How to Say ‘I am not sure’ at Work

When you are not sure about something at work, saying “I am not sure” can sound too direct or uncertain in a professional setting. The best way to express uncertainty depends on the situation: in a meeting, you might say “I need to verify that,” while in an email, “I would like to confirm the details” sounds more polished. This guide gives you practical, polite alternatives for workplace conversations and emails, so you sound confident even when you are unsure.

Quick Answer: Polite Alternatives to ‘I am not sure’

Use these phrases in different work situations:

• In a meeting: “Let me double-check that and get back to you.”
• In an email: “I would like to confirm the details before proceeding.”
• To a colleague: “I need to look into that further.”
• To a manager: “I want to ensure I have the correct information.”
• In a casual conversation: “I am not entirely certain, but I can find out.”

Why ‘I am not sure’ Can Sound Weak at Work

The phrase “I am not sure” is honest, but it can make you sound unprepared or lacking confidence. In professional environments, colleagues and clients expect you to take responsibility for finding the answer, not just admit uncertainty. A better approach is to show that you are actively working to resolve the doubt. For example, instead of saying “I am not sure about the deadline,” say “Let me confirm the deadline with the team.” This shifts the focus from uncertainty to action.

Polite Alternatives for Different Work Contexts

1. In Meetings and Group Discussions

When someone asks a question during a meeting, you want to acknowledge the question without stopping the conversation. Use these phrases:

• “That is a good question. Let me verify and follow up.”
• “I need to check the latest update on that.”
• “I would like to review the data before giving a final answer.”
• “Let me look into that and get back to you by the end of the day.”

Natural example:
Colleague: “Can we finalize the budget by Friday?”
You: “That is a good question. Let me verify the approval process and follow up with you tomorrow.”

2. In Professional Emails

Email requires more careful wording because the reader cannot see your tone. Use these alternatives to sound polite and professional:

• “I would like to confirm the details before responding.”
• “I need to verify this with the relevant department.”
• “I want to ensure I provide accurate information.”
• “I am checking on this and will update you shortly.”

Natural example:
Subject: Question about the report
Dear Mark,
Thank you for your email. I would like to confirm the figures with the finance team before I send the final version. I will get back to you by Wednesday.
Best regards,
Sarah

3. When Speaking to a Manager or Senior Colleague

When talking to someone more senior, you want to show responsibility. Avoid sounding unsure. Instead, show that you are taking ownership:

• “I want to ensure I have the correct information before I proceed.”
• “Let me confirm the details and update you shortly.”
• “I need to double-check the policy on this.”
• “I will verify and come back with a clear answer.”

Natural example:
Manager: “Are we on track for the launch?”
You: “I want to ensure I have the correct timeline from the team. Let me confirm and update you by this afternoon.”

4. In Casual Workplace Conversations

With close colleagues, you can be slightly less formal but still polite:

• “I am not entirely certain, but I can find out.”
• “Let me check and let you know.”
• “I need to look into that further.”
• “I am not 100% sure, but I will get back to you.”

Natural example:
Colleague: “Do you know if the meeting is at 2 or 3?”
You: “I am not entirely certain, but I can check the calendar and let you know.”

Comparison Table: When to Use Each Alternative

Common Mistakes When Saying ‘I am not sure’

Even when you use a polite alternative, avoid these common errors:

Mistake 1: Adding too many apologies

Wrong: “I am sorry, I am not sure about this, sorry.”
Better: “Let me verify that and get back to you.”
Why: Over-apologizing makes you seem less confident. Focus on the solution, not the uncertainty.

Mistake 2: Using vague language

Wrong: “I think maybe it could be correct, but I am not sure.”
Better: “I need to confirm the exact figure before I respond.”
Why: Vague words like “maybe” or “could be” weaken your message. Be specific about what you will do.

Mistake 3: Promising an answer without a timeline

Wrong: “I will get back to you.” (without saying when)
Better: “I will check and update you by the end of the day.”
Why: A timeline shows you are organized and respectful of the other person’s time.

Mistake 4: Using ‘I am not sure’ in writing

Wrong: “I am not sure if the report is ready.”
Better: “I am checking on the report status and will confirm shortly.”
Why: In writing, “I am not sure” can sound final. Instead, show that you are actively resolving the issue.

Better Alternatives for Specific Work Situations

When you need time to research

Use: “I need to review the details before I can give a definite answer.”
When to use: When you know you need more time to look up information.

When you are unsure about a fact

Use: “I want to double-check that figure.”
When to use: When you suspect the information might be incorrect.

When you are unsure about a process

Use: “Let me confirm the correct procedure.”
When to use: When you need to follow company policy or guidelines.

When you are unsure about someone else’s opinion

Use: “I would like to hear the team’s input before deciding.”
When to use: When the decision involves other people.

Natural Examples in Workplace Conversations

Example 1: In a team meeting
Manager: “Can we deliver the project by next Friday?”
You: “Let me check the current progress with the development team. I will give you an update after the stand-up.”

Example 2: In an email to a client
Dear Ms. Chen,
Thank you for your inquiry. I would like to confirm the shipping details with our logistics partner before I provide a final timeline. I will follow up by tomorrow morning.
Best regards,
James

Example 3: Talking to a colleague at your desk
Colleague: “Do you know if the training is mandatory?”
You: “I am not entirely certain, but I can check the HR announcement and let you know in a few minutes.”

Example 4: During a video call
Client: “Is the new feature included in this update?”
You: “That is a good question. I need to verify the release notes before I can confirm. I will send you a quick email after the call.”

Mini Practice: Choose the Best Alternative

Read each situation and choose the most polite and professional response. Answers are below.

Question 1: Your manager asks during a meeting: “Are the sales numbers for Q3 correct?”
a) “I am not sure.”
b) “Let me verify the numbers and get back to you.”
c) “Maybe they are correct.”

Question 2: A client emails: “Can you confirm the delivery date?”
a) “I am not sure about the date.”
b) “I would like to confirm with the warehouse and update you by tomorrow.”
c) “I think it is next week.”

Question 3: A colleague asks: “Is the meeting at 2 or 3?”
a) “I am not sure.”
b) “I am not entirely certain, but I can check the calendar.”
c) “I don’t know.”

Question 4: You are in a client call and they ask about a feature you are not familiar with.
a) “I don’t know about that.”
b) “Let me look into that and send you the details after the call.”
c) “I am not sure.”

Answers:
1. b) “Let me verify the numbers and get back to you.” – Shows responsibility.
2. b) “I would like to confirm with the warehouse and update you by tomorrow.” – Polite and gives a timeline.
3. b) “I am not entirely certain, but I can check the calendar.” – Honest but proactive.
4. b) “Let me look into that and send you the details after the call.” – Professional and solution-focused.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is it ever okay to say ‘I am not sure’ at work?

Yes, but only in very casual situations with close colleagues. In most professional settings, it is better to use a phrase that shows you are taking action to find the answer.

2. What is the best phrase to use in an email when I am unsure?

“I would like to confirm the details before responding” is a safe and polite choice. It shows you are careful and thorough.

3. How do I sound confident when I am actually unsure?

Focus on the next step, not the uncertainty. Instead of saying “I am not sure,” say “Let me verify that” or “I will check and update you.” This shifts the focus to your action plan.

4. Can I use these phrases with my boss?

Absolutely. Phrases like “I want to ensure I have the correct information” or “Let me confirm and update you” show your boss that you are responsible and thorough.

Final Tip

Practice replacing “I am not sure” with one of the alternatives from this guide. Start with the phrase that feels most natural to you, such as “Let me check and get back to you.” Over time, you will build a habit of sounding more professional and confident, even when you do not have an immediate answer. For more workplace speaking tips, explore our Workplace Speaking Phrases category. If you have questions about our approach, visit our About Us page or check our FAQ for more guidance.