Other Ways to Say “I Am Not Sure” Professionally

Saying “I am not sure” in a professional setting can sometimes sound indecisive or unprepared. To maintain credibility and clarity, it’s helpful to use alternative phrases that convey uncertainty while still sounding confident and constructive. Below are several professional alternatives to express uncertainty appropriately.

Polite and Professional Alternatives

• “Let me confirm and get back to you.”
• “I’ll need to look into that further.”
• “That’s a great question — I’ll need to double-check.”
• “I believe so, but I’d like to verify before giving a definitive answer.”
• “I’ll follow up once I have more details.”
• “To the best of my knowledge, yes — but I will confirm.”
• “That’s outside my current scope, but I can connect you with someone who knows.”

When You Need More Information

• “I don’t have the full details at the moment.”
• “I’m awaiting further input to answer that accurately.”
• “Let me gather some more information before I respond.”
• “That’s something I’ll need to research further.”

To Maintain Confidence While Being Honest

• “That’s not something I want to speculate on without more data.”
• “I’d prefer to check before making a commitment.”
• “I want to ensure I give you the most accurate information, so I’ll confirm and revert.”

Quick Reference Table

Phrase	Use Case
Let me confirm and get back to you.	When you intend to follow up with certainty.
I’ll need to look into that further.	When acknowledging that additional research is required.
I believe so, but I’d like to verify.	When you’re mostly sure but want to double-check.
I don’t have the full details at the moment.	When more context is needed before answering.
I’d prefer to check before making a commitment.	When you want to remain cautious and accurate.

Conclusion

Choosing a professional alternative to “I am not sure” helps maintain your credibility, show accountability, and promote trust in the workplace. Whether you’re responding in an email, a meeting, or an interview, these phrases can help you navigate uncertainty while sounding polished and proactive.

FAQ

Is it okay to admit you’re not sure in a professional setting?

Yes, as long as you do so with a commitment to follow up or find the correct information. It shows honesty and professionalism.

What’s the most polite way to say “I don’t know” in a meeting?

Try saying, “That’s a good question — let me get back to you with a precise answer.”

How can I respond if I’m unsure during a job interview?

Use phrases like “I’m not 100% certain, but here’s how I would approach finding the answer…” to show your problem-solving skills.