How to reply to an email where a coworker takes credit for your work

Updated November 12, 2026

Stay calm and stick to facts. Reply with a short, polite correction that states what you did and when, and ask for the record to be fixed. Do not accuse them of lying. If the email went to your boss, keep your tone factual and consider a private conversation first. Save a copy of everything.

Reply

Within a day. A correction made quickly is easier to accept than one made weeks later. Waiting a few hours to calm down is fine, but do not let it sit.

What your reply should say

1. Start with a neutral line about the thread or message.
2. State the facts of your part: what you did, and when.
3. Ask for a specific fix, such as a correction or a joint credit line.
4. Offer to talk if they see it differently.

3 replies you can copy

Pick the one that matches what you want to say, copy it, and change everything in [brackets].

Hi [Name],

Thanks for sharing this. I want to add a detail so the record is complete: I wrote the [specific piece] on [date], and [Colleague] built on it for [other part].

Could we include that when we share it onward? Happy to talk if you would like.

Thanks,
[Your name]

Hi [Name],

Could we talk for a few minutes today about the [project] email? I noticed it described [piece] as your work, and I was the one who did it.

I would like to understand how it came across that way, and agree how we describe it from here. Are you free at [time]?

Thanks,
[Your name]

Hi all,

Thanks for the update. For clarity, my contribution to [project] was [specific work], completed on [date]. [Name] worked on [their part].

I am glad the project went well, and I am happy to answer questions about my part.

I would like to keep this simple, so please let me know what you prefer.

Thanks,
[Your name]

Already late? Send this instead

For when you are a week late or more. Own the delay in one line, then do the job.

Hi [Name],

I would like to go back to the email about [project]. I should have raised this sooner. I did the [specific work] on [date], and I would like that to be clear in our records.

Could we correct it, or talk about how to describe our roles? I am glad to meet.

Thanks,
[Your name]

Mistakes to avoid

• Accusing them of stealing. State what you did and let the facts speak.
• Replying all with anger to the whole thread.
• Waiting weeks to say anything while the version spreads.
• Having no evidence. Keep drafts, dates and messages that show your work.

Questions people ask

Should I tell my boss?

If your boss was on the thread, a calm correction is fair. If not, try a private talk first. If it repeats, bring your boss the facts and dates, and ask how to make roles clear on future work. Raise it soon, kindly, and stay on the facts.

What if they did it on purpose?

You cannot know intent from one email. Handle it the same way: facts, a fix, a direct talk. If it repeats, keep records and take it to your manager or HR. Keep copies of drafts, messages and dates. They matter more than anyone's memory if you must explain later.

More reply guides

• How to reply to a colleague who copied your boss on a complaint
• How to reply to a new team member's introduction email
• How to reply to a coworker's farewell email
• How to reply to a congratulations email
• How to reply to a refund request email
• How to reply to an angry client email

How this page was made

Written by Westward, who make Orbit, as starting points you edit before sending. The replies use placeholders, not real people or real mail. Nothing here is legal, tax or medical advice; for contracts, money or health, check the document or ask a professional. All reply guides.