How to Politely Correct Someone – Introduction
Learn to disagree with grace and accuracy – without damaging relationships.
In international workplaces, we often need to speak up when something isn’t quite right. Maybe a colleague gives incorrect information in a meeting. Maybe your manager remembers a deadline incorrectly. Or maybe someone misunderstands an important instruction.
Knowing how to correct someone politely is a crucial communication skill – especially in English.
This article builds on How to Politely Give and Receive Instructions at Work and focuses on what to say, how to say it and what to avoid when correcting others at work.
If you want to build more confidence in professional English, our community for professionals who need English for work is a great place to practise with others.
Why Being Polite Matters
Correcting someone in a business setting can feel uncomfortable. You don’t want to cause offence, appear arrogant or damage a relationship. But at the same time, staying silent could lead to misunderstandings or costly mistakes.
That’s why the tone of your correction matters as much as the content.
Compare these two examples:
❌ “No, that’s wrong. It was last Thursday, not Friday.”
✅ “Actually, I think the meeting took place last Thursday, if I remember correctly.”
The second version is much softer, but still clear. It allows room for discussion rather than confrontation.
Phrases for Polite Correction
Here are some useful expressions that can help you correct someone without sounding rude:
✔ Softening Language
- “I might be mistaken, but I thought…”
- “Just to clarify…”
- “If I’m not wrong, I believe…”
- “That’s a good point – I’d just add that…”
✔ Adding Facts Without Blame
- “Actually, I believe the client asked for delivery by Friday.”
- “From what I remember, the budget was approved last quarter.”
- “We might need to double-check that figure – wasn’t it closer to £7,000?”
Using this kind of language helps shift the tone from ‘you’re wrong’ to ‘let’s solve this together’.
Timing and Setting: Public vs. Private
If you’re correcting a senior colleague or someone who may feel embarrassed, consider the setting. Public corrections can feel personal.
Public
✔ Use gentle language
✔ Focus on the issue, not the person
✔ Offer correction as a suggestion
“That sounds right, but I think there might be a small update since then…”
Private
✔ You can be slightly more direct
✔ Use the opportunity to clarify without pressure
“Hey, just wanted to mention – I think the figures in that presentation were last month’s.”
Cultural Differences: UK vs US Style
Understanding cultural preferences can help you correct people more effectively.
🇬🇧 British English
British professionals tend to avoid direct disagreement. Corrections are often very soft, using tentative language or humour.
“I could be wrong, but wasn’t it Sarah who led that project?”
“I might have misheard, but I thought it was due today.”
🇺🇸 American English
American professionals are often more comfortable with direct feedback. Corrections can be clearer and more assertive – though still polite.
“Actually, I think John managed that project.”
“That number sounds off. I’ll double-check the report.”
💡 Tip: In international teams, start soft, then adapt your style based on how others communicate.
Real-Life Example: A Business Meeting
Scenario: A team is reviewing a project timeline. Someone says the final delivery date is 10 July.
You realise that’s incorrect – it’s 17 July.
Here are three possible ways to respond:
❌ Too Direct
“No, that’s not right. It’s the 17th.”
✅ Neutral
“Actually, I think the final delivery is due on the 17th, not the 10th.”
✅ Very Polite (UK style)
“Just to check – I had the final delivery date as the 17th. Could we confirm that?”
What to Avoid When Correcting Someone
❌ Sounding like a teacher or a judge
“You’ve made a mistake.” → Too harsh
❌ Using absolute language
“You’re completely wrong.” → Defensive tone
❌ Correcting for small details that don’t matter
Pick your battles. Only speak up if your correction helps the discussion or prevents confusion.
What If Someone Corrects You?
It works both ways.
If someone corrects you, show professionalism:
- “Thanks for pointing that out!”
- “Ah yes, good catch – I forgot that change.”
- “You’re right, I missed that update.”
Staying open shows you’re a team player – and not taking things personally.
Practise in Real-Life Situations
The best way to build confidence is through real-world practice.
Try this:
- Role-play correcting someone in a meeting
- Practise rephrasing direct sentences into polite ones
- Ask for feedback on your tone in group discussions
Join our English for work community to try this with others in a supportive space.
How to Politely Correct Someone – Final Thought
Correcting someone in a business conversation doesn’t have to be awkward. With the right words and the right tone, you can keep the discussion productive, protect relationships, and contribute useful insights.
And if you haven’t read it yet, our article on How to Politely Give and Receive Instructions at Work offers even more tools for effective workplace communication.
