10 Phrases to Admit You Don’t Know
Nobody knows everything, and sometimes the most professional and honest thing you can say is that you don’t have the answer. Learning these 10 phrases to admit you don’t know will help you handle these moments with confidence and politeness. This guide provides simple expressions for casual and formal situations.
Common Ways to Say ‘I Don’t Know’
Casual & Friendly Phrases
- I have no idea. A very common and honest phrase for when you are completely unaware. “What’s the capital of Mongolia?” “I have no idea.”
- I’m not sure. A soft and polite way to say you don’t know the answer. “Is the cafe open on Sundays?” “I’m not sure.”
- You’ve got me there. A friendly, informal admission that you’ve been stumped by a question. “Who invented the paperclip?” “You’ve got me there; I really don’t know!”
- Beats me. A very casual, slang phrase meaning you don’t know. “Why is the internet so slow today?” “Beats me.”
Professional & Helpful Phrases
- That’s a good question. Let me find out for you. Praises the question and shows immediate willingness to help. “What’s the procedure for remote onboarding?” “That’s a good question. Let me find out for you.”
- I don’t have that information right now, but I can point you to someone who does. A professional way to admit a knowledge gap while offering a solution. “What’s the budget for this project?” “I don’t have that information right now, but I can point you to someone who does.”
- I’ll have to look into that and get back to you. Shows you are taking responsibility for finding the answer. “When is the next company-wide training?” “I’ll have to look into that and get back to you.”
Formal & Polite Phrases
- I’m afraid I’m not the best person to ask about that. Politely directs the question to a more appropriate person. “Can you explain the new tax regulations?” “I’m afraid I’m not the best person to ask about that. Let me connect you with our finance team.”
- I don’t have the exact figures handy. A formal way to say you don’t have specific data available at the moment. “What were last quarter’s sales numbers?” “I don’t have the exact figures handy, but I can pull the report.”
- I’m not privy to that information. A very formal phrase meaning you do not have access to that knowledge. “What was discussed in the executive meeting?” “I’m not privy to that information.”
Real-Life Dialogues
Customer: Excuse me, do you know what time the last bus arrives?
Shop Clerk: I’m not sure, to be honest. But that’s a good question. The schedule is posted at the bus stop across the street.
Customer: Thank you, I’ll check there.
Colleague A: Do you know if the client approved the final design?
Colleague B: I don’t have that information right now. Sarah is the lead on that project, so she would know. I can point you to her.
Colleague A: Great, thanks for letting me know.
Quick Tips: Choosing the Right Phrase
| Situation | Recommended Expression | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| A casual question from a friend | I have no idea. or Beats me. | These are honest, natural, and perfectly acceptable in informal settings. |
| A work-related question you can’t answer | That’s a good question. Let me find out for you. | It shows professionalism, maintains confidence, and promises a solution. |
| When you are clearly the wrong person to ask | I’m afraid I’m not the best person to ask about that. | It is polite, direct, and efficiently redirects the question. |
| A formal or high-stakes meeting | I don’t have the exact figures handy. | It is precise, professional, and suggests you can provide the information later. |
Practice Tip
Pay attention this week to questions you can’t answer. Practice using one of these 10 phrases to admit you don’t know instead of just staying silent or guessing.
Why This Matters
- Using these phrases builds trust and shows honesty, which is more respected than giving wrong information.
- It demonstrates professionalism and emotional intelligence, especially in work environments.
- Mastering these 10 phrases to admit you don’t know gives you the confidence to handle any question, even when you don’t have the answer.
Admitting you don’t know something is a sign of strength, not weakness. With these phrases, you can do it gracefully and maintain your confidence in any conversation. Happy learning! 😊
