10 Professional Ways to Say “I Am Not Sure”

It’s no secret that “I am not sure” is ineffective in most formal cases. So, you want to know how to say “I am not sure” professionally, right?

Well, you’re in luck! We have compiled the best alternatives to include in an email to replace “I am not sure.”

  • I will find out
  • I do not know
  • Leave it with me
  • Not that I’m aware of
  • I have not heard about that
  • I will double-check
  • Perhaps you’re right
  • I will need to check
  • I’m currently unsure
  • Let me see what I can find out

Read on to learn more about these synonyms. Then, you can find another way to say “I am not sure” that works in professional contexts.

1. I Will Find Out

It’s good to start simpler with “I will find out.” It’s a better way of saying “I am not sure” because it shows that you’re proactive and want to learn the information you’re “not sure” about.

It’s a very professional phrase. You should certainly include it when emailing a client. After all, it shows that you do not know the answer to the question they asked, though you will do whatever you can to find out for them.

This email example should also shed some light on how it works:

Dear Miguel,

I will find out more about this for you. Unfortunately, I’m not sure when the managing director will be back in.

All the best,
Charlotte

2. I Do Not Know

Another way to say “I’m not sure” is “I do not know.” It’s an effective synonym that shows you simply do not know something and may need to look it up.

Generally, “I do not know” should come before something like “I will find out.” If you want to sound as professional as possible, you should say something like:

  • I do not know, but I will find out.

Then, you can show the recipient that you are doing everything you can to find out more about the information they seek.

Check out this email to help you with it:

Dear Martin,

I do not know the answer, but I’m happy to find out. Please bear with me while I ask someone who knows more.

All the best,
Jonathan Woodbridge

3. Leave It With Me

If you’re confident that you can learn the information someone has asked for, try using “leave it with me.” It’s a great formal alternative to “I am not sure,” as it shows you will ask around to find out the answer.

“Leave it with me” also shows that you will reply later. It suggests that you will respond to the recipient once you have more information, as you do not want to respond too early in case you give them the wrong information.

You can also refer to this example to see how it works:

Dear Abigail,

Leave it with me while I try to understand the solution. I will reply as soon as I have more information.

Kind regards,
Peter

4. Not That I’m Aware Of

An excellent example of how to say “I am not sure” in a professional way is “not that I’m aware of.” It shows that you have not been kept updated about something, so you are not “aware” of whatever someone is talking about.

It’s great to include when talking to colleagues via email. It shows that you have not heard about something and need to take some time to ask questions before you understand more about it.

Why not refer to the following example to help you:

Dear George,

Not that I’m aware of, but I could be wrong. Please let me ask around to find out if there is an answer.

Best wishes,
Suzanna

5. I Have Not Heard About That

“I have not heard about that” is a great way to replace “I am not sure.” Instead of suggesting you do not know something, “I have not heard” shows that you simply have not received the information.

It’s a professional way to tell someone you’d like to learn more. Then, you can show them that you’re interested in whatever information they may have to share with you.

Also, this example should clear up how to use it:

Dear Harold,

I have not heard about that, so it might not be accurate. However, I will review it and see what I can find out.

Yours,
Carlton

6. I Will Double-Check

A great alternative to using in slightly more casual emails is “I will double-check.” Of course, it still works in business emails, but “double-check” makes it somewhat more conversational.

So, feel free to use it when emailing a client with whom you have a good working relationship. It shows that you want to remain friendly with them while finding out more information.

Here’s a helpful sample email to help you:

Dear Melissa,

I will double-check with my supervisors. Then, I will provide you with a more suitable answer.

Thank you,
Keegan

7. Perhaps You’re Right

“Perhaps you’re right” is a decent alternative to use in some cases. It shows that you don’t have the appropriate information to confirm someone’s idea. Therefore, you say “perhaps” instead to suggest they might be on to something.

It’s a reasonably conversational phrase, though. You should only use it when emailing coworkers about something more casual. It shows that you think they might be correct, but you may need to do more research first.

You can also check out the following email example to show you how to use it:

Dear Jamal,

Perhaps you’re right, but I’m unsure. Bear with me while I do some research. I will reply shortly.

Kind regards,
Adam

8. I Will Need to Check

Try using “I will need to check” to let someone know you have to do more research. It is a formal way to suggest that you will reply to them later once you have gathered more appropriate answers.

You should use it when you want to be polite and certain before replying. Most email recipients will appreciate a message like this to let them know you’re working on an answer for them.

Here’s a quick example to show you how it works:

Dear Aoife,

I will need to check before I can answer for sure. Let me find out what I can and get back to you.

Yours,
William Janette

9. I’m Currently Unsure

The word “currently” can do a lot to change the professionalism of a phrase. “I’m unsure” is unprofessional. It shows you do not know something and have no confidence. “I’m currently unsure” shows you don’t know something yet, but you plan on finding out about it.

So, “I’m currently unsure” works well in formal settings. It tells the recipient you haven’t got an answer, but you will ask around. Then, you can reply as soon as you have the answer to help them.

If you’re still unsure, refer to the following example:

Dear Billy,

I’m currently unsure, but I’ll see what I can do. I’m certain that someone around here will have more information.

Kind regards,
Kimberly

10. Let Me See What I Can Find Out

Finally, you should try using “let me see what I can find out” instead of “I am not sure” professionally. It’s a great phrase that shows you will look into something before providing any answers.

“Let me see” is a popular phrase in business emails. It shows that you’d appreciate the recipient leaving you alone while you find out more about what they’re asking. Once you know more, you will reply to them immediately.

You can also refer to this email sample to help you:

Dear Jacqui,

Let me see what I can find out for you. I will let you know when my research pays off and I know more.

Yours,
Jess