A kinder way to say “I'm not sure”

Say this instead

1. 01

   My best guess is Thursday, but treat that as provisional until I confirm by tomorrow.

   Boss · Chat

   Offer this when you can give an estimate, since it gives a usable answer and says when it will firm up.

   Use for my message
   Copy
2. 02

   Thank you for your question, Mr. Nelson. I need to check the contract terms before I answer, and I'll come back to you by Wednesday with a confirmed date.

   Client · Email

   Use this when the answer depends on a document or another person, because it names the gap and a firm follow-up day.

   Use for my message
   Copy
3. 03

   I'm not certain about this one. I'll ask finance this afternoon and message you what I hear by 5.

   Coworker · Chat

   Quick internal questions suit this one, as it shows you are acting on it and gives a time.

   Use for my message
   Copy
4. 04

   Hi Ciaran, I don't have the exact delivery date in front of me. I'll check with our warehouse team and email you a confirmed date by Wednesday.

   Customer · Email

   A customer asking for a specific detail you can't see yet is the moment for this, since it states what you lack and who you'll ask.

   Use for my message
   Copy
5. 05

   I don't have a clear answer yet. Let me go through the numbers tonight and we'll decide at tomorrow's stand-up.

   Someone you manage · Chat

   Someone you manage who needs direction gets a clear point at which the decision will be made.

   Use for my message
   Copy
6. 06

   Thanks for the offer details. I haven't decided on the 3rd as a start date yet. I'll confirm by Friday.

   Recruiter / HR · Email

   Pick this when you need time on one point, because it stays polite and gives a deadline they can plan around.

   Use for my message
   Copy
7. 07

   Hi Ciaran, I can't confirm the slot yet. I'll text you by 3 pm today once the team replies.

   Customer · SMS

   This short holding message fits when you are waiting on someone else and the customer wants a quick reply.

   Use for my message
   Copy

Examples

What to avoid

• Stopping at “I'm not sure” and leaving out what happens next or when.
• Presenting a guess as if it were a fact.
• Stacking hedges such as “maybe”, “I think” and “possibly” in a single message.
• Promising a follow-up time that you may not be able to meet.
• With a client or customer, replace “no idea” with a clear statement of what you need to check.

Related phrases

• A kinder way to say “any questions or concerns?”→
• Saying “who are you?” at work→
• A kinder way to say “I need your support”→
• Better ways to say “Do you have any work for me?”→
• “I don't know”: how to say it politely→
• How to say “I can't take on more work” professionally→