I don’t know! How many times have you said those words? They’re simple, honest words that we use all the time. Sometimes, saying “I don’t know” can feel like a cop-out. Like we should have all the answers. But the truth is, there are other ways to say I don’t know that can be just as powerful (and honest), without feeling so plain and boring.
Formal Ways to Say I Don’t Know
List of Formal Ways to Say I Don’t Know
- I would need more information before giving an accurate response.
- I’m afraid I’m not in a position to answer that.
- That isn’t something I can speak to at this time.
- That’s a great question, but I’m not sure.
- I can’t say for certain.
- That is beyond my scope of knowledge.
- I’m sorry, but I can’t answer that question confidently.
- This is a new experience for me.
- Let me think about that and get back to you.
- I need more information before I can answer that question fully.
How to Use Some of These Phrases
Assuming you are in a business meeting with your junior colleagues, you could use the phrase “That is beyond my scope of knowledge” to imply that the question asked was more suitable for a more senior colleague.
When dealing with something new, you could say “This is a new experience for me” to imply that you are not familiar with the topic at hand.
Informal Ways to Say I Don’t Know
List of Informal Ways to Say I Don’t Know
- I haven’t the foggiest.
- Hmmm… not sure about that one.
- It’s a mystery to me.
- Gosh, I wish I knew the answer.
- That’s a puzzler.
- I’m still learning about this topic myself.
- That’s a great question! I don’t have the answer off the top of my head, but let me look into it and get back to you ASAP.
- Hmm…that’s something I haven’t thought about before! Let me do some research and see what I can find out.
How to Use Some of These Phrases
If a friend asks for your advice about something you are not familiar with, you could use “Gosh, I wish I knew the answer” to express that you sympathize but don’t have an answer.
If someone is asking you a difficult question, you could say “That’s a puzzler” to show that you have thought about the question, but don’t know the answer.
Idiomatic Ways to Say I Don’t Know
- Not as far as I’m aware.
- I don’t have a clue.
- No idea whatsoever.
- Your guess is as good as mine.
- What do I know?
- Search me!
Funny Ways to Say I Don’t Know
- Nope, not a single inkling.
- That’s above my pay grade.
- I’m in the dark here!
- That’s beyond my understanding.
- That’s outside my wheelhouse.
- No can do, amigo!
- Beats me!
Remember, there is no shame in admitting that you don’t know something! In fact, these phrases show that you are curious and want to learn more – which is always a good thing. So next time you find yourself stuck with “I don’t know,” try one of these instead!
Learn more with a list of other ways to say something is easy or difficult.
Other Ways to Say “I Don’t Know”
List of 40 other ways to say I don’t know in English.
- Beats me.
- Hmm…
- I am not the best person to answer that.
- I can find out for you.
- I can’t remember off the top of my head. I’ll get back to you on that.
- I don’t have that information here right now.
- I don’t know anything about…
- I have no clue/idea.
- I haven’t/ haven’t got a clue.
- I haven’t got the faintest idea.
- I haven’t had time to think that through yet.
- I haven’t looked at that yet.
- I want to be sure and give you the correct information. Let me check.
- I’ll double check and let you know.
- I’ll find out and let you know.
- I’ll get back to you on that one.
- I’m going to investigate that further.
- I’m not 100% sure on that.
- I’m not sure / unsure.
- I’m probably not the best person to ask for that information.
- I’ve been wondering the same thing!
- I’m afraid. I have no idea
- It could be one of many possibilities, I’ll look into it.
- It’s a mystery to me.
- It’s beyond me.
- Let me check on that.
- Let me find out for you.
- Let me look that up for you.
- Search me.
- That requires a bit more research first.
- That’s a really good question, I’ll check/ find out.
- That’s not my area of expertise, I’ll ask …..
- That’s something I want you to find out for yourself!
- That’s exactly what I’m seeking to answer.
- That’s good question, but I don’t know.
- That’s good question, I’ll check this.
- There are several possible answers, I’ll need more information first.
- What do you suggest?
- What do you think?
- Who knows?
What to Say Instead of “I Don’t Know” | Images
How to say I don’t know | I Don’t Know Synonym Image 1
How to say I don’t know | I Don’t Know Synonym Image 2
Last Updated on April 25, 2023
wheres huh
ion know mann 🙁