What to answer if I don t know the answer?

Asked by: Dr. Timothy Goyette MD  |  Last update: August 8, 2025
Score: 4.7/5 (61 votes)

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

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

Other Ways to Say 'I Don't Know'
  1. I don't know yet, but I'm committed to finding out.
  2. Let's take the day to research and brainstorm, then circle back tomorrow with our thoughts.
  3. I'm not sure at the moment, but I value your question and will take time to reflect on it.

How do you answer without knowing the answer?

How to answer questions you don't know
  1. Take your time. ...
  2. Think aloud. ...
  3. Admit you're unsure. ...
  4. Use flexible thinking. ...
  5. Repeat the question. ...
  6. Ask follow-up questions. ...
  7. Offer to come back to the question later. ...
  8. Acknowledge the question's value.

What do I reply when I don't know what to reply?

Instead of panicking about your lack of words, take a deep breath and respond with the following: Be honest: “To be honest, I don't know the answer to that question, but I am interested in learning.” Clarify the question: “I don't quite understand what you're asking. Could you rephrase the question, please?”

What should I say in an interview if I don't know the answer?

You can say something like, ``I'm not sure about the answer to that question, but I'm happy to research it further and get back to you with a thorough response.'' This shows that you're not afraid to admit when you don't know something and that you're proactive in finding solutions.

5 Ways to Respond to a Job Interview Question (When You Don't Know the Answer)

30 related questions found

What to say when you don't know the answer?

Instead of hedging and tap dancing around your response or making something up and getting it wrong, simply say you don't know the answer. But plan your follow-up with a statement about what you do know. Examples: That's not my area, but here's what I can tell you…

Is it OK to not know an answer in an interview?

Be honest. It's perfectly acceptable to admit you don't know the answer. Interviewers don't expect you to be all-knowing.

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.

What to reply when you don t understand?

I'm sorry, I didn't understand. Could you repeat a little louder, please? I didn't hear you. Please could you tell me again?

How do you respond without saying no worries?

8 Ways to say 'No problem' in English
  1. Today I've got eight alternative expressions to say "no problem" in English. ...
  2. No worries at all. ...
  3. That's absolutely fine. ...
  4. No big deal. ...
  5. Not a problem. ...
  6. Sure, no problem at all. ...
  7. Ok, no biggie. ...
  8. No problemo.

Is C the most common multiple choice answer?

I'm sure you've heard this at some point “if you don't know the answer, always guess C. because it's the most common correct option”. That's just a myth, and generally there are no most common answers on multiple choice tests.

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

While it is ok sometimes to just say "I don't know", he advises to try something like "I don't know, but I would think [...] because of x and y, but you would need to do [...] in order to find out.” This shows that you have the ability to think as an academic.

How do you answer without saying yes?

Casual agreement: different words for yes

Example: “Are you coming to the party?” “Yeah, I'll be there!” b) “Okay” or “OK”: Simple, versatile ways to agree. Example: “Shall we meet at the library at 3 PM?” “Okay, see you then.” c) “Definitely”: Shows strong agreement or certainty.

How do you respond if you do not know the answer a question?

Follow these steps to learn how to handle a question when you don't know the answer:
  • Stay calm. Interviewers may sometimes ask a difficult question to assess your response, rather than to test your knowledge. ...
  • Ask clarifying questions. ...
  • Share what you do know. ...
  • Be honest. ...
  • Express your desire to learn.

How do I say I'm not sure?

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…”

Is I don't know a proper answer?

“I don't know” is a perfectly fine answer

Admitting you don't have the answer is perfectly fine, as long as it's followed with, “But I know someone who does,” or, “I know where to find the solution.”

How do I learn not to respond?

5 tips for learning how to respond instead of react
  1. Pause and breathe. A simple but powerful technique is to take a short break as soon as you feel overwhelmed or emotionally charged. ...
  2. Reflect before you speak. ...
  3. Practice active listening. ...
  4. Identify your triggers. ...
  5. Use 'I' statements.

How do you answer when you dont know what to say?

Here are some phrases to try when you don't know what to say:
  1. I am so sorry you are experiencing this.
  2. This is so hard.
  3. I am here for you in any way that I can be.
  4. My heart is with you.
  5. I am thinking about you and your family.
  6. I am at a loss for words but know that I care deeply for you.

What to say when you don't know the answer in class?

There's no shame in saying “I don't know.” Just remember to be truthful above all. And then, clearly communicate what falls within your responsible scope of knowledge and research. If it's something you should know, learn it. If it's something you shouldn't be expected to know, say so.

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

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. 1. “I'm not very familiar with that concept, but…” When you don't know the answer to difficult interview questions, be honest and admit your lack of familiarity with the topic.

How to answer the biggest weakness?

Be authentic – "I work too hard" or "I care too much" are interview killers. So, pick a genuine weakness, one you've actually struggled with. But be strategic. It shouldn't be a deal-breaker for the job you're after.

How to answer tell me about yourself?

The best way to answer "Tell me about yourself" is with a brief highlight-summary of your experience, your education, the value you bring to an employer, and the reason you're looking forward to learning more about this next job and the opportunity to work with them.