diff --git a/synapse/app/homeserver.py b/synapse/app/homeserver.py
index 140c99f18a..c78b6f574d 100755
--- a/synapse/app/homeserver.py
+++ b/synapse/app/homeserver.py
@@ -234,7 +234,7 @@ def setup():
     except UpgradeDatabaseException:
         sys.stderr.write(
             "\nFailed to upgrade database.\n"
-            "Have you followed any instructions in UPGRADES.rst?\n"
+            "Have you checked for version specific instructions in UPGRADES.rst?\n"
         )
         sys.exit(1)