Better ways to say “that's incorrect”
Why it can fall flat
“that's incorrect”
Most people hear “that's incorrect” as a verdict on them, not help with the facts. The writer usually just wants the error fixed without starting an argument.
Say this instead
- 01
I checked the figures and got 4,200 for March, not 3,800. Could we go through the numbers together to see where they differ?
Boss · Email
Fits a disagreement with your boss's number, since you give your result and offer to check the figures together.
- 02
I think that date is off. The contract I have says June 14. Can you check your copy?
Coworker · Chat
Good for quick peer corrections because it points to a source instead of blaming the person.
- 03
Thanks for sending this. Our records show 12 units on the invoice, not 15. Happy to share the record so we can compare.
Client · Email
Keeps a client relationship calm by offering evidence instead of simply rejecting what they wrote.
- 04
This section needs a fix: the totals don't match the source sheet. Can you recheck them and send an update by end of day?
Someone you manage · Chat
Use it when you manage the person, since it names the problem, gives the reason and sets a clear next step.
- 05
Thanks for the details. The listing says hybrid, but I understood from our call that the role is fully remote. Could you confirm which is right?
Recruiter / HR · Email
Helps when a recruiter's details conflict with what you were told, and it asks for confirmation instead of accusing.
- 06
Hi Ms. Agarwal, our records show your appointment is Thursday at 10am, not Wednesday. Please reply if you'd like to check or change it.
Customer · SMS
Corrects a customer's mistaken belief in a friendly way and gives them an easy next step.
- 07
Quick heads-up: I think the meeting is at 3pm, not 2pm. Worth checking the invite before you head over.
Coworker · SMS
Suits a time-sensitive correction because it is short, friendly and lets them verify for themselves.
- 08
I may be missing something, but that doesn't match my notes. I have the deadline as the 20th. Where did you see the 15th?
Boss · Chat
Lets you disagree with a senior person in a non-confrontational way while still holding your position.
Examples
Hi Wesley, Thanks for the summary. I think the delivery date in the second paragraph is off: the supplier confirmed October 9, not October 2. I've attached their confirmation email so you can compare. Could you update the summary before it goes to the wider team? Best regards, Brittany
Hi Sasha, I think the budget in that slide is off. The approved amount in the sheet is 18,000, not 15,000. Can you take another look before the meeting?
What to avoid
- Opening with “you're wrong” or “you always get this wrong” only makes the person defensive.
- Correcting someone in front of a group when a private message would do just as well.
- Presenting your correction as certain before you've checked your own source.
- Sarcasm or a pointed “as I already said” shows you were right but costs you goodwill.
- Pointing out the error without saying what the right information is or what should happen next leaves the person stuck.