16 Phrases for Correcting a Mistake Politely
Everyone makes mistakes—but how you correct them (or point them out in others) can build trust or cause tension. These 16 phrases for correcting a mistake politely help you fix errors with kindness, whether you’re editing an email, clarifying a fact in a meeting, or gently helping a friend. The goal isn’t to point fingers—it’s to keep communication clear and respectful.
Common Ways to Say ‘Actually, It’s…’
Gentle Self-Corrections
- Actually, I meant to say… Softly fixes your own slip without drawing too much attention. I’ll send it tomorrow—actually, I meant to say today!
- Sorry, I misspoke—what I meant was… Takes ownership while clarifying. Sorry, I misspoke—what I meant was the deadline is Friday, not Thursday.
- Let me rephrase that… Smoothly resets without admitting a “mistake” directly. We’ll finish soon—let me rephrase that: we’ll finish by 5 PM.
- I think I got that wrong—let me try again. Humble and human—great for learners or casual talks. I think I got that wrong—let me try again.
Correcting Others Kindly
- Just to clarify, it’s actually… Polite and collaborative—not confrontational. Just to clarify, it’s actually pronounced “es-presso,” not “ex-presso.”
- I think there might be a small mix-up—… Softens the correction by suggesting uncertainty. I think there might be a small mix-up—the meeting is at 2, not 3.
- You might have meant…? Gives the other person room to save face. You might have meant “client feedback,” not “client complaint”?
- Not to nitpick, but I believe it’s… Friendly disclaimer before a minor fix. Not to nitpick, but I believe it’s “receipt,” not “reciept.”
- Minor correction—just so we’re aligned… Professional and team-oriented. Minor correction—just so we’re aligned, the budget code is B-2025, not B-2024.
Professional & Written Contexts
- I noticed a small error—here’s the corrected version. Neutral and solution-focused (ideal for emails). I noticed a small error—here’s the corrected version of the slide deck.
- For accuracy, it should read… Formal and fact-based—great for reports or documents. For accuracy, it should read “Q3 revenue,” not “Q2.”
- Could we update this to say…? Collaborative and non-blaming in team settings. Could we update this to say “participants” instead of “clients”?
Casual & Friendly
- Oops—small thing, but it’s actually… Light and warm—perfect for texts or chats. Oops—small thing, but it’s actually my birthday next week, not this week!
- Heads up—just a tiny fix: … Friendly and modern (common in messaging). Heads up—just a tiny fix: the address is 45 Main St., not 54.
Real-Life Dialogues
Coworker: I’ll present the data from Q2.
You: Just to clarify, it’s actually Q3—we finalized it last week.
Coworker: Oh! Sorry, I misspoke—what I meant was Q3. Thanks for catching that!
Friend: Your new place is on Elm Street, right?
You: Oops—small thing, but it’s actually Oak Street!
Friend: Got it! Heads up—just a tiny fix for my GPS!
Quick Tips: Choosing the Right Phrase
| Situation | Recommended Expression | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Correcting a colleague in a meeting | Just to clarify, it’s actually… | Polite, non-confrontational, and keeps focus on accuracy. |
| Fixing your own spoken error | Sorry, I misspoke—what I meant was… | Takes responsibility while resetting clearly. |
| Editing a shared document | Could we update this to say…? | Collaborative and avoids sounding critical. |
| Texting a friend a small correction | Heads up—just a tiny fix: … | Casual, friendly, and non-judgmental. |
Practice Tip
Next time you notice a small error—in your own words or someone else’s—try using one of these polite phrases. You’ll keep conversations kind and clear!
Why This Matters
- Using these 16 phrases for correcting a mistake politely builds trust and shows emotional intelligence.
- It keeps communication accurate without making others feel embarrassed or defensive.
- Polite correction is a hallmark of fluent, culturally aware English speakers—especially in team and professional settings.
Mistakes are human—but correcting them with kindness is a skill. Try using one of these 16 phrases for correcting a mistake politely in your next conversation or message. You’ll keep things accurate, respectful, and friendly. Happy learning! 😊
