How to professionally say you don t know the answer to a question?

Asked by: Lucio Hessel  |  Last update: March 28, 2025
Score: 4.4/5 (59 votes)

Try one of these instead:
  • I'm not sure, but I'll find out and let you know.
  • I'll find out.
  • I'll look into it and get back to you with what I find.
  • That's a good question and I want to get you the right information. Let me get back to you by end-of-day.

How do I professionally say I don't know the answer?

2. Don't fear saying you don't know.
  1. That's not my area, but here's what I can tell you…
  2. I don't have the complete answer to your question, but I do know that…
  3. I don't have all the details now, but I'll make sure to respond by…
  4. I don't know but I will find out…

How do you say that I don't know the answer to this question?

There are many ways to say that you don't have the answer to a question without sounding defeated. You can use dialog such as “I haven't dealt with a situation like that before, but I would start by asking these questions.” You can also say “That concept or situation is new to me, I'll have to look into it.”

How do you say "unsure" professionally?

How to say I am not sure in a formal way
  1. “Correct me if I am wrong…”
  2. “To the best of my knowledge…”
  3. “I may be wrong, but…”
  4. “As far as I know…”
  5. “I believe so, however, I'd suggest double-checking.”
  6. “It's possible that…”
  7. “I think that might be the case, however, let's verify to be sure.”
  8. “From my understanding…”

How do I say "I don't know" in a professional manner?

I'm not sure — I have to check and I'll get back to you.” “Excellent question! I'll look into it and let you know.” “I currently don't have that information, but I'll update you as soon as I get it.”

How to succeed in your JOB INTERVIEW: Behavioral Questions

30 related questions found

What is the advanced way to say I don't know?

So, if you don't understand something, or if you don't know the answer to something you can say 'I don't know. ' Another way to say that is 'I have no idea. ' Or 'I have absolutely no idea. ' You could also say 'I haven't the faintest idea.

How do you say don't know in a formal way?

Formal ways :

I'll find out and let you know. I'm probably not the best person to ask for that information.

What is a good sentence for unsure?

He was unsure whether she had reserved a room or not. I'm unsure about the offer. He seemed unsure of what to say. We're unsure (of) how to proceed.

How do I say I'm confused professionally?

More sophisticated (and more natural) expressions include:
  1. Sorry, I'm not with you.
  2. I don't follow.
  3. I am sorry, but I don't follow what you are saying.
  4. I (just) don't get it!
  5. I'm completely lost!
  6. To be honest, I'm completely confused.

What to say if you don't know the answer to a question?

Be honest

It's essential to be truthful about what you don't know. You can tell them that you're not familiar with the topic or term.

How do you professionally say that didn't answer my question?

12 Other Ways to Say “You Didn't Answer My Question”
  • Main Points. Kindly address the pending inquiry for clarity. ...
  • Still Awaiting Your Answer. ...
  • Question Seems Ignored. ...
  • Response Still Pending. ...
  • Question Went Unanswered. ...
  • Need a Direct Reply. ...
  • Waiting for Your Response. ...
  • You Missed My Question.

How do you politely say I don't understand your question?

Longer formal sentences
  1. Sorry, I'm afraid I don't follow you.
  2. Excuse me, could you repeat the question?
  3. I'm sorry, I don't understand. Could you say it again?
  4. I'm sorry, I didn't catch that. Would you mind speaking more slowly?
  5. I'm confused. Could you tell me again?
  6. I'm sorry, I didn't understand. ...
  7. I didn't hear you.

How do you say you don't know the answer in an interview?

If you're looking to ace your interview, take a moment to review some of our prepared answers so you can put your best foot forward.
  • “I'm not very familiar with that concept, but…” ...
  • “That's an interesting question. ...
  • “I'm so glad you asked about this. ...
  • “I haven't had much exposure to that with my previous employer.

What to say if you don't know the answer in a presentation?

Thus, when I don't know a suitable answer to the question asked, what I prefer to do is tell them I'm not sure of the accurate answer and I'll get back with them post the session. It's also nice to ask them if they would like to shed some light on that matter. This also builds rapport and connection with the audience.

Is saying "I don't know" unprofessional?

In professional settings, it's often better to say you don't know in a less direct way. This is especially true when you are asked about something that perhaps you should know.

What is a good word for unsure?

distrustful dubious hesitant indecisive mistrustful shaky skeptical suspicious uncertain unclear unconvinced undecided. Weak matches.

What is a good sentence for uncertain?

Examples of uncertain in a Sentence

We are still uncertain of the truth. She remains uncertain about her plans. I'm uncertain about how to respond.

How do you say you are unsure of something?

2) Maybe/Possibly/Perhaps

These three words are synonyms, and they all express uncertainty. We use them when we think something is possible, but not certain. However, maybe and possibly are more commonly used because they are informal, whereas perhaps is the most formal.

What is a better way of saying not knowing?

uninformed; unaware: You'd have to be pretty ignorant not to have heard this news.

How do I professionally say I'm not sure?

13 Other Ways to Say "I Am Not Sure" Professionally
  1. Main Points. ...
  2. I Am Uncertain About That. ...
  3. I'm Not Entirely Clear on This. ...
  4. I'm Not Confident in My Answer. ...
  5. I'm Not Entirely Certain. ...
  6. I'm Still Exploring That Aspect. ...
  7. I'm Not Completely Sure. ...
  8. I Havent Finalized My Thoughts.

How do you say IDK professionally?

“I Don't Know” Synonyms: Formal Alternatives
  1. I'm not certain, but I can find out for you. ...
  2. I'm not entirely sure, but I believe… ...
  3. I'm not the best person to ask, but perhaps [name of colleague/expert] might know. ...
  4. That's a good question. ...
  5. I would need to do some research before giving an accurate response.

What's better than saying I don't know?

"I'm not sure, but I can look that up for you." This simple phrase exudes curiosity and a desire to learn, often coveted in workplaces. "This is a great way to acknowledge that you don't have the answer off of the top of your head but still offer a willingness to find the answer," says Dr.