At times, you might find yourself in a position where you need to retract, revise, or clarify an email you’ve already sent. Whether it was due to sending the wrong information, a missing attachment, or simply a change in plans, it’s not always ideal to rely solely on the standard phrase, “Please disregard my previous email.” Instead, using a variety of expressions allows your communication to feel more tailored, professional, and suited to different audiences and situations. Below are ten alternatives that can help you correct an email misstep with grace and clarity.
Why Use Alternatives?
Although the phrase “Please disregard my previous email” is widely understood and commonly used in professional settings, it can sometimes come across as overly blunt, outdated, or impersonal. In more nuanced or sensitive contexts, choosing a different phrase can soften the message while maintaining clarity and professionalism. Additionally, using varied language in your communication reflects thoughtfulness and helps avoid sounding repetitive. With the right wording, you not only correct an error but also strengthen your professional image by showing attention to detail and consideration for the recipient.
1. Kindly Ignore My Last Email
This version softens the tone with the use of “kindly,” making it sound courteous and professional. It’s suitable for formal business communications, particularly when addressing clients, supervisors, or anyone with whom you want to maintain a respectful rapport.
Example: I made an error in my last message, and I’d like to provide the correct information now. Kindly ignore my last email and refer to this updated version for accurate details.
2. Please Overlook My Previous Message
This phrase is slightly more formal and can be helpful when writing to someone you don’t know well or in more conservative professional environments. It shows both humility and respect for the reader’s attention.
Example: Apologies for the confusion caused by my last email. Please overlook my previous message and consider the updated details outlined below instead.
3. Disregard My Last Email, Thanks
Short, clear, and casual, this phrase works best in informal or internal office communications. Adding “thanks” conveys gratitude and smooths over the error without needing to go into unnecessary detail.
Example: I mistakenly attached the wrong file earlier. Disregard my last email, thanks! Please find the correct document attached here.
4. Ignore My Previous Email, Apologies for the Confusion
This phrase balances friendliness and accountability. It openly acknowledges that the previous message may have caused some misunderstanding and works well when you need to correct something quickly and clearly.
Example: There was a mix-up with the schedule I sent earlier. Ignore my previous email, apologies for the confusion. Please see the corrected timeline below.
5. Please Consider My Updated Email Instead
This is a tactful and polished way to redirect the recipient’s focus without sounding like you’re retracting everything previously said. It’s particularly useful when only part of the original message needs correction or clarification.
Example: The client call was moved to a new time. Please consider my updated email instead, which includes the revised meeting details.
6. My Apologies, That Email Was Sent in Error
This phrase shows ownership and responsibility for the mistake. It’s especially appropriate when the error may have caused inconvenience or confusion, and you want to demonstrate accountability.
Example: I accidentally included last month’s figures in the report. My apologies, that email was sent in error. Please refer to this message for the most recent data.
7. That Email Contained Incorrect Information, Please Refer to This One
If you’re issuing a correction due to misinformation in your previous email, this version is a clear and professional way to acknowledge the mistake and provide accurate details.
Example: The deadline listed previously was outdated. That email contained incorrect information—please refer to this one for the accurate project timeline.
8. Please Note the Correction in This Email Instead
This approach keeps things focused and is ideal when making a small correction or edit without invalidating the entire prior message. It suggests that the recipient simply update a detail in their understanding.
Example: There was a typo in the venue address I provided. Please note the correction in this email instead—it’s Room 304, not 403.
9. Oops! I Sent the Wrong Email—Please Disregard It
This light-hearted and informal phrase is well-suited for casual correspondence among colleagues or team members. It softens the situation with a bit of levity while still getting the point across.
Example: I sent out the draft version of the presentation by mistake. Oops! I sent the wrong email—please disregard it. The final version is attached here.
10. Correction: Please Use This Email for Reference
Starting with “Correction” makes this phrase especially clear and easy to identify in a crowded inbox. It’s concise, professional, and effective for follow-up communications where accurate information is key.
Example: The previous message listed the start time incorrectly. Correction: Please use this email for reference—our meeting begins at 10:30 AM EST.
Final Thoughts:
Language plays a vital role in communication—especially when correcting a mistake. Rather than defaulting to a single overused phrase, using different ways to say “Please disregard my previous email” lets you adapt your tone to the situation and audience. Whether you want to be formal, casual, apologetic, or efficient, there’s a suitable alternative to match the moment. By using varied language thoughtfully, you not only correct errors but also elevate your communication style and professionalism.
