FAQs
However, responding “I don't know,” probably won't do the person seeking answers any favors—or make you look any better. A smarter option? Say, “I'm not sure I'm the best person to answer that,” then follow up with the appropriate referral to your boss, another department, or whoever can better answer the question.
How do you say I don't know in different ways in English? ›
Here are some more expression:
- I have no idea.
- I have no clue.
- I have not the foggest idea.
- Don't ask me.
- Search me (sarcastic manner)
- Your guess is as good as mine.
- It beats me (when you fail to understand something)
- Not as far as I know ( when the thing is true but not according to you)
No idea. Your guess is as good as mine. I'm not certain but I can find out for you. I'm not entirely sure but I believe…
How do I say I don't know in a professional email? ›
The best way to say "I don't know" in an email would be to use a straightforward and honest approach. Here are a few examples: "I'm sorry, but I don't have the information you're looking for." "I'm unsure about that at the moment."
Is it OK to say I don't know at work? ›
Admit What You Don't Know
Saying “I don't know" demonstrates honesty and shows that you're open to learning from others. It then invites those who really do know the answer to pitch in, improving collaboration and teamwork. And when you're honest at work, your office culture may benefit as a result.
How to avoid saying "I don't know"? ›
It might be helpful to come up with several different phrases to say instead, to avoid slipping into making any of the replacement words becoming a habit as well. Some examples include: "Hmmm." Or, "Not sure." Or, "Maybe". Or, "What do you think?" Or, "I would like to hear more about that before I commit to an answer".
How do you say I don't know as a manager? ›
“I don't have the information I need to give an answer. I'll find it.”
What's a smart way to say "I don't know"? ›
Here are ten smart ways to say "I don't know."
When you should know… "I'm not sure, but I'll find out and let you know." "I'll look into it and get back to you with what I find."
What is "I don't know" in slang? ›
Stepping away from the more authoritative, professional side of things, if you're looking for a shorter, much less formal version of the phrase I don't know, you could resort to dunno, which has even fewer syllables than the abbreviation IDK. While it sounds like modern slang, the word was first recorded in the 1800s.
How do you say "I don't know intelligently"? ›
Just follow our 6 simple tips!
- Tip #1: Don't pretend to know something you don't.
- Tip #2: Be confident. ...
- Tip #3: Say you don't have that information — yet.
- Tip #4: Direct them to an expert on the topic.
- Tip #5: Say you need more information to give them the right answer.
- Tip #6: Admit you're wondering the same thing.
It's perfectly ok, sure . Native speakers would be more likely to say “I don't understand “ instead of “I dont know “ but I've heard both being used by native speakers on 3 continents .
How do you say I don't know in American English? ›
1: I Dunno
In this case, I don't know becomes I dunno. Practice this a few times so that you can say it. You might not want to use this all the time – it is informal – but it's good to know so that you can understand English speakers.
How do the British say "I don't know"? ›
Break "i don't know" down into sounds: [EYE DOHNT NOH] - say it out loud and exaggerate the sounds until you can consistently produce them.
How do you say I also don't know? ›
You could also say: “I don't know, either.” “I, too, don't know.” “Neither one of us knows.” “Neither of us knows.”
