diff --git a/tensorflow_datasets/core/registered.py b/tensorflow_datasets/core/registered.py
index 4776a573fe2..0b22aa90313 100644
--- a/tensorflow_datasets/core/registered.py
+++ b/tensorflow_datasets/core/registered.py
@@ -71,8 +71,8 @@ class DatasetNotFoundError(ValueError):
   def __init__(self, name, is_abstract=False, in_development=False):
     all_datasets_str = "\n\t- ".join([""] + list_builders())
     if is_abstract:
-      error_string = ("Dataset %s not found. "
-                      "Requesting the builder for an abstract class\n"
+      error_string = ("Dataset %s is an abstract class so cannot be created. "
+                      "Please make sure to instantiate all abstract methods.\n"
                       "%s") % (name, _DATASET_NOT_FOUND_ERR)
     elif in_development:
       error_string = ("Dataset %s is under active development and is not "
diff --git a/tensorflow_datasets/core/registered_test.py b/tensorflow_datasets/core/registered_test.py
index 3dff82c7e0f..ac5245a04b5 100644
--- a/tensorflow_datasets/core/registered_test.py
+++ b/tensorflow_datasets/core/registered_test.py
@@ -77,8 +77,7 @@ def test_abstract(self):
     self.assertEqual(name, UnregisteredBuilder.name)
     self.assertNotIn(name, registered.list_builders())
 
-    with self.assertRaisesWithPredicateMatch(
-        ValueError, "Requesting the builder for an abstract class"):
+    with self.assertRaisesWithPredicateMatch(ValueError, "an abstract class"):
       registered.builder(name)
 
   def test_in_development(self):