“Sometimes, the best response is to admit we don’t know, but here’s how you can say it differently.”
In life, there are times when we’re asked questions, and our minds go blank, or we’re simply not sure of the answer. The phrase “I don’t know” is the go-to response for many, but did you know there are several alternatives that can sound more professional, polite, or even humorous? Whether you’re in a casual conversation or a formal meeting, knowing how to express uncertainty in different ways can help you come across as more approachable or thoughtful.
It allows you to maintain control over your communication and can give a sense of confidence even when you’re unsure. Admitting that we don’t have all the answers is natural, but how we phrase it can make a big difference. Sometimes, saying “I don’t know” can come across as dismissive, while other alternatives can show that you’re still engaged in the conversation, open to learning, and willing to explore options.
This is especially important in professional or social settings where your response could impact your image or the outcome of a discussion. By incorporating alternative ways to say “I don’t know,” you can keep the conversation going while displaying a positive attitude toward finding solutions.
This blog will explore 35 creative and effective alternatives to saying “I don’t know.” Whether you’re trying to sound more confident or just want to add some variety to your vocabulary, we’ve got you covered.
From casual expressions to more formal alternatives, you’ll learn the best ways to respond when you’re uncertain. These phrases will not only help you express yourself better, but they’ll also ensure that your conversations remain fluid, engaging, and professional.
Other Ways to Say “I Don’t Know”
1. I’m Not Sure
Scenario: Imagine you’re having a conversation with a colleague about a new project, and they ask for a specific detail you don’t remember.
Explanation: “I’m not sure” is a polite way to express uncertainty without sounding overly blunt. It keeps the tone open and leaves room for further discussion.
Additional Tip: This phrase works well when you’re in a group setting, where you don’t want to come off as completely uninformed but also need time to gather your thoughts.
2. I’m Still Thinking About It
Scenario: You’re in a meeting, and someone asks for your opinion on a particular strategy. You haven’t made up your mind yet.
Explanation: Saying, “I’m still thinking about it” signals that you need more time to form a conclusion. It shows you’re engaged but just need to process information.
Additional Tip: This alternative is perfect when you want to maintain a positive, forward-thinking approach rather than admitting a lack of knowledge.
3. I Need to Look Into It
Scenario: Your friend asks for directions to a new café in town, but you’re not sure where it is.
Explanation: By saying, “I need to look into it,” you’re offering to find out the answer, which can give the impression of being helpful.
Additional Tip: Use this phrase when you want to take action to gather more information, rather than leaving the question unanswered.
4. I Don’t Have That Information Right Now
Scenario: During a team presentation, someone asks a question about the project timeline, and you don’t have the data on hand.
Explanation: This phrase is a polite way to communicate that you may not have the specific details at the moment but are still focused on the task.
Additional Tip: It’s best used in professional settings, where you may need to follow up with the required information later.
5. Let Me Check on That
Scenario: A customer asks you about the availability of a product that you aren’t sure is in stock.
Explanation: “Let me check on that” implies that you’re going to take the initiative to find the answer. It’s friendly and shows you’re willing to follow through.
Additional Tip: This works well when you’re in customer service or similar situations where you can actively look for the answer.
6. I’m Not 100% Sure, But…
Scenario: During a casual conversation, your friend asks if a certain actor starred in a specific movie.
Explanation: This alternative expresses uncertainty while providing some level of confidence. It shows you’re willing to share what you know, even if you’re not completely sure.
Additional Tip: It’s great for informal conversations, where you can give your best guess without sounding too hesitant.
7. I’m Not The Best Person to Ask
Scenario: You’re in a work meeting, and someone asks a technical question you don’t know the answer to.
Explanation: Saying, “I’m not the best person to ask” redirects the question to someone more qualified without sounding like you’re avoiding the topic.
Additional Tip: This approach is helpful when you want to be honest about your limitations but still provide value by suggesting another expert.
8. I Haven’t Got a Clue
Scenario: Your friend asks for the name of a song playing on the radio, but you’ve never heard it before.
Explanation: “I haven’t got a clue” is a more casual and humorous way to express uncertainty. It keeps the conversation light while admitting you don’t know the answer.
Additional Tip: This phrase works best in casual settings and can add a bit of humor to a situation where you’re unsure.
9. I Can’t Say for Sure
Scenario: Someone asks you about a complex decision you haven’t fully analyzed yet.
Explanation: “I can’t say for sure” gives a diplomatic way to acknowledge uncertainty, while also suggesting that you need more time to come to a conclusion.
Additional Tip: It’s particularly effective in professional conversations when you’re not ready to make a definitive statement.
10. I Don’t Have an Answer at the Moment
Scenario: You’re at a conference, and someone asks a question about a topic you’re unfamiliar with.
Explanation: This phrase communicates that you don’t have the answer immediately but leaves room to research and respond later.
Additional Tip: This is useful in formal settings where a follow-up response might be expected.
11. I’m Not Well-versed in That Area
Scenario: A colleague asks you about a specific marketing strategy that you’re not familiar with.
Explanation: “I’m not well-versed in that area” is a more formal way of admitting lack of knowledge while maintaining professionalism.
Additional Tip: This expression is ideal for professional environments where you want to remain polite and respectful.
12. I’m Not Sure Off the Top of My Head
Scenario: You’re at work and a colleague asks about specific statistics, but you haven’t memorized them.
Explanation: “Off the top of my head” conveys that you don’t have an immediate answer but could probably recall it later.
Additional Tip: This phrase implies you are capable of finding the answer later, making it perfect for situations where you just need more time.
13. I Don’t Recall Right Now

Scenario: A friend asks you about the details of a recent event, and you’re having trouble remembering specifics.
Explanation: “I don’t recall right now” politely conveys uncertainty, giving the impression that the information may come to you later.
Additional Tip: This is a great phrase when you don’t want to appear forgetful but still need time to recollect.
14. That’s A Good Question
Scenario: You’re asked a question during a discussion, and you don’t have an immediate answer.
Explanation: By saying, “That’s a good question,” you can buy yourself some time while also acknowledging that the question is important.
Additional Tip: This phrase works well in both casual and formal conversations, as it demonstrates that you value the question even if you don’t have an answer yet.
15. I’m Not The Expert on That
Scenario: A colleague asks you about a technical detail you’re not familiar with.
Explanation: “I’m not the expert on that” helps redirect the question to someone more qualified without sounding like you’re avoiding it.
Additional Tip: This is helpful when you know the answer lies with someone else, but you don’t want to seem dismissive.
16. Let Me Get Back to You On That
Scenario: A supervisor asks you for detailed financial data you’re not sure about.
Explanation: “Let me get back to you on that” shows you are willing to follow up and provide the correct answer later.
Additional Tip: This phrase works best in professional environments where you can take some time to research or check back with others.
17. I Haven’t Had the Chance to Look Into It Yet
Scenario: You’re asked about a report you haven’t reviewed yet.
Explanation: This phrase indicates that you’re aware of the request but haven’t had the time to gather all the information yet.
Additional Tip: It’s a good way to communicate that you are proactive but just need more time to complete your task.
18. I’m Not Sure How That Works
Scenario: A friend asks you how to use a new piece of technology, but you’re not familiar with it.
Explanation: “I’m not sure how that works” is a simple way to express uncertainty while admitting that you don’t have experience with the topic.
Additional Tip: This phrase is especially helpful in situations where you’re expected to explain something but don’t have the expertise.
19. I Can’t Give You a Clear Answer
Scenario: You’re asked a question during a meeting that you don’t know the answer to.
Explanation: “I can’t give you a clear answer” acknowledges your uncertainty while maintaining transparency.
Additional Tip: Use this when you want to express that more information is needed before you can provide an accurate response.
20. I’m Not Up to Date on That
Scenario: A colleague asks you about the latest developments in a project you’re not involved in.
Explanation: “I’m not up to date on that” communicates that you’re not aware of the most current information without implying negligence.
Additional Tip: This is a good phrase for situations where you want to avoid sounding out of touch, but still want to be honest about your knowledge level.
21. I’m Not Familiar with That
Scenario: You’re asked to discuss a specific artist, but you haven’t heard of them before.
Explanation: Saying “I’m not familiar with that” shows that you’re honest about your lack of knowledge in a polite way.
Additional Tip: This phrase works well when you want to be humble without feeling embarrassed about not knowing something.
22. I Don’t Have the Details Right Now
Scenario: During a meeting, you’re asked for specific information that you don’t have access to at the moment.
Explanation: “I don’t have the details right now” indicates that you’re aware of the question but simply don’t have the exact information available.
Additional Tip: Use this phrase when you want to ensure the conversation moves forward without giving the impression that you’ve neglected the query.
23. That’s Outside My Expertise
Scenario: A colleague asks you a question about a specialized field that you’re not familiar with.
Explanation: “That’s outside my expertise” acknowledges your limitations and can suggest someone else may be better suited to answer.
Additional Tip: This is a useful expression when you want to remain professional and refer the question to a subject matter expert.
24. I’m Not Aware of That
Scenario: Your boss asks you about a decision made by another department, and you’re not familiar with it.
Explanation: “I’m not aware of that” expresses a lack of knowledge without seeming uninterested or uninvolved.
Additional Tip: This phrase works well when you don’t have enough information to form an opinion or offer insight.
25. I Don’t Have Enough Information
Scenario: Someone asks you for a detailed answer about an ongoing project that you’re still gathering data on.
Explanation: “I don’t have enough information” indicates that you’re waiting for additional data before you can make a well-informed decision.
Additional Tip: This is a great option for situations that require more research or time to come to an accurate conclusion.
26. I Haven’t Had Time to Consider It Yet
Scenario: A colleague asks you about your thoughts on a new policy change.
Explanation: “I haven’t had time to consider it yet” shows you’re aware of the topic but haven’t had the chance to analyze it.
Additional Tip: This phrase is helpful when you’re busy but still want to acknowledge the question and show that you’re interested in providing a thoughtful answer.
27. I’m Not Completely Certain
Scenario: A friend asks you a trivia question that you think you know but aren’t totally confident about.
Explanation: “I’m not completely certain” gives a polite and humble way to express doubt, without fully dismissing the possibility.
Additional Tip: This is great for situations where you want to be cautious but still engage in the conversation.
28. I Can’t Say for Certain Right Now
Scenario: You’re asked about the outcome of a business deal that is still in progress.
Explanation: “I can’t say for certain right now” communicates uncertainty but suggests that the situation is still evolving.
Additional Tip: Use this when you expect that the situation may change and you’ll have more information later.
29. I’m Not Up to Speed on That
Scenario: Your manager asks about the current status of a project you’re not directly involved in.
Explanation: “I’m not up to speed on that” conveys that you’re aware of the topic but haven’t been involved enough to have all the details.
Additional Tip: This is particularly useful when you’re working in a large team or when different people handle various parts of a project.
30. I’m Not Sure That’s Correct

Scenario: A colleague shares information that you believe might be inaccurate, but you’re not sure.
Explanation: “I’m not sure that’s correct” suggests a polite challenge to the information, expressing doubt while leaving room for clarification.
Additional Tip: Use this phrase when you want to show respect for the information shared but feel the need to verify it.
31. I Don’t Have the Answer Right Now
Scenario: A client asks you about a product feature that you don’t know the specifics of.
Explanation: “I don’t have the answer right now” is a professional way to express that you’re not ready to respond with a concrete answer but can follow up.
Additional Tip: This is great for customer-facing situations where you want to reassure the client that you’ll provide the answer soon.
32. I Don’t Know Offhand
Scenario: Someone asks you for a piece of trivia you can’t recall at the moment.
Explanation: “I don’t know offhand” conveys that you don’t know the answer immediately but may be able to recall it later.
Additional Tip: This is a casual way of admitting uncertainty without sounding dismissive.
33. I’m Not Sure Where to Start
Scenario: You’re asked about a complex issue, and you don’t know how to approach the answer.
Explanation: “I’m not sure where to start” shows that the topic is challenging but that you’re willing to find a way to figure it out.
Additional Tip: This is useful when you’re overwhelmed by the complexity of a topic and need time to organize your thoughts.
34. I’ll Need to Double-Check
Scenario: Someone asks you a fact or statistic that you think you remember, but you’re not completely certain.
Explanation: “I’ll need to double-check” shows that you want to ensure accuracy before providing an answer.
Additional Tip: This phrase is ideal when you want to show that you’re committed to giving the right information.
35. I’m Not Familiar with That Topic
Scenario: A student asks a question in class about a concept you’re not well-versed in.
Explanation: “I’m not familiar with that topic” is a polite and professional way of admitting that you’re not an expert in that area.
Additional Tip: This works especially well in educational settings where humility and honesty are appreciated.
Pros And Cons
Pros:
- Maintains Professionalism
Using alternatives like “I’ll need to double-check” or “I’m not completely certain” helps maintain a professional tone while acknowledging uncertainty. It shows you care about providing accurate information. - Enhances Clarity
Some phrases, such as “I’m not up to speed on that,” clearly communicate that you’re not familiar with a topic, preventing misunderstandings or misinterpretations. - Encourages Follow-Up
Phrases like “I’ll need to check on that” invite further inquiry, creating an opportunity for more detailed answers later and maintaining the flow of communication. - Promotes Open Dialogue
Admitting uncertainty openly fosters an environment of honesty and openness, helping to build trust in conversations, especially in teams or during learning sessions. - Reduces Pressure
By using phrases like “I’m not sure that’s correct” or “I don’t know offhand,” you can take off the pressure to have an immediate, flawless response, allowing for more thoughtful consideration.
Cons:
- May Appear Unprepared
Frequent use of these alternatives could make you seem unprepared or uninformed, especially if used excessively in a professional setting where knowledge is expected. - Could Lead to Doubt
Some phrases, such as “I’m not sure where to start,” might imply a lack of confidence or expertise, potentially undermining the trust others have in your abilities. - May Cause Delays
While it’s valuable to double-check facts, relying on phrases like “I’ll need to double-check” could cause delays in providing responses, particularly in time-sensitive situations. - Can Sound Vague
Phrases like “I don’t have enough information” or “I’m not familiar with that topic” can sometimes be perceived as vague or noncommittal, which may frustrate the person seeking answers. - Might Not Provide Immediate Value
If you’re often unsure and use these alternatives too frequently, it might result in lower productivity or the perception that you’re unable to contribute effectively to conversations or decisions.
Conclusion
Whether you’re in a professional meeting or a casual conversation, knowing how to navigate moments of not knowing can enhance your communication skills. These alternatives will help you remain confident, polite, and engaged in discussions while still acknowledging that you may not have all the answers at the moment.

Hi, I’m Ethan Matthews: I make English easy with my clear and simple teaching style. I love helping learners feel confident in every lesson.