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I have sent the old version of our document to thewhole team.
The version without the meeting notes, Martin.
Yes. I need to explain it without sounding as ifthe document sent itself.
Then today is useful already. Welcome to yourEnglish Toolbox.
I am Martin.
And I am Julia. Today, three natural expressionsfor taking responsibility
and putting a mistake right.
Not a dramatic confession. Just an ordinarymistake that needs an honest response.
Start with, that was my fault.
That was my fault I sent the old version.
Clear and direct. My fault means that I amresponsible for what went wrong.
You can use it with colleagues, friends, orfamily.
Could I just say, there has been a mistake?
You could, but that does not say who wasresponsible.
It may be useful when you genuinely do not know.
If you know you caused the problem, that was myfault is more direct.
And saying it does not mean I am a terribleperson.
Exactly. You are identifying one action, notdescribing your whole character.
Our second expression, I should have checked.
This looks back at something it would have beenbetter to do.
I should have checked the attachment beforesending the email.
The important check did not happen or did nothappen properly.
Right. The pattern is should have followed by apast participle.
I should have checked the date. I should have readthe instructions.
Is that different from I should check?
Yes. I should check his advice about what to donow or next.
I should have checked looks back at the missedopportunity.
I do not want to stop at explaining the mistake.
Let me put it right.
That is our third expression. Put it right meanscorrect the problem or take action to repair it.
It is common in British English. Let me fix it isanother natural option.
Let me put it right.
I will send the correct document and clearly markthe version everyone should use.
Much stronger than making a vague promise.
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Tell the other person what the repair willactually be.
Here is the whole response.
That was my fault. I should have checked theattachment. Let me put it right.
I will send the correct file now.
And I can reply.
Thanks for sorting that out.
Notice that you are not asking me to reassure youfor five minutes.
We can focus on solving the problem.
Now your turn. You booked a table for the wrongdate and you know you made the booking.
Start by taking responsibility.
That was my fault. Now explain the check youmissed.
I should have checked the date.
Finally, offer to contact the restaurant and tryto change the booking.
Let me put it right. I will call the restaurantand ask whether we can change it.
Good. You promise an action, not an outcome youcannot control.
One last challenge.
Someone says I should check the document. Are theylooking back at a missed check?
No. For that meaning, say, I should have checkedthe document.
Our three steps. That was my fault. I should havechecked. And let me put it right.
The episode page has five extra expressions andpractice. Only on the web.
Find them at yourenglishtoolbox.com through thelink in the description.
I will send the right file now.
And check it first.
See you next time.
