attach
B1Neutral to Formal
Definition
Meaning
To fasten or join one thing to another; to connect.
To associate or affiliate with someone or something; to assign or attribute (importance, value, etc.).
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often implies a sense of connection that is intended to be stable or permanent, but can also refer to temporary or emotional connections (e.g., 'attach a file', 'become attached to someone'). In computing, it means to include a separate file with a message.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling differences in derived forms (attached/attaching). The noun form 'attachment' is used identically. The verb 'attach' itself has no spelling difference.
Connotations
Very similar. Slightly more formal in British English for some physical uses (e.g., 'attach' vs. 'stick on').
Frequency
Equally frequent in both dialects. The collocation 'attach importance to' may be marginally more frequent in British English.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
attach something to somethingattach to somethingattach importance/significance/value to somethingbe/become attached to someone/somethingVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Attach a rider to (a bill/legislation)”
- “Attach a condition to”
- “Attach a label to (someone)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Please attach the quarterly report to your email.
Academic
The researchers attach considerable weight to the preliminary findings.
Everyday
I'll attach a photo of the recipe to this message.
Technical
You must attach the grounding wire to the designated terminal.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- Attach the completed form to your covering letter.
- The terms and conditions are attached to the contract.
American English
- Be sure to attach the receipt to your expense report.
- A garage is attached to the house.
adverb
British English
- N/A - 'attached' does not have a standard adverbial form.
American English
- N/A - 'attached' does not have a standard adverbial form.
adjective
British English
- The attached document contains the meeting minutes.
- Please review the attached CV.
American English
- Please see the attached file for details.
- The attached photos show the damage.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Attach the photo to your application.
- The dog is attached to its owner.
- You need to attach a copy of your passport.
- I've become very attached to this old sweater.
- The committee attaches great importance to environmental issues.
- A small battery is attached to the device.
- Strict conditions are attached to the granting of the loan.
- Critics attach little credence to the government's assurances.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a STAPLE attaching two sheets of paper together; 'at-TACH' sounds like a staple's 'tack' sound.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONNECTION IS ATTACHMENT (e.g., 'We are attached at the hip', 'She is attached to her beliefs').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not use 'attach' for Russian 'атаковать' (to attack). They are false friends.
- Avoid overusing 'attach' for simple 'put' or 'place' (положить). Use for intentional fastening/connecting.
- Be careful with 'attach' vs. 'attribute' (приписывать). 'Attach importance' is correct; 'attach blame' is less common than 'assign blame'.
Common Mistakes
- I attached the file in the email. (Use 'to' not 'in': attached the file *to* the email)
- She is very attached with her dog. (Use 'to': attached *to* her dog)
- Please attach this papers together. (Uncountable/plural agreement: attach these papers)
Practice
Quiz
Which preposition is correct with 'attached' when referring to emotional connection?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While it often refers to physical connection (attach a file, attach a label), it is also used abstractly (attach importance, attach a condition, become emotionally attached).
'Attach' often implies one object is subsidiary and fastened to another (attach a file to an email). 'Connect' suggests a more mutual linking or establishing a relationship between two points (connect the printer to the computer, connect two ideas).
Yes, in the passive voice or with a prepositional phrase (e.g., 'The blame attaches to him', 'The handler attached to the dog'). However, it is most commonly transitive (attach something to something).
It is standard to use it as an adjective before the noun ('Please find the attached report') or in a participle phrase at the end ('I am sending the report attached'). 'Attached please find...' is traditional but becoming less common.