What really happens when someone asks you a seemingly difficult question? You are rendered speechless and no bright idea crosses your mind except “I don’t know”. Here is a list of alternate phrases which would help you sail through the sticky situation.
For Formal situation
- I’ll get back to you on that one
- Let me find out for you
- I’ll find out and let you know
- Let me check on that
- I’ll double check and let you know
- That’s a really good question, I’ll check
- That’s a really good question, I’ll find out
- That requires a bit more research first
- I’m going to investigate that further
- I’m not 100% sure on that
- I can find out for you
- I haven’t looked at that yet
- Let me look that up for you
- I haven’t had time to think that through yet
- I don’t have that information here right now
- That’s not my area of expertise, I’ll ask …..
- I’m probably not the best person to ask for that information
- I want to be sure and give you the correct information. Let me check.
- I can’t remember off the top of my head. I’ll get back to you on that.
- There are several possible answers, I’ll need more information first
- It could be one of many possibilities, I’ll look into it
- That’s something I want you to find out for yourself!
- What do YOU think?
- What do you suggest?
- I’ve been wondering the same thing!
- That’s an excellent question but the answer eludes me.
- You know, I’m not an expert. You can always ask Google though
For informal situation
- I have no idea
- I haven’t got the faintest idea
- I haven’t the faintest idea
- I’m at a loss for words.
- I have no clue
- I haven’t got a clue
- I’m not sure
- That’s a good one
- That’s a tough one
- Well, that’s beyond me
- That’s a real head-scratcher
- Beats me
- Search me
- Who knows?
- Your guess is as good as mine
- I’ll ask the universe. (Humorous)
- Why don’t you ask Google about it
- Please ask Google