Attachment vs Link

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

Attachment

Top 1,000 (very common) B2 noun

Link

Top 1,000 (very common) A2 noun

	Attachment	Link
Pronunciation	🇬🇧 /["/əˈtætʃmənt/"]/ 🇺🇸 /["/əˈtætʃmənt/"]/	🇬🇧 /["/lɪŋk/"]/ 🇺🇸 /["/lɪŋk/"]/
Meaning	Something that is connected or added to something else.	A connection between things.
Example	No attachment was included.	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	B2	A2
Part of speech	noun	noun
Collocations	email, unsolicited, infected, include, send, open, close, deep, passionate, feel, have, develop, attachment 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	detachment, separation	disconnect, detach, divide
Common mistakes	'Attachment' incorrectly used as a verb., 'Attachment' confused with 'attachment style' in psychological contexts., Mispronouncing 'attachment' as 'attach-ment' instead of 'at-tach-ment'.	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 'attachment' in a variety of contexts, like emails (an attached file) or emotional connections. Avoid using it in very casual settings where a simpler word would suffice.	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.

See it in real clips

No. No attachments. My father insisted.

Sherlock › S1 E1

Now, who's Clara? Three kisses says it's a romantic attachment.

No. No attachments. My father insisted.

Sherlock › S1 E1

Now, who's Clara? Three kisses says it's a romantic attachment.

Attachment

about McCluskey's link with Sollozzo in the drug rackets.

Succession › S1 E1

- Frank, will you be link man here? - Uh-huh.

The Sopranos › S1 E1

That's the link.

about McCluskey's link with Sollozzo in the drug rackets.

Succession › S1 E1

- Frank, will you be link man here? - Uh-huh.

Link

Frequently asked questions: Attachment vs Link

What's the difference between Attachment and Link?

Attachment: Something that is connected or added to something else. Link: A connection between things.

Which is more advanced: Attachment and Link?

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

Are Attachment and Link the same CEFR level?

Attachment: B2, Link: A2 on the CEFR scale.

What part of speech are Attachment and Link?

Attachment: noun, Link: noun.

Can you show an example of each?

Attachment: No attachment was included. Link: Please click on the link to visit the website.

Can I use Attachment and Link interchangeably?

Not always. Attachment 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.