communication and may be seen as unnecessarily formal in some situations.

Implications

Using the term attached in a business communication implies that the document or file is an important part of the message and that the recipient should review it carefully. It signals to the recipient that there is additional information that they need to consider. On the other hand, using herewith may not have the same sense of urgency or importance attached to it. The recipient may not immediately understand that there is a document or file that they need to review, leading to delays in accessing the necessary information.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while both attached and herewith are terms used to refer to documents or files included with a message, there are differences in their usage, clarity, formality, and implications. Attached is a more common and straightforward term that is widely used in modern business communication, while herewith is less commonly used and may be perceived as more formal or old-fashioned. When choosing between the two terms, it is important to consider the context of the communication and the desired level of formality and clarity.