Attach vs Mount

When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.

Attach

Top 1,000 (very common)B1verb

Mount

Top 1,000 (very common)B2verb
 AttachMount
Pronunciation🇬🇧 /["/əˈtætʃ/","/əˈtætʃɪz/","/əˈtætʃt/","/əˈtætʃɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/əˈtætʃ/","/əˈtætʃɪz/","/əˈtætʃt/","/əˈtætʃɪŋ/"]/🇬🇧 //maʊnt//🇺🇸 //maʊnt//
Meaningto connect or fasten something to another thingto go up or place something on something else
ExamplePlease attach the document to your email before sending it.They decided to mount the picture on the wall.
RegisterNeutralNeutral
How commonTop 1,000 (very common)Top 1,000 (very common)
CEFR levelB1B2
Part of speechverbverb
Collocationsfirmly, securely, loosely, tomount a horse, mount an exhibition, mount a campaign
Antonymsdetach, removedismount, descend, lower
Common mistakesConfused 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 'amount' when discussing quantities., Using 'mount' incorrectly as a noun; it is primarily a verb., Omitting the object after 'mount', e.g., saying 'I mount' without specifying what.
Usage notesUse 'attach' for both physical and abstract connections, like emails or documents. Less common in very formal writing. Avoid with informal language unless using slang.Used in neutral contexts; avoid in very casual conversations. 'Mount' often refers to making something secure, like a picture frame.

See it in real clips

Mount

Frequently asked questions: Attach vs Mount

What's the difference between Attach and Mount?

Attach: to connect or fasten something to another thing Mount: to go up or place something on something else

Which is more advanced: Attach and Mount?

Mount is the highest level, at B2, on the CEFR scale.

Are Attach and Mount the same CEFR level?

Attach: B1, Mount: B2 on the CEFR scale.

What part of speech are Attach and Mount?

Attach: verb, Mount: verb.

Can you show an example of each?

Attach: Please attach the document to your email before sending it. Mount: They decided to mount the picture on the wall.

Can I use Attach and Mount interchangeably?

Not always. Attach and Mount 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.

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