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15 Polite Ways to Say "I Don't Know" in Professional English
During my Business English sessions, I often notice one common fear among professionals — that uncomfortable moment when someone asks a question and you should know the answer… but you don't.
Your heart skips a beat, your mind races, and before you realize it, you blurt out, "I'm not sure" or "I don't know."
There's nothing wrong with honesty — but in the corporate world, how you say something matters as much as what you say.
Many professionals I've trained have felt the same stress and embarrassment in such moments. The good news? You can stay polite, calm, and confident — even when you don't have the answer right away.
So in this post, I'm sharing 15 polite and professional ways to say "I'm not sure" — practical expressions you can use in meetings, client calls, or emails to sound respectful, fluent, and self-assured.
1I'll need to check on that.
Example: "That's a good question — I'll need to check on that and get back to you by tomorrow."
2Let me get back to you on that.
Example: "I don't have the latest figures now. Let me get back to you on that by evening."
3I'll look into it and let you know.
Example: "I'm not completely sure about that update, but I'll look into it and let you know soon."
4That's something I'll have to confirm.
Example: "That's something I'll have to confirm before we proceed."
5I'm not certain, but I believe…
Example: "I'm not certain, but I believe the client prefers monthly billing."
6I might be wrong, but I think…
Example: "I might be wrong, but I think the report was updated last week."
7That's outside my area of expertise.
Example: "That's outside my area of expertise, but I can connect you with someone who knows more."
8Let me double-check that before answering.
Example: "Let me double-check that before answering, just to be accurate."
9I don't have that information right now.
Example: "I don't have that information right now, but I'll share it as soon as I get it."
10That's a great question — let me verify it.
Example: "That's a great question — let me verify it with the accounts team."
11I'll find out and update you shortly.
Example: "I'll find out and update you shortly after the meeting."
12I'll need some time to confirm that.
Example: "I'll need some time to confirm that, but I'll share the details by EOD."
13I'll need to gather some more details.
Example: "Before giving a final answer, I'll need to gather some more details."
14I'm not sure at the moment, but I can find out.
Example: "I'm not sure at the moment, but I can find out from our logistics team."
15That's a valid point — let me check and revert.
Example: "That's a valid point — let me check and revert with a clear answer."
💬 Takeaway from Vishal
Using polite alternatives to say "I don't know" doesn't just make you sound fluent — it builds trust and credibility in the workplace. When your team or clients see you handling uncertain moments professionally, they respect your communication skills.
Next time you're unsure, pick one of these 15 phrases, stay calm, and speak with confidence. Communication isn't about knowing everything — it's about handling moments of uncertainty with grace.
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