“Please fix your mistake”: how to say it politely
Why it can fall flat
“please fix your mistake”
It leaves out which error and where it is, and “your mistake” points at the person, so they get defensive before hearing what needs to change. Usually the writer just wants a quick fix without a fight.
Say this instead
- 01
Hey Claire, the totals on row 14 of the Q3 sheet look off to me. Can you take a look and update them when you get a chance?
Coworker · Chat
Hey Claire works for a small slip between peers because it points to the exact spot and treats the fix as a normal task.
- 02
Hi Karen, the figure on slide 6 doesn't match the latest report. Could you confirm which is right? I'd like it corrected before the deck goes out.
Boss · Email
Asking your manager to confirm which figure is right lets you raise the error without seeming to accuse them.
- 03
The invoice has the wrong PO number. Please correct it and resend by 3 pm today so payment isn't held up.
Someone you manage · Chat
Someone you manage can take this directly when the fix is urgent, since it gives a deadline and states the reason.
- 04
Hello Craig, the date format in column C of your file is stopping our system from importing it. Could you correct it and resend by Thursday?
Client · Email
Clients respond well when you explain how the error blocks your work and give them one clear next step.
- 05
Hi Ms. Rao, the address on your order form looks incomplete, so we can't process it yet. Please update it using the link below and we can go from there.
Customer · Email
Customers get a correction request that stays on the missing detail rather than on who made the error.
- 06
Lou, the invite shows 2 pm but the meeting is at 3. Can you correct it before others see it? Thanks.
Coworker · SMS
A short text suits a time-sensitive fix when it is the fastest way to reach someone.
- 07
Hi Leo, there are a few errors in the regional figures on pages 3 and 5. Please correct them and send me the updated version by Friday noon. Happy to go through them together if that helps.
Someone you manage · Email
Several errors call for naming where they are, setting a deadline and offering help while keeping the standard.
- 08
Hi Ayesha, the job posting lists the role as based in Pune, but we agreed it's remote. Could you correct the listing, or tell me if the location has changed?
Recruiter / HR · Email
An outside contact who published something inaccurate gets a correction request that also leaves room for an explanation.
Examples
Hi Duncan, The delivery address on order 4821 is missing the flat number, so the courier can't complete the drop-off. Could you update it in the system today? Once it's changed, I'll let the warehouse know to reschedule. Thanks, Nisha
Hi Jamal, I think the April budget tab still has last year's rate in cell D9, which throws off the total. Could you correct it before the 2 pm review? Thanks!
What to avoid
- Saying “your mistake” or “you got this wrong” makes the message about the person instead of the error.
- Adding “again” or “as usual” to a repeated problem backfires, so raise the pattern separately and in private.
- Hinting with sarcasm like “thanks for that” or “nice work” is risky because people often miss it or resent it.
- Copying the whole team on a correction that could go to one person turns a small fix into a public matter.
- Vague requests like “please fix this” leave out the location, reason and deadline the person needs.