How to say it · Following the conversation

Saying I don't know

Someone asks you something and you don't have the answer. A bare "I don't know" can sound cold, so it helps to have softer and more helpful options.

6 ways to say it

On a seaside street, Sam shrugs at a tourist holding a map as a compass needle spins between them.

How helpfulBluntHelpful

I'm afraid I don't knowbest default No ideacasual shrug Your guess is as good as minewe're both lost That's a good questionbuy some time I'm not the best person to askpoint elsewhere Let me get back to you on thatprofessional promise

Way 1 · best default

I'm afraid I don't know

Polite and honest. "I'm afraid" adds a little "sorry" so it doesn't sound cold.

How helpfulMiddle

ToneNeutral

Use itAnywhere

Examples

I'm afraid I don't know, I'm not from round here.

Sorry, I'm afraid I don't know what time it closes.

In a conversation

A: Excuse me, is there a pharmacy near here?
B: I'm afraid I don't know, sorry. I'm just visiting.

Common mistake

Not: I don't ~~know about it.~~

Say: I'm afraid I don't know.

"About it" is extra here. Just "I don't know", softened with "I'm afraid".

Practice saying this

Next: No idea

Way 2 · casual shrug

No idea

Short and relaxed. Fine with friends and family, too blunt for customers or your boss.

How helpfulVery blunt

ToneCasual

Use itWith friends

Examples

"Where's the remote?" "No idea, check the sofa."

No idea, to be honest. Ask Mia.

Practice saying this

Next: Your guess is as good as mine

Way 3 · we're both lost

Your guess is as good as mine

Nobody knows, including you. Often a bit funny or fed up.

How helpfulBlunt

ToneCasual

Use itWith friends

Examples

When will the train come? Your guess is as good as mine.

"Why did they close the road?" "Your guess is as good as mine."

In a conversation

A: When's the landlord going to fix the heating?
B: Your guess is as good as mine. I emailed him twice.

Practice saying this

Next: That's a good question

Way 4 · buy some time

That's a good question

You need a moment to think, or you're about to admit you're not sure.

How helpfulMiddle

ToneNeutral

Use itAt work

Examples

That's a good question. I think it's about two hours, but don't quote me.

Hmm, that's a good question. Let me think.

Practice saying this

Next: I'm not the best person to ask

Way 5 · point elsewhere

I'm not the best person to ask

It's not your area, and someone else will know better.

How helpfulHelpful

ToneNeutral

Use itAt work

Examples

I'm not the best person to ask, but Priya in HR will know.

Honestly, I'm not the best person to ask about cars.

Practice saying this

Next: Let me get back to you on that

Way 6 · professional promise

Let me get back to you on that

You don't know yet, but you'll find out and reply. Great with clients and managers.

How helpfulVery helpful

ToneFormal

Use itAt work

Examples

Let me get back to you on that by the end of the day.

Good point. Let me get back to you on that once I've seen the numbers.

In a conversation

A: Would the price change if we ordered more?
B: Let me get back to you on that. I'll check with our sales team.

Common mistake

Not: ~~I will answer~~ you ~~later.~~

Say: Let me get back to you on that.

The direct translation sounds stiff. "Get back to you" is how people promise a reply at work.

Practice saying this

Test yourself: which would you say?

Pick the right one

Which would you say?

Read the moment, then choose the way that fits it best.

Now say it out loud

Pick one and practise it in a real conversation. Save the ones you want to remember.

I'm afraid I don't know No idea Your guess is as good as mine That's a good question

Which would you say?

Now say it out loud

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