“Please correct this”: how to say it politely

Say this instead

1. 01

   Hi Kirsty, the totals on slide 4 don't match the spreadsheet. Could you check and update them before 3 pm? Happy to look at it together if that helps.

   Coworker · Chat

   Fits a colleague's clear error with a close deadline, since it names the problem and the time.

   Use for my message
   Copy
2. 02

   Hi Dan, the Q2 budget sheet shows 12,400 for travel, but the invoice says 14,200. Could you confirm which figure is right so I can update my report?

   Boss · Email

   Suits a discrepancy in something your manager owns, because you cite the facts and ask for confirmation.

   Use for my message
   Copy
3. 03

   Hello Ms. Russell, the delivery date in the contract draft reads March 14, but we agreed March 28. Could you update it and send a revised copy?

   Client · Email

   Good for an error in a client-side document, since both versions are stated and nothing is left to guess.

   Use for my message
   Copy
4. 04

   Tegan, the client list has a few duplicate rows. Can you clean those up and resend by end of day? Tell me if anything is unclear.

   Someone you manage · Chat

   Gives someone you manage a specific task, a deadline and an open door for questions, so it stays firm but not harsh.

   Use for my message
   Copy
5. 05

   Hi Hamish, my notice period is listed as 30 days on the application, but it is 60. Could you update that on your side, please?

   Recruiter / HR · Email

   Helpful when a recruiter has recorded something wrong about you, as it is brief, factual and easy to act on.

   Use for my message
   Copy
6. 06

   Hi Mr. Khan, the postcode on your delivery form looks incorrect. Could you reply with the right one so we can update it before dispatch?

   Customer · SMS

   Fits a time-sensitive customer correction because it explains why the fix matters and makes one request.

   Use for my message
   Copy
7. 07

   Hi Leo, the meeting invite has the wrong room listed. Can you fix it before people head over? Thanks.

   Coworker · SMS

   Handy for a quick urgent fix when chat or email would be too slow.

   Use for my message
   Copy

Examples

What to avoid

• Sending “please correct this” with no detail about what is wrong or where.
• All caps, repeated exclamation marks or sarcasm to stress urgency usually backfire.
• Pointing out the mistake in a group channel when a private message would do.
• Leaving out the deadline when one exists makes the request easy to put off.
• Blaming the person (“you got this wrong”) instead of describing the error only puts them on the defensive.

Related phrases

• Alternatives to “I missed the target” at work→
• How to say “something came up” professionally→
• Better ways to say “I can't attend the meeting”→
• Saying “my apologies” at work→
• How to say “there's an error” professionally→
• How to say “please pay the balance” professionally→