A kinder way to say “that's nonsense”
Why it can fall flat
“that's nonsense”
Calling it “nonsense” hits the person and the idea at once, so they get defensive and stop listening. Most of the time you only think the claim is wrong and want to explain why.
Say this instead
- 01
I see this differently. The figures I have don't support that conclusion. Could we go through them together before we decide?
Boss · Email
Fits a disagreement with a decision or claim, since it states your view and invites a check of the evidence.
- 02
I don't think that's right. Can you show me where it comes from? What I've seen points the other way.
Coworker · Chat
Quick factual disputes suit this one because it asks for the source and says what you saw.
- 03
Thank you for sharing this. It doesn't match what we found, so I'd like to walk you through our findings and see where the two differ.
Client · Email
A client's claim that conflicts with your data gets a polite reply here that still says it doesn't match.
- 04
I don't agree with that, and I want to explain why. Can we talk it through this afternoon?
Someone you manage · Chat
Team members get a clear answer and a chance to respond, so they don't feel dismissed.
- 05
I understand why it looks that way, but our records show something different. Here is what happened, step by step:
Customer · Email
When a customer's account is wrong, this acknowledges their view first and then corrects it with facts.
- 06
I can't agree with that one. It doesn't match what I saw. Can we compare notes before the meeting?
Coworker · SMS
Before a meeting, this short text flags the disagreement and offers a way to sort it out.
- 07
The feedback you passed on doesn't reflect my experience in the role. I'd like to give my side of it, if that's possible.
Recruiter / HR · Email
Feedback about you that you dispute gets a calm reply here, plus a request to give your side.
- 08
I don't think that holds up, and I'd like to explain why. Do you have ten minutes today?
Boss · Chat
For a fast, respectful challenge to your manager's reasoning, this moves the issue into a conversation.
Examples
Hi Ayesha, Thanks for sending the forecast. I see the sales trend differently, because the March figures I have show a drop rather than growth. Could we go through the source data together on Thursday before we send this to the team? Best regards, Daniel
Hi Robin, I don't think that's right. The invoice I have shows 40 units, not 60. Can you check where your number came from?
What to avoid
- Calling the idea, or the person, silly, absurd or ridiculous, even in softer words.
- Giving no reason or evidence for your disagreement.
- Sarcasm, rolled eyes or a joking tone in writing, since it reads as harsher on the page.
- Posting your disagreement in a group channel when a private message would do.
- Softening your words so much that the other person can't tell you disagree.