When it comes to retracting an email or clarifying earlier communications, using polite, professional language is important to maintain a positive tone. Whether you’re addressing colleagues, clients, or business partners, phrasing this kind of message carefully shows consideration and professionalism.
Below are 25 formal and effective ways to express the sentiment, “please disregard my previous email,” each with scenario examples and explanations for when and how to use them.
Pros and Cons of Retracting Emails
Before diving into the different phrases, it’s important to understand the pros and cons of retracting emails.
Pros:
- Clear Communication: Retracting incorrect information avoids confusion.
- Professionalism: Apologizing shows accountability and respect for the recipient’s time.
- Corrective Action: Ensures the correct information reaches the recipient promptly.
Cons:
- Delays: Sending multiple emails can slow down communication.
- Impression: Repeated retractions may affect the sender’s credibility.
- Oversight: If the incorrect email was widely shared, retraction might not reach everyone.
Now, let’s explore 25 alternatives to retract a previous email, each with sample scenarios.
Thank You for the Advance Notice
Scenario Example:
Subject: Update on Our Meeting
Dear Smith,
Thank you for the advance notice regarding the meeting agenda. I realize that my previous email may have caused confusion, as I had not yet received the finalized details. Please disregard my earlier message and consider this one as the correct update.
I appreciate your understanding, and I look forward to our productive discussion on the updated agenda.
Best regards,
David
Explanation:
This phrase can be used when you acknowledge that new information changes the context of your previous email. It’s polite and professional, showing gratitude for being informed of necessary updates.
I Appreciate the Early Warning
Scenario Example:
Subject: Changes to Project Deadlines
Dear Smith,
I wanted to take a moment to thank you for the early warning regarding the shift in project timelines. As a result of these updates, I kindly ask that you disregard my previous email outlining the original deadlines. The new timelines will be communicated shortly.
Your attention to detail in sharing these changes is greatly appreciated. I’ll ensure the team is aligned with the new schedule.
Best regards,
David
Explanation:
This phrase highlights appreciation for proactive communication. It’s useful when new developments emerge that affect the content of a prior message.
Thank You for Bringing This to My Attention
Scenario Example:
Subject: Miscommunication in Contract Details
Dear Smith,
Thank you for bringing this to my attention earlier today. I have reviewed the contract and noticed that my previous email contained outdated information. Please kindly disregard that message and accept this email with the accurate details.
I apologize for any inconvenience caused and appreciate your patience as we finalize everything.
Sincerely,
David
Explanation:
This phrase is helpful when addressing an error someone else points out to you. It shows appreciation while redirecting the conversation to the correct information.
I Am Grateful for the Notification
Scenario Example:
Subject: Client Update Clarification
Dear Smith,
I am truly grateful for the notification regarding the client’s recent changes in preferences. My previous email did not reflect these updates, so please disregard the earlier message.
Thank you again for your quick response, and I’ll ensure the necessary adjustments are made moving forward.
Kind regards,
David
Explanation:
This phrase expresses gratitude in a formal manner, suitable for professional settings when new information supersedes an earlier email.
Thank You for Alerting Me
Scenario Example:
Subject: Budget Revision for Q3
Dear Smith,
Thank you for alerting me about the updated budget allocations. Upon review, I realized that my previous email referenced outdated figures. Please disregard my earlier email and consider this one with the correct data.
I’ll be in touch with the finance team to ensure everything is updated accordingly.
Best regards,
David
Explanation:
This phrase acknowledges the recipient’s role in informing you of important updates. It’s respectful and professional, demonstrating attentiveness to changes.
I Appreciate Your Forewarning
Scenario Example:
Subject: Product Launch Timing Update
Dear Smith,
I wanted to express that I appreciate your forewarning regarding the product launch schedule changes. Kindly disregard my previous email about the original timeline, as it no longer applies. I’ll send an updated schedule once I confirm the new launch date.
Thanks again for keeping me informed.
Best regards,
David
Explanation:
This is another formal way to express gratitude for early communication, especially when it affects scheduling or deadlines.
Thank You for the Timely Notice
Scenario Example:
Subject: Supplier Agreement Adjustments
Dear Smith,
Thank you for the timely notice regarding the changes in our supplier agreement. I would like to request that you disregard my previous email, as it included information that has since been updated.
I’ll be sure to share the revised agreement details later today.
Kind regards,
David
Explanation:
“Timely notice” is a great way to acknowledge that the recipient acted promptly to inform you, allowing you to correct any misinformation.
Your Prompt Notification Is Appreciated
Scenario Example:
Subject: Event Venue Booking Correction
Dear Smith,
Your prompt notification is appreciated regarding the venue availability for our upcoming event. Please disregard my earlier email, as it contained incorrect details about the booking. I’ll be sending the updated venue information shortly.
Thanks for your swift action in bringing this to my attention.
Sincerely,
David
Explanation:
This phrase is well-suited for situations where the recipient quickly informs you of a change, allowing you to correct your communication.
Thank You for Informing Me in Advance
Scenario Example:
Subject: Sales Report Data Issue
Dear Smith,
Thank you for informing me in advance about the discrepancy in the sales report data. Kindly disregard my previous email, as it included figures that are now outdated.
I’m working on gathering the correct data, and I’ll have the updated report sent to you shortly.
Best regards,
David
Explanation:
This phrase is ideal when someone gives you information ahead of time, allowing you to proactively address the issue.
I Am Thankful for the Heads-Up
Scenario Example:
Subject: Conference Call Rescheduling
Dear Smith,
I am truly thankful for the heads-up regarding the rescheduling of our conference call. Please disregard my earlier email about the original time, as the new time is reflected in this message.
Thanks again for keeping me informed, and I’ll see you on the call at the new time.
Sincerely,
David
Explanation:
This phrase is casual but still professional, suitable for situations where the recipient gives you timely information about changes.
I Appreciate the Preliminary Information
Scenario Example:
Subject: Marketing Strategy Amendments
Dear Smith,
I appreciate the preliminary information you shared about the recent changes to the marketing strategy. Kindly disregard my earlier message that referenced the old plan, as it is no longer valid.
I’ll review the new guidelines and send over an updated strategy proposal by the end of the day.
Best regards,
David
Explanation:
This phrase works well when new information is shared with you, and you need to clarify or amend your previous message based on that.
Thank You for the Early Information
Scenario Example:
Subject: Policy Update – Client Contracts
Dear Smith,
Thank you for the early information regarding the new client contract policies. My previous email did not reflect these updates, so please disregard that message. I will send the correct version with the new clauses by tomorrow.
I appreciate your cooperation and understanding as we adjust to the new requirements.
Sincerely,
David
Explanation:
This phrase highlights the value of receiving information early, allowing you to take prompt corrective action.
I Value Your Advance Warning
Scenario Example:
Subject: Shipping Schedule Changes
Dear Smith,
I wanted to say that I value your advance warning about the changes to the shipping schedule. My previous email did not reflect these updates, so please disregard that message.
I’ll send over the updated shipping details by the end of the day.
Thank you again for your timely communication.
Best regards,
David
Explanation:
This phrase is great for situations where someone is proactive communication helps you stay ahead of changes, allowing you to make necessary adjustments.
Professional Ways to Say “Thank You for the Information”
Thank You for the Timely Alert
Scenario Example:
Subject: Software Update Rollout
Dear Smith,
Thank you for the timely alert regarding the software update. Please disregard my previous email, as it contains outdated instructions. I will send the correct update instructions once I have confirmed the latest version.
Your attention to detail is appreciated, and I’ll ensure that everyone is on the same page.
Best regards,
David
Explanation:
This phrase is effective when the recipient alerts you to something that needs immediate correction. It’s a professional way to show appreciation for their quick response.
I Am Grateful for the Early Heads-Up
Scenario Example:
Subject: HR Policy Change Notification
Dear Smith,
I wanted to express that I am grateful for the early heads-up regarding the HR policy changes. Please disregard my previous email, as it references the old policy that is no longer in effect.
I will be sharing the updated guidelines with the team shortly.
Thanks again for your attention to this matter.
Best regards,
David
Explanation:
This phrase is useful when you need to correct a message that was based on outdated information due to policy or internal changes.
Thank You for Your Timely Warning
Scenario Example:
Subject: Product Recall Update
Dear Smith,
Thank you for your timely warning about the product recall. My previous email contained incorrect information, so I kindly ask that you disregard it and consider this email as the correct update.
I’ll make sure the appropriate steps are taken to inform all necessary parties.
Best regards,
David
Explanation:
This phrase is formal and works well in serious situations where immediate correction is needed, such as product recalls or legal issues.
I Appreciate the Prior Notice
Scenario Example:
Subject: Meeting Agenda Revision
Dear Smith,
I appreciate the prior notice regarding the changes to our meeting agenda. Please disregard my previous email, as the topics I mentioned are now outdated.
I’ll circulate the revised agenda before our next meeting.
Thanks for your understanding, and I look forward to our discussion.
Best regards,
David
Explanation:
This phrase is polite and professional, acknowledging the recipient’s role in informing you of necessary updates in a timely manner.
Thank You for the Notification in Advance
Scenario Example:
Subject: Project Scope Amendment
Dear Smith,
Thank you for the notification in advance about the changes to the project scope. I kindly ask that you disregard my earlier email, as it references details that are no longer accurate.
I will work on an updated project plan and send it over to you shortly.
Best regards,
David
Explanation:
This phrase is effective when the recipient informs you ahead of time about changes that impact your previous communication.
Your Early Notice Is Appreciated
Scenario Example:
Subject: System Maintenance Schedule
Dear Smith,
Your early notice is appreciated regarding the upcoming system maintenance. Please disregard my previous email, as it mentioned the wrong maintenance window. I will update the team with the correct schedule shortly.
Thank you for your quick action on this matter.
Best regards,
David
Explanation:
This phrase emphasizes your appreciation for receiving important updates ahead of time, allowing you to make necessary adjustments.
I Am Thankful for the Advance Alert
Scenario Example:
Subject: Pricing Model Adjustments
Dear Smith,
I am thankful for the advance alert regarding the pricing model changes. Please disregard my earlier email, as the figures I mentioned are now outdated. I’ll send the updated pricing details later today.
Thank you again for your timely communication.
Best regards,
David
Explanation:
This phrase works well when the recipient gives you an early heads-up about changes that impact the content of your previous email.
Thank You for the Proactive Notice
Scenario Example:
Subject: Product Launch Date Shift
Dear Smith,
Thank you for the proactive notice about the shift in the product launch date. I kindly ask that you disregard my previous email, as it reflects the old launch schedule.
I’ll be sure to share the new launch plan with the team and update everyone accordingly.
Best regards,
David
Explanation:
“Proactive notice” is a great way to recognize when someone takes the initiative to keep you informed, enabling you to make corrections swiftly.
I Appreciate Your Prompt Alert
Scenario Example:
Subject: Inventory Issue – Urgent Update
Dear Smith,
I appreciate your prompt alert regarding the inventory issue. Please disregard my earlier email, as it contained incorrect stock levels. I’ll send the correct information as soon as possible.
Thank you for your quick response on this matter.
Best regards,
David
Explanation:
This phrase is formal and professional, suitable for situations where immediate correction is necessary, especially in critical business contexts like inventory management.
Thank You for the Early Notification
Scenario Example:
Subject: Shipment Delay Update
Dear Smith,
Thank you for the early notification regarding the shipment delay. Please disregard my earlier email, as the dates mentioned are now incorrect.
I’ll keep you updated on the revised shipment schedule as soon as I have the confirmed details.
Best regards,
David
Explanation:
This phrase is effective when addressing a situation where the recipient informs you of a delay or change early, allowing you to adjust accordingly.
I Value the Heads-Up
Scenario Example:
Subject: Meeting Time Adjustment
Dear Smith,
I value the heads-up regarding the adjustment to our meeting time. Please disregard my previous email, as it references the old time slot. I’ll update my calendar and look forward to our discussion at the new time.
Thanks again for keeping me informed.
Best regards,
David
Explanation:
This phrase is informal but still professional, ideal for situations where the recipient gives you advance warning about scheduling changes.
Your Timely Information Is Appreciated
Scenario Example:
Subject: Staffing Plan Update
Dear Smith,
Your timely information is appreciated regarding the changes to the staffing plan. Please disregard my earlier email, as it included details that are no longer relevant. I’ll send the updated staffing schedule shortly.
Thank you for keeping me in the loop.
Best regards,
David
Explanation:
This phrase is formal and can be used when the recipient provides timely updates that help you correct or clarify previous communications.
Final Thoughts
Retracting or clarifying emails is a delicate process, and using the right phrases helps maintain professionalism and courtesy. Proactive communication is key to ensuring everyone stays informed and up to date. By using any of these 25 phrases, you can correct earlier mistakes and continue conversations smoothly.
Each example provided offers a way to make sure that important information is properly conveyed without causing confusion.
