Correcting a mistaken assumption tactfully

The idea

Acknowledge the assumption, state the fact and offer to check the evidence together.

Examples

• Creo que hubo un malentendido.I think there was a misunderstanding.
• En realidad, la reunión es mañana.Actually, the meeting is tomorrow.
• No fui yo quien cambió la reserva.I was not the one who changed the booking.
• Entiendo por qué lo pensaste, pero el museo abre los lunes.I understand why you thought so, but the museum opens on Mondays.
• Según el correo, el precio incluye el envío.According to the email, the price includes delivery.
• ¿Podemos comprobar la fecha antes de avisar al grupo?Can we check the date before telling the group?

Watch out

Avoid calling the other person a liar when their information may simply be incomplete.

Try it yourself

1. Choose the appropriate word. Creo que hubo un ___. (malentendido / paraguas)

   Show answer or example answer

   malentendido

   malentendido identifies a misunderstanding without assigning blame.

2. Choose the appropriate word. En ___, el local cierra a las seis. (realidad / ventana)

   Show answer or example answer

   realidad

   realidad introduces the actual situation.

3. Choose the appropriate word. ¿Podemos ___ el horario? (comprobar / pintar)

   Show answer or example answer

   comprobar

   comprobar invites both people to verify the information.

Use it today

Correct a mistaken belief about a meeting date.