How to say “that's a lie” professionally

Say this instead

1. 01

   That doesn't match what I have. Can I send you the timeline so we can check it together?

   Boss · Chat

   Chat with your boss suits a wrong claim about you or your work, since it disputes the claim without accusing anyone.

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2. 02

   I don't think that's accurate. The ticket shows the request came in on Tuesday, not Friday. Can we look at it together?

   Coworker · Chat

   Pointing a colleague to the ticket keeps the talk on facts instead of motives when they misstate a detail.

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3. 03

   I'm afraid that isn't correct. Our records show the invoice was sent on March 4, and I've attached a copy so you can compare it with yours.

   Client · Email

   Clients who dispute something you can prove get a firm but courteous reply, and the attached invoice lets the evidence do the work.

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4. 04

   That's not what happened as I understand it. Walk me through your version, and I'll share what I saw.

   Someone you manage · Chat

   Asking a team member for their version lets them explain first while you still make clear you disagree.

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5. 05

   I need to correct that: I never agreed to a June 1 start date. Please update your notes so we're working from the same information.

   Recruiter / HR · Email

   Recruiters who recorded something you never said get a direct, polite request for one specific fix.

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6. 06

   Thanks for getting in touch. That doesn't match our records, which show your order shipped on May 12. Want me to send the tracking link?

   Customer · SMS

   Customers whose claim your records contradict get a friendly reply with a practical next step in the tracking link.

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7. 07

   I want to flag that the figure quoted in the report isn't accurate. The signed-off total was 42,000. Could we correct it before it goes out?

   Boss · Email

   A written correction to your boss fits something about to be circulated, because it names the error and the fix.

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8. 08

   I see that differently, and I don't think the summary reflects what was agreed in the meeting. Can we go through the notes together?

   Coworker · Email

   Colleagues who describe a discussion differently than you remember get a reply that stays on the record, not the person.

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Examples

What to avoid

• Calling the person a liar or implying they meant to deceive, since you rarely know their intent.
• Sarcasm or an eye-roll emoji turns a factual correction into a personal dig.
• Correcting someone in a large group chat or meeting is a mistake when a private message would do.
• Stating the correction with no evidence weakens it, so point to a document, date or record where you can.
• Piling on complaints about past mistakes muddies things while you are disputing just this one claim.

Related phrases

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