Cool MateAttach vs Link
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Attach
Top 1,000 (very common)B1verb
Link
Top 1,000 (very common)A2noun
| Attach | Link | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/əˈtætʃ/","/əˈtætʃɪz/","/əˈtætʃt/","/əˈtætʃɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/əˈtætʃ/","/əˈtætʃɪz/","/əˈtætʃt/","/əˈtætʃɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/lɪŋk/"]/🇺🇸 /["/lɪŋk/"]/ |
| Meaning | to connect or fasten something to another thing | A connection between things. |
| Example | Please attach the document to your email before sending it. | Please click on the link to visit the website. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| CEFR level | B1 | A2 |
| Part of speech | verb | noun |
| Collocations | firmly, securely, loosely, to | close, tight, inextricable, have, build, create, connect something, exist, road, link across, link between, link in, close, tight, inextricable, have, build, create, connect something, exist, road, link across, link between, link in, audio, video, radio, have, establish, lose, via a/the link, link to, link via, embedded, hypertext, Internet, have, add, build, lead to something, point to something, work, link to |
| Antonyms | detach, remove | disconnect, detach, divide |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'detach' – forgetting to use the right prefix., Using 'attaching' incorrectly in passive constructions., Not following with an object, e.g., 'attach to' instead of 'attach the document to'. | Confused with 'link' as a noun and verb, forgetting to use the right form., Using 'link' when a stronger word like 'connect' is needed in formal writing., Overusing 'link' instead of 'connection' in context. |
| Usage notes | Use 'attach' for both physical and abstract connections, like emails or documents. Less common in very formal writing. Avoid with informal language unless using slang. | Use 'link' in both formal and informal situations. In academic writing, it often refers to ideas or arguments connected logically. Avoid it in contexts requiring very precise language. |
Frequently asked questions: Attach vs Link
What's the difference between Attach and Link?
Attach: to connect or fasten something to another thing Link: A connection between things.
Which is more advanced: Attach and Link?
Attach is the highest level, at B1, on the CEFR scale.
Are Attach and Link the same CEFR level?
Attach: B1, Link: A2 on the CEFR scale.
What part of speech are Attach and Link?
Attach: verb, Link: noun.
Can you show an example of each?
Attach: Please attach the document to your email before sending it. Link: Please click on the link to visit the website.
Can I use Attach and Link interchangeably?
Not always. Attach and Link are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.