12 Ways to Express Uncertainty Professionally in English
Because sounding honest and thoughtful is better than sounding overconfident.
In business, there’s a thin line between sounding uncertain and sounding unreliable.
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You can admit you’re not sure.
But you must do it strategically in a way that still shows confidence, accountability, and willingness to follow through.
Here are 12 phrases you can use to express uncertainty professionally while still sounding credible and solutions-focused.
1. “I don’t have the exact numbers at the moment, but I can confirm by (time).”
➤ Shows honesty and initiative.
2. “Based on what I currently know…”
➤ Signals careful thinking and leaves space for change if new info comes up.
3. “I’d like to double-check before confirming.”
➤ Sounds cautious and responsible, not hesitant.
4. “It seems likely that…”
➤ Good for early-stage insights or predictions.
5. “I wouldn’t want to give you incorrect information—let me get back to you on that.”
➤ Protects your credibility while showing intention to follow up.
6. “I may be mistaken, but my understanding is…”
➤ Helpful in group discussions when you want to contribute without sounding absolute.
7. “I’ll need some time to assess that properly.”
➤ Professional alternative to “I don’t know right now.”
8. “That’s not my area of expertise, but I’ll find someone who can clarify.”
➤ Keeps the conversation moving instead of blocking it.
9. “I’m not entirely sure at this stage, but here’s what I can tell you…”
➤ Shows transparency while still providing value.
10. “There are a few variables we need to consider before confirming.”
➤ Great in technical, financial, or project-based discussions.
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11. “Let’s treat this as a preliminary estimate until we have more data.”
➤ Sounds strategic and proactive.
12. “I can’t confirm right now, but I’ll update you by (time/day).”
➤ The most important part: give them a clear timeline.
When NOT to use these phrases
Avoid expressing uncertainty when:
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Your role requires authority in that context (e.g., “I think the quality is okay?” as a QA lead).
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You’re delivering the final analysis or approved results.
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You’re giving client proposals or quotes that should be fact-checked beforehand.
Professional communication mistakes to avoid
Pair uncertainty with clarity
Instead of just saying “I’m not sure,” add either:
✔ a reason
✔ a next step
✔ or a timeline
Example:
❌ “I don’t know.”
✔ “I don’t have the exact timeline right now, but I’ll confirm it with the deployment team and update you by tomorrow.”
Final Takeaways
Being unsure doesn’t make you unprofessional.
Failing to handle uncertainty well does.
Professionals don’t have all the answers.
They simply know how to express uncertainty without losing confidence.