In the intricate dance of professional communication, there are times when a need arises to retract or dismiss information conveyed in prior messages. Here are 20 ways to articulate the request, “Please Disregard My Previous Email,” with scenario examples and additional nuances for each.
We’ve all sent an email we regret Perhaps it contained a typo, wrong information, or too-strong wording Realizing your mistake, you now need to essentially ask the recipient to ignore what you previously sent. This situation calls for politely and professionally saying “please disregard my previous email.”
Retracting an email can feel awkward. However as long as you handle it with tact you can minimize embarrassment. Follow these best practices when asking someone to disregard your email
1. Use a Descriptive Subject Line
The subject line sets context, so open with something like:
- “Request to Disregard Previous Email”
- “Correction to My Last Email”
- “Recanting My Previous Message”
This signals to the recipient that your new message is updating the contents of the last one.
2. Start with an Apology
Own up to your mistake sincerely by beginning with an apology:
- “I apologize for the email I sent you earlier today regarding the xyz project.”
- “Please accept my apologies for the previous message I sent about the upcoming deadline.”
Keep it simple and don’t over-explain in this opening sentence.
3. Explain the Reason for Your Request
Briefly clarify why you need the recipient to disregard your previous email:
- “I included incorrect information regarding the overall budget for the project.”
- “After double checking our records, I realized the deadline I quoted is inaccurate.”
Succinctly provide the context without dwelling on the details of your error.
4. Ask for the Email to Be Disregarded
Make your desire clear with a simple statement:
- “Kindly disregard the entirety of that communication.”
- “Consider that email retracted and let’s move forward from here.”
Don’t assume subtle hints will lead the recipient to ignore the previous email. State your wishes directly.
5. Summarize the Accurate Information
Briefly summarize the correct information you now wish to convey:
- “The actual deadline we need to meet is July 15, not June 30 as stated previously.”
- “The revised budget I have is $50,000 total for this project, not the $65,000 I originally indicated.”
Succinctly provide the accurate facts you want the recipient to have.
6. Apologize Again/Thank the Recipient
End your message with another apology and/or thanks:
- “I sincerely apologize for any confusion caused by my incorrect email.”
- “Thank you for your understanding regarding my earlier communication.”
This concluding sentiment demonstrates your professionalism and appreciation.
7. Add a Closing Salutation
Wrap up gracefully by signing off with “Best regards,” “Sincerely,” or another appropriate closing salutation.
Following this basic format will ensure your “please disregard” request is clear and respectful. The recipient will likely delete your previous email and move forward with the correct information you now provided.
Helpful DOs and DON’Ts
Keep these tips in mind as you retract an email:
DO:
- Keep it short, simple, and sincere.
- Take full responsibility for the error.
- Stick to the facts without excessive detail.
- Thank the recipient for their understanding.
DON’T:
- Make excuses or shift blame for the mistake.
- Assume the recipient will ignore the bad email without explicitly being asked.
- Get defensive or emotional in tone.
- Drag out explanations about how the error occurred.
What If the Email Already Caused Problems?
If your previous email already led to consequences before you could retract it, additional steps may be required such as:
- Following up directly by phone or in-person to explain.
- Sending a new mail apologizing for impacts caused.
- Rectifying any actions already taken based on your incorrect information.
- Asking if any further support is needed from you.
Don’t just say “please disregard” and leave people hanging. Make every effort to undo or smooth over any issues from your mistaken message.
When All Else Fails, Laugh It Off
If simply retracting the email would only make things more awkward, another option is to acknowledge your gaffe in a lighthearted way:
- “Well, that email was a disaster. Let’s just start fresh!”
- “I think my cat typed that last message. She’s always hopping on my keyboard.”
While you should still follow up in a professional manner, sometimes injecting a bit of humor can take the pressure off a silly mistake.
Retracting an email is never fun, but owning up to your error with an apology, accurate information, and polite tone can correct the situation. Learn from the experience, and be more careful about proofreading messages before you hit send. With grace and care, you can say “please disregard my previous email” in a way that maintains positive relations.
1 Disregard My Prior Email
Subject: Important: Amendment to Contract Terms
I trust this email finds you well. There were inaccuracies in the contract terms provided in my prior email. I apologize for any confusion and kindly request you to disregard my prior email. The correct terms are outlined in the attached document.
Thank you for your understanding.
Scenario addition: Attach the corrected contract terms and express gratitude for Kinsley’s cooperation.
Please Overlook My Previous Email
Subject: Urgent: Updated Information
I trust this message finds you well. In light of recent developments, I kindly request that you please overlook my previous email regarding the project timelines. There have been necessary adjustments, and I will provide you with the updated details shortly.
Thank you for your understanding.
Scenario addition: Briefly explain the reason for the update and assure Kinsley that revised information will follow promptly.
‼️DECLINE READING EMAIL‼️DISREGARD ‼️
What does ‘please disregard my previous email’ mean?
When individuals write “please disregard my previous email” they mean for the reader to ignore the previous email from the sender. Many senders also provide reasoning for disregarding the previous email to let the reader know why the previous email is unnecessary.
How do you say ‘please ignore my previous email’?
Please Ignore the Last Thing I Sent You Another great way to say “please disregard my previous email” is “please ignore the last thing I sent you.” It’s highly effective as a professional way to dissuade people from reviewing an outdated email. Typically, it works best when the previous email contains incorrect information.
How do you convey a message to disregard a previous email?
Regardless of whether you need to convey the message to disregard your previous email in a formal or informal setting, the key is to be clear, concise, and respectful. Validate any confusion or inconvenience caused by your mistake and offer assistance or clarification if needed.
How do you ask someone to disregard an email?
Here are some formal ways to request someone to disregard an email: 1. Expressing Regret: If you need to convey your apologies for the inconvenience caused by the email, use sentences like: “Dear [Recipient’s Name], I apologize for sending the previous email. Kindly disregard it as it contains outdated information.”
