What to say instead of “sorry for the error”

Say this instead

1. 01

   I made a mistake in the figures I sent yesterday. The corrected sheet is attached, and the totals on page two are the ones that changed.

   Boss · Email

   Use it when a report has already been shared, since it names the mistake and shows exactly what changed.

   Use for my message
   Copy
2. 02

   Sorry, I got the date wrong in my last message. The meeting is on Thursday at 3 pm, not Wednesday.

   Coworker · Chat

   Small slips that need a fast fix suit this one, because the correction follows the apology immediately.

   Use for my message
   Copy
3. 03

   Apologies for the mistake on the invoice. I've attached the corrected version with the right amount. Please disregard the earlier one.

   Client · Email

   Billing or document errors call for this version, which tells the client which file to use now.

   Use for my message
   Copy
4. 04

   I gave you the wrong deadline earlier, my mistake. It's Friday, not Wednesday. Let me know if that changes your plan.

   Someone you manage · Chat

   It owns the mistake without drama and invites your colleague to flag any knock-on effects.

   Use for my message
   Copy
5. 05

   Sorry about the mix-up with your delivery time. It's now booked for Tuesday between 2 and 4 pm. Reply here if that doesn't work.

   Customer · SMS

   Short enough for a text, it gives the customer the new details and a way to respond.

   Use for my message
   Copy
6. 06

   I'm sorry, I sent you the wrong version of my CV earlier. The updated one is attached, with the correct dates for my last role.

   Recruiter / HR · Email

   During hiring, a quick and tidy correction like this shows you pay attention to detail.

   Use for my message
   Copy
7. 07

   Heads up: I spotted a mistake in the report I shared this morning. I've fixed it and the new link is below. Sorry for the confusion.

   Boss · Chat

   Choose this when you caught the problem yourself and want to fix it before anyone relies on it.

   Use for my message
   Copy
8. 08

   You're right, that figure was wrong on our side. Thanks for catching it. The correct number is 1,240, and I've updated the document.

   Client · Chat

   Fits when the client has pointed out the error, because it confirms it, thanks them and gives the fix.

   Use for my message
   Copy

Examples

What to avoid

• Leaving the error unnamed forces the reader to guess, so say exactly what was wrong.
• Burying the correction makes people hunt for it, so put the right information in the same message as the apology.
• One clear “sorry” is enough, since repeating it makes a small slip feel bigger than it is.
• Blaming others or giving a long explanation helps no one unless the reader asks for one.
• An apology with no correction leaves the other person to sort it out, so always include the fix.

Related phrases

• Better ways to say “sorry for being late”→
• A kinder way to say “sorry for the bad service”→
• A kinder way to say “your order is delayed”→
• Better ways to say “the item is out of stock”→
• Alternatives to “apologies for the confusion” at work→
• Saying “sorry for the delay in payment” at work→