Better Ways to Sound More Fluent in English!
When someone asks you something and you don’t have the answer, do you always say «I don’t know»? While this is correct, native speakers use many different expressions depending on the situation! If you want to sound more natural and fluent, try using these alternatives.
1. Casual & Friendly Ways to Say «I Don’t Know»
If you’re talking to friends or family, try these:
✅ «I have no idea!» (¡No tengo ni idea!)
✅ «I have no clue!» (¡No tengo ni la menor idea!)
✅ «I have no freaking idea!» (¡No tengo ni puñetera idea!) – Informal
✅ «Beats me!» (¡Ni idea!)
Example:
«What time does the train leave?»
❌ «I don’t know.»
✅ «I have no clue!»
2. Polite & Professional Ways to Say «I Don’t Know»
If you’re in a formal situation, like at work, use these:
✅ «I’m not sure, but I can find out.» (No estoy seguro/a, pero puedo averiguarlo.)
✅ «Let me check and get back to you.» (Déjame revisar y te aviso.)
✅ «That’s a good question! I’ll look into it.» (¡Buena pregunta! Lo investigaré.)
✅ «I don’t have that information at the moment.» (No tengo esa información en este momento.)
Example:
«Do we have a meeting tomorrow?»
❌ «I don’t know.»
✅ «I’m not sure, but I’ll check and let you know!»
3. When You’re Guessing
If you’re not 100% sure but want to guess, try:
✅ «I think so, but I’m not sure.» (Creo que sí, pero no estoy seguro/a.)
✅ «As far as I know…» (Hasta donde sé…)
✅ «I could be wrong, but…» (Podría estar equivocado/a, pero…)
Example:
«Is Lisa coming to the party?»
❌ «I don’t know.»
✅ «I think so, but I’m not sure.»
4. Funny & Playful Ways to Say «I Don’t Know»
If you want to be funny with friends, try these:
✅ «Search me!» (¡Ni idea!)
✅ «No clue, Sherlock!» (¡Ni idea, Sherlock! – Sarcastic)
✅ «Ask Google!» (¡Pregúntale a Google!)
✅ «Your guess is as good as mine!» (Tu suposición es tan buena como la mía.)
Example:
«Why is the sky blue?»
❌ «I don’t know.»
✅ «Ask Google!»
Challenge: Try a New Expression!
Next time someone asks you something, don’t just say «I don’t know»—use one of these!
Written by Aimee Wilkinson, Principal at The Harrogate International Academy
