When someone asks you a question, of course, they want an answer. Our problem is, that sometimes we don't have an answer for them, and saying "I don't know" is not good enough. Working in an English speaking workplace, there are other, more appropriate phrases we can use. Saying "I don't know" can make you seem unprofessional and it may make you seem uninterested in the question!
Instead we can use these phrases which are more suited to the formal forms required in Business English.
These phrases show that we don't know the answer - without looking stupid - and that we are going to be helpful and get the answer for them.
1 - Good question. Let me get back to you on that.
2 - I don't have that information right now, but I'll be happy to get the answer for you.
3 - I can't remember off the top of my head. I'll check that out and get back to you.
4 - I've been wondering the same thing. Let's find out together.
5 - Let me double-check and then get back to you.
6 - That's not my area of expertise. Perhaps Person's Name can shed some light on it.
Comments
Exactly, but what should we
Exactly, but what should we say beside 'I don't know'. I really have no ideas, can you tell me?
very diplomatic phrases
I face this all the time in my work. People expect you know and remember every thing while they don't. Saying I don't know to your boss or a seniour colleague is unwise and the more unwise is to give a wrong answer just to look good. Using these phrases could give you a breath to check your records and come out with a professional answer.
very diplomatic phrases
very diplomatic phrases
great posts
obviously i joined this site as soon as after seeing this post
Excellent Phrases
Excellent phrases!!!
It is necessary to learn them!
But sometimes it is honestly to say simply "I don't know!"
Thank you for the Lesson!
Business English
Nice "speech templates" for English learners... Sometimes it's better to say "Let me get back to you on that" than simply say "I don't know". Thereby you show your willingness to help rather than cut a topic short, in my humble opinion.
Query
Hi..Chris
here is query for you. I think we use from implace of for. isn't it ?
I don't have that information right now, but I'll be happy to get the answer from you.
Thanks
For/From
For this example:
you = Jim
I = Sara
"I don't have that information right now, but I'll be happy to get the answer from you."
This means that Sara doesn't have the info, and she knows Jim has the answer. This doesn't make sense because if Jim has the answer, then why is he asking Sara for it?
Correct sentence:
"I don't have that information right now, but I'll be happy to get the answer for you."
This means that Sara doesn't have the info, and neither does Jim. Sara is going to go find out and then give the answer to Jim.
Another example:
I'll get money from Jim. = Jim has the money, and he will give it to me.
I'll get money for Jim. = I have some money, and I will give it to Jim.
i dont know
this phrase is frequently used by most of us and i m one of them... i cant decide what else to reply when someone asks me a question.
Say ...
Say, "I'm not sure."
Then ask a question back.
Another substitute for "I don't know" (this is also NOT related to the original post for Business English) is "Sorry, I can't answer that".
Good post
Its true knowing business english add great oppurtunity to get placed in international companies.