12 Other Ways to Say “I’m Not Sure”

Ever been asked something and your mind just blanks? You pause, take a breath, and say, “I’m Not Sure.” It’s honest. It’s human. And it happens more than we think. Whether it’s a small choice or a major life decision, “I’m Not Sure” is how we express hesitation, doubt, or temporary uncertainty.

We say “I’m Not Sure” when we’re weighing options, feeling internal conflict, or needing more time. It can mean we’re being open-minded or carefully considering possibilities. In casual conversations or professional communication, this simple phrase reflects our need to seek input or consult others. It shows we’re thoughtful, not indecisive. From life choices to daily decisions, “I’m Not Sure” communicates caution, curiosity, and care. Ready to explore smarter, clearer, or more creative ways to say “I’m Not Sure”? Let’s dive in.

Other Ways to Say “I’m Not Sure”

The phrase “I’m not sure” is a common way to express uncertainty, indecision, or hesitation in both casual speech and professional communication. Whether you’re dealing with internal conflict, conflicting choices, or simply waiting for clarity, there are many alternative phrases that reflect the same feeling. Expressions like “I’m on the fence,” “I have my doubts,” or “It’s up in the air” all communicate ambiguity in decision-making and allow for non-committal responses when you’re not yet ready to choose. 

Expressions of Openness

Expressions of openness show you’re receptive to new ideas, perspectives, or outcomes. Phrases like “I’m open to suggestions” or “Let’s see what happens” reflect open-mindedness, possibility, and a willingness to consider balanced options. They often signal temporary uncertainty while encouraging collaboration and seeking input before final decisions.

1. “I haven’t made up my mind.”

Example: “I haven’t made up my mind about moving to a new city.”
Meaning: Directly states that a decision has not yet been reached.
Usage: This phrase is a clear verbal expression of doubt and is often used during personal deliberation. It signals temporary uncertainty and shows that you’re still evaluating options or seeking more information before committing. Whether in professional communication or casual speech, it reflects an open-mindedness and a willingness to keep considering possibilities rather than rushing into a conclusion. Ideal for moments of indecision, internal conflict, or life choices, especially when a final outcome depends on further reflection or consulting others.

2. “I’m on the fence.”

Example: “I’m on the fence about going back to school this year.”
Meaning: Expresses conflicting feelings or equal pull between two or more options.
Usage: A highly relatable phrase for communicating indecision, often used when someone is caught between conflicting choices. It captures the experience of ambivalent choices, where both sides seem equally valid. This is a common language for hesitation that suits both informal chats and more thoughtful, professional conversations. When you’re unsure, weighing options, or waiting for a nudge from outside feedback, this phrase clearly communicates your deliberation and the ambiguity in decision-making. It reflects speaking with caution and a desire for a more balanced outcome.

3. “It’s up in the air.”

Example: “Our vacation plans are still up in the air until we hear back from the travel agent.”
Meaning: Indicates that a decision or outcome is uncertain and not yet finalized.
Usage: This expression conveys uncertainty with a sense of openness to change. It often signals that the outcome depends on factors beyond your control ,  a classic case of outcome dependency. Ideal when discussing future plans, pending decisions, or situations where external input may influence the next steps. It’s a flexible phrase for both formal phrasing and informal phrases, and often accompanies tentative expressions in dialogue. Use it when you’re holding off on a decision, experiencing temporary uncertainty, or simply waiting for clarity.

Indicating Possibility

When you want to suggest something might happen without committing to it, use language that indicates possibility. Phrases like “There’s a chance,” “It could work,” or “Maybe later” reflect expressions of doubt, outcome dependency, and temporary uncertainty. These are useful in professional communication and casual speech alike.

4. “Perhaps / Maybe”

Example: “Maybe I’ll accept the offer, but I need more time to think.”
Meaning: Softly suggests a possibility without committing to a definite choice.
Usage: These tentative expressions are often used when someone is expressing uncertainty or reflecting hesitation. They help keep the conversation open-ended, ideal for situations involving temporary uncertainty, personal deliberation, or when someone is still considering possibilities. In both casual speech and professional communication, these phrases allow space for decision deferral and signal ambivalence. They are perfect for showing that a final decision depends on further weighing of options or gathering more context.

5. “There’s a chance.”

Example: “There’s a chance I’ll move to another department, but nothing’s confirmed.”
Meaning: Indicates a possibility exists without confirming intent.
Usage: This phrase communicates possibility and ambiguity in decision-making, often leaving room for various outcomes. It implies that the speaker is open-minded but not ready to make a firm choice ,  a classic example of non-committal responses. It’s useful when discussing future plans, conflicting choices, or when someone is seeking input before making a final move. Whether used in professional discussions or informal conversations, it reflects thoughtful consideration and a readiness to stay flexible.

6. “I’m leaning towards… but I haven’t decided yet.”

Example: “I’m leaning towards accepting the job offer, but I haven’t decided yet.”
Meaning: Shows a slight preference while maintaining indecision.
Usage: This is a perfect way to acknowledge a partial inclination while still holding off on a decision. It captures the essence of internal conflict, evaluating options, and the need for further deliberation. This phrase blends expressions of doubt with a degree of direction, making it suitable for both formal phrasing and casual speech. It’s often used in moments of life choices, when someone is nearing a decision but still has uncertainty about the outcome or is consulting others before making a move.

Reflecting Uncertainty

Reflecting uncertainty involves using language that shows you’re still in the process of decision-making or facing internal conflict. Phrases like “I’m not sure,” “I’m on the fence,” or “It’s up in the air” express hesitation, ambiguity in decision-making, and tentative expressions when you’re weighing options or awaiting future consideration.

7. “I have my doubts.”

Example: “I have my doubts about whether this investment will pay off.”
Meaning: Indicates skepticism or a lack of full confidence in an outcome.
Usage: This phrase reflects expressing uncertainty and is commonly used in both professional communication and casual speech. It signals internal conflict and the presence of hesitation in the decision-making process. Whether you’re seeking more information or feeling unsure about future plans, this expression reveals a thoughtful, cautious approach. It’s especially useful when highlighting ambivalent choices or ambiguity in decision-making where the risks aren’t fully clear.

8. “I’m torn between…”

Example: “I’m torn between staying in my current role or taking the new opportunity.”
Meaning: Clearly communicates conflicting choices and difficulty deciding.
Usage: This phrase is a strong way of communicating indecision when both options are equally appealing or carry significant consequences. It shows personal deliberation, weighing options, and a struggle with life choices. Often used in informal phrases, but also appropriate in formal phrasing, it reveals the depth of internal conflict and the need for more time or input. It fits perfectly in conversations where outcome dependency plays a key role in the final call.

9. “It’s a toss-up.”

Example: “It’s a toss-up between going abroad for studies or staying local.”
Meaning: Suggests the decision could go either way, as both options seem equally likely.
Usage: This informal expression signals temporary uncertainty and a nearly 50/50 scenario in one’s mind. It’s great for casual contexts where someone is still evaluating options and considering possibilities. The phrase reflects a non-definitive answer, often used when the decision hinges on external factors or further consulting others. It fits well when describing situational responses, especially when there’s no clear preference and the speaker remains open-minded about the future consideration of either path.

Read More: 13 Other Ways to Say “I’m Not Interested”

Seeking More Information

Seeking more information is a common way to express temporary uncertainty or deliberation before making a choice. When people say things like “Let me think about it” or “I need to consult with…,” they’re clearly communicating indecision while holding off on a decision until they can gather input or clarity.

10. “Let me think about it / research it.”

Example: “Let me think about it before I commit to the project.”
Meaning: Suggests a need for more time to deliberate or gather information.
Usage: This phrase expresses temporary uncertainty and a thoughtful pause in decision-making. It shows the speaker is weighing options, evaluating possibilities, and seeking more information. Used often in both casual speech and professional communication, it’s a polite and practical way to show open-mindedness and decision deferral. It also reflects a verbal expression of hesitation and signals that a non-committal response is being given while the person engages in personal deliberation.

11. “I’m waiting to see.”

Example: “I’m waiting to see how the company handles the changes before I respond.”
Meaning: Indicates a choice has been delayed due to unknown outcomes.
Usage: A casual yet strategic way of communicating indecision, this phrase reflects outcome dependency and expressing uncertainty based on external developments. It’s ideal when future plans depend on pending factors, and the speaker is holding off on a decision. It fits situations involving ambiguity in decision-making, especially when the individual is taking a cautious approach or looking for clarity before making a final call. Useful in both informal phrases and situational responses.

12. “I need to consult with…”

Example: “I need to consult with my team before making a final decision.”
Meaning: Signals that input from others is necessary before proceeding.
Usage: This phrase directly highlights the process of consulting others and reflects open-mindedness and thoughtful responses. Common in professional communication, it acknowledges the importance of seeking input and not rushing into decisions. It also shows language for hesitation and reinforces the idea of deliberation and considering possibilities. Perfect for situations involving team dynamics, life choices, or where a balanced option requires collective insight.

When to Use Different “I’m Not Sure” Alternatives

Choose alternatives based on context. In casual speech, use relaxed phrases like “maybe” or “it’s up in the air.” For professional communication, opt for respectful, thoughtful expressions. When facing big decisions, reflect internal conflict or deliberation. Always match your language to the situation and the level of certainty.

Casual Conversations

In casual conversations, people often use non-committal responses like “maybe” or “I’m on the fence” to express uncertainty without pressure. These tentative expressions are natural in everyday chats, reflecting internal conflict or considering possibilities without formality. They allow room for open-mindedness and outcome dependency in relaxed settings.

Professional and Formal Scenarios

In professional settings, expressing uncertainty requires tact. Phrases like “I haven’t made up my mind” or “Let me think about it” reflect thoughtful responses and language for hesitation. These verbal expressions show deliberation, evaluating options, and respect for the decision-making process, especially when consulting others or seeking more information.

When Weighing Major Life Choices

When it comes to major decisions, like career changes or moving, people often reflect ambiguity in decision-making. Saying “I’m torn between…” or “It’s a toss-up” shows genuine personal deliberation and conflicting choices. These expressions reflect future consideration, balanced options, and the weight of making life choices with long-term consequences in mind.

Conclusion

In conclusion, “I’m Not Sure” is a simple, honest way to express uncertainty. Whether you’re in a casual conversation or a professional setting, it helps show that you’re still thinking things over. Saying “I’m Not Sure” can be a sign of open-mindedness or a need to consider all your options. It can also reflect a temporary pause while you’re weighing possibilities or consulting others.

Next time you’re faced with a decision, remember that saying “I’m Not Sure” is perfectly fine. It’s not a sign of weakness, but a thoughtful way to show you’re carefully considering your choices. Whether you’re expressing doubt, holding off on a decision, or seeking more information, “I’m Not Sure” lets others know you’re being cautious. It’s a simple yet powerful phrase that opens the door to reflection and deeper thinking. So, use “I’m Not Sure” when you need to make balanced decisions.