10 Ways to Express Doubt or Uncertainty
Sometimes in a conversation, you are not 100% sure about something, and it’s important to express that uncertainty politely. Learning these 10 ways to express doubt or uncertainty will help you sound more natural and careful in your communication. These phrases are essential for sounding polite, professional, and accurate in English.
Common Ways to Say ‘I’m Not Sure’
Polite & Common Phrases
- I’m not sure. The most common and simple way to express uncertainty. “What time does the meeting start?” “I’m not sure; I should check the email.”
- I’m not 100% sure. A friendly way to say you are mostly confident but not completely. “Is this the right way to the station?” “I’m not 100% sure, but I think so.”
- I could be wrong, but… A polite way to share an opinion you are not certain about. I could be wrong, but I think the restaurant closes at 10 PM.
- As far as I know… Used when you believe something is true, but acknowledge your knowledge might be limited. As far as I know, the project is still on schedule.
Formal & Professional Phrases
- I don’t have that information at hand. A professional way to say you don’t know the answer right now. “What’s the budget for this?” “I don’t have that information at hand, but I can find out for you.”
- I’d have to double-check. Shows you are careful and want to provide accurate information. “Is this report final?” “I’d have to double-check with the team lead first.”
- To the best of my knowledge… A formal phrase that means based on what you know, this is true. To the best of my knowledge, all the forms have been submitted.
Expressing Hesitation
- I have my doubts about that. A stronger way to say you are skeptical or don’t fully believe something. He says he can finish the entire project in one day, but I have my doubts about that.
- I’m on the fence about it. An idiom meaning you are undecided between two options. Both job offers are good. I’m on the fence about which one to accept.
- It’s up in the air. Used to describe a plan or decision that is not yet certain or finalized. Whether we have the office party is still up in the air.
Real-Life Dialogues
Colleague A: Do you know if Maria is joining the call today?
Colleague B: I’m not 100% sure. As far as I know she was planning to, but I haven’t seen her online.
Colleague A: Okay, I’ll send her a quick message to check.
Friend A: Are you coming to the beach trip this weekend?
Friend B: I’m on the fence about it. I have a lot of work to do, but it sounds like fun.
Friend A: Well, let me know if you decide to come!
Quick Tips: Choosing the Right Phrase
| Situation | Recommended Expression | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| A casual question with friends | I’m not sure. or I’m not 100% sure. | These are simple, honest, and perfectly natural in informal talk. |
| A question at work you can’t immediately answer | I’d have to double-check. | It shows professionalism and a commitment to accuracy. |
| When you are undecided between options | I’m on the fence about it. | This idiom clearly and politely communicates your hesitation. |
| When a plan is not yet final | It’s up in the air. | It’s a common and clear way to describe an uncertain situation. |
Practice Tip
The next time someone asks you a question you don’t know the exact answer to, try using one of these 10 ways to express doubt or uncertainty instead of just saying “I don’t know.”
Why This Matters
- Using these phrases makes you sound more thoughtful and honest, which builds trust in your conversations.
- It helps you avoid giving wrong information, which is especially important in professional and academic settings.
- Mastering these 10 ways to express doubt or uncertainty is a key part of sounding fluent and natural in English.
Being able to express uncertainty is a sign of a confident communicator. Try using these phrases to be more precise and polite in your daily English conversations. Happy learning! 😊