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1 Stop Saying “I don’t know”.Simple Phrases, Real Examples, Better Conversations.Your English Learning Partner. Better Conversations Book 1
Why It’s Important Useful Phrases Real- Life Examples Mini Dialogues Practice Exercises Quick Review Answer Key Next Steps/ About The AuthorTable of Contents 2 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 4 Small changes make a big difference! 6 10 13 19 22 23 25
It’s normal to feel stuck sometimes, especially when you’re trying to speak in a new language. You might be thinking, “I don’t know what to say.” “Maybe my English isn’t good enough,” or “What is I make a mistake?” But here’s the good news – you don’t have to say “I don’t know.” There are many natural and simple ways to keep the conversation going and sound more confident. 3 1 Why It’s Important In this ebook, you’ll learn: What to say when you need time to think Natural alternatives to “I don’t know” How to keep the conversation going Real-life examples and mini dialogues Practice exercise to build your confidence L e t ’ s g e t s t a r t e d !
When you don't know the answer, you have several choices. Instead of immediately saying: ❌ “I don’t know.” Try asking yourself: 4 Before you say “I don’t know” Do I need more time? Try: “Let me think about it.”T h e g o a l i s n ' t t o h a v e e v e r y a n s w e r . T h e g o a l i s t o c o m m u n i c a t e n a t u r a l l y . Do I need more information? Try: “Could you tell me a little more about that?”Do I know something related to the question? Try: “I’m not sure, but I think…”Can I find the answer? Try: “I’ll check and let you know.”Do I simply not know much about the topic? Try: “I’m not very familiar with that.”
That’s a good question. A. “That’s a great question!” B. “I’m not sure, but it’s something I want to learn about.”Let me think about it. A. “Let me think about it for a moment.” B. “I’m not sure right now but I’ll check and get back to you.” 5 2 Useful Phrases T h e s e p h r a s e s s o u n d n a t u r a l , p o l i t e , a n d c o n f i d e n t . I‘m not familiar with that. A. “I’m not familiar with that topic, but I’d like to learn more” B. “I haven’t tried that before.” I‘ll look it up and get back to you. A. “I’ll check and let you know.” B. “I can find out and tell you later.” Here are some natural phrases you can use instead of “I don’t know”. 1 2 3 4
“Let me think about it.” Sometimes, you know that you need to think before answering. Instead of becoming silent or saying: ❌ “I don’t know.” try: 6 3 Phrase # 1 Other natural options: • “Let me think for a moment.” • “Hmm, let me see.” • “Give me a moment to think.” • “Let me think about that. Mini Example “Let Me Think About It.”A: What would you do if you had a month off work?B: Hmm, let me think about that. I’d probably travel somewhere
This phrase is useful when someone asks you something interesting, unexpected, or difficult to answer immediately. 7 3 Phrase # 2 Examples: “That’s a good question. I’ve never thought about it before.” “That’s a great question. Let me think.” “Hmm, that’s an interesting question.” Mini Example “That’s a Good Question.”A: What is the most important thing you’ve learned in life?B: That’s a good question. I think learning from mistakes is very important.
Use this phrase when you don't know much about a topic, place, activity, or idea. 8 3 Phrases # 3 and 4Example: A: Have you heard about that new language-learning app? B: I’m not familiar with it. Is it good? Notice how the speaker doesn't end the conversation. They ask a follow-up question! Other options: “I’m Not Familiar With That.”• “I’ll look it up.” • “Let me check.” • “I’ll find out.” • “I’ll get back to you.” “I’ll Check and Let You Know.” Use this when you don't know the answer right now but can find out.Example: A: What time does the movie start? B: I’m not sure. I’ll check and let you know. You don't have to know everything. Sometimes, you just need to know what to do next.
☕ With Friends A: Have you ever been to Japan? B: That's a great question! I haven't been yet, but I'd love to go someday.☕ At a Café A: Do you know when the meeting is tomorrow? B: I'm not sure right now, but I'll check and get back to you. 9 3 Real-life ExamplesY o u d o n ' t h a v e t o h a v e a l l t h e a n s w e r s . Y o u j u s t h a v e t o k e e p t h e c o n v e r s a t i o n g o i n g ! 📚 In a Class or Learning Setting A: What does this word mean? B: I'm not familiar with that word, but let me look it up and explain it to you. ✈ While Traveling A: Do you know where the nearest bus station is? B: I'll check my map and let you know. Here are some real-life situations and how you can use these phrases in a conversation.
🏠 Talking About Your Neighborhood A: Do you know a good restaurant around here? B: I’m not sure, but I can ask someone.🛒 While Shopping A: Do you know if this comes in another size? B: I’m not sure. Let me check. 10 3 More Real-life ExamplesN o t i c e t h e d i f f e r e n c e ! I n s t e a d o f e n d i n g t h e c o n v e r s a t i o n w i t h : ❌ “ I d o n ’ t k n o w . ” Y o u c a n g i v e a r e s p o n s e t h a t k e e p s t h e c o n v e r s a t i o n m o v i n g . 💻 Talking About Technology A: Do you know how this app works? B: I’m not very familiar with it. Let me take a look. 🎬 Talking About Movies A: Have you seen that new movie? B: Not yet. Is it good?
Turn “I Don’t Know” Into a Conversation The next time you don't know something, don't panic. Try this simple formula: 11 Make It A Habit A: Do you know when the store closes? B: I don’t know. A: Do you know when the store closes? B: I’m not sure. Let me check and let you know. 1. PAUSE Give yourself a moment. “Hmm, let me think…” 2. RESPOND Use a natural phrase. “I’m not sure about that.” 3. CONTINUE Ask a question or explain what you can do next. “Let me check and get back to you.” Example:Y o u r g o a l i s n ' t t o a v o i d e v e r y m i s t a k e . Y o u r g o a l i s t o k e e p c o m m u n i c a t i n g .
Dialogue 1 — At Work 12 4 Mini DialoguesDo you know if Sarah is joining the meeting? I’m not sure. Let me check the schedule. Thanks! No problem. I’ll let you know when I find out.Useful phrases: “I’m not sure.” “Let me check.” “I’ll let you know.”
We could go somewhere or just stay home. Sounds good! Dialogue 2 —With Friends 13 4 Mini Dialogues What do you want to do this weekend? Hmm, that’s a good question. Let me think about it. Maybe we could watch a movie.The speaker didn't immediately say: “I don’t know.” Instead, they used the conversation to think of an idea.
Thank you! Dialogue 3 —While Traveling 14 4 Mini Dialogues Excuse me, do you know where the train station is? I’m not sure, but I can check my map. No problem. It looks like it’s about a five-minute walk from here.These phrases are useful when you're helping someone even though you don't immediately know the answer.Useful phrases: “I’m not sure, but…” “I can check…”
That’s okay. Dialogue 4 — In a Learning Setting 15 4 Mini Dialogues What does this word mean? I’m not familiar with that word. Let me look it up. I think it has something to do with communication .Remember: You don't need to pretend that you know something. It's perfectly natural to say: “I’m not familiar with that.” Then try to find the answer.Oh, I see. Thank you!
Knowing what to say is only one part of a good conversation. You can also use follow-up questions. 16 Keep the Conversation Going A simple follow-up question can turn a short answer into a real conversation. Try these: “What about you?” “What do you think?” “How about you?” “Why do you think so?” “Really? Tell me more.” “What happened next?” Example A: I’m planning to travel to Japan next year. B: That sounds exciting! What places do you want to visit? A: I’d love to visit Tokyo and Kyoto. B: Nice! What made you choose Japan?
To show interest: “Really?” “That’s interesting!” “That sounds great!” “I see.” When you don't know what to say next, try these simple expressions 17 Conversation Boosters Good conversations aren't about talking all the time. They're about listening, responding, and showing interest.To encourage someone to continue: “Tell me more.” “What happened next?” “How did that happen?”To share your own experience: “I’ve had a similar experience.” “That reminds me of…” “I feel the same way.” To ask a follow-up question: “What about you?” “How about you?” “What do you think?
Exercise 1: Choose the Best Response Choose the most natural response. A: Do you know what time the store closes? B: a. I don’t know. b. I’m not sure. Let me check. c. No. A: What would you do if you won the lottery? B: a. That’s a good question. Let me think about it. b. I don't know. c. Nothing. A: Have you heard about that new restaurant? B: a. I’m not familiar with it. Is it good? b. I don't know. c. No restaurant. A: Can you tell me when the next bus arrives? B: a. I’m not sure, but I’ll check and let you know. b. I don't know. c. Bus. 18 5 Practice Exercises Good conversations aren't about talking all the time. They're about listening, responding, and showing interest. 1 2 3 4
Exercise 2: Complete the Conversation Choose a phrase from the box to complete each conversation. 19 5 Practice Exercises Good conversations aren't about talking all the time. They're about listening, responding, and showing interest. 1 2 3 4 A: What would you like to do this weekend? B: ______________________________ A: What do you think is the hardest part of learning English? B: ______________________________ A: Have you heard about this new software? B: ______________________________ A: Do you know when the next class starts? B: ______________________________ Let me think about it. That’s a good question. I’m not familiar with that. I’ll check and let you know.
1 2 3 4 1. Someone asks you a question and you need time to think. Your response: 2. Someone asks about a topic you don't know much about. Your response: 3. Someone asks for information that you can check later. Your response: 4. You don't understand what someone said. Your response: Exercise 3: Create Your Own Responses 20 5 Practice Exercises Challenge: Try to answer each situation without using “I don’t know.” Be creative. There is more than one correct answer! Now it's your turn! Write a natural response to each situation.
To keep conversations going: ✓ Ask follow-up questions. ✓ Show interest. ✓ Share your own experience. ✓ Give yourself time to think.Let's review what you've learned. 21 6 Quick Review Most importantly: Don't worry about being perfect. Practice makes conversations easier! Remember: Progress, not perfection.Instead of saying: ❌ “I don’t know.” Try: ✓ “Let me think about it.” ✓ “That’s a good question.” ✓ “I’m not familiar with that.” ✓ “I’ll check and let you know.”
22Exercise 1: Choose the Best Response 1. b. I’m not sure. Let me check. 2. a. That’s a good question. Let me think about it. 3. a. I’m not familiar with it. Is it good? 4. a. I’m not sure, but I’ll check and let you know. Exercise 2: Complete the Conversation Possible answers: 1. Let me think about it. 2. That’s a good question. 3. I’m not familiar with that. 4. I’ll check and let you know. Exercise 3 There are many possible answers! For example: 1. “Hmm, let me think about that.” 2. “I’m not very familiar with that topic.” 3. “I’m not sure, but I’ll check and let you know.” 4. “Sorry, I didn’t catch that. Could you say it again?” 7 ANSWER KEY
23 7-Day Conversation ChallengeUse: “Let me think about it.”Use: “That’s a good question.”Use: “I’m not familiar with that.”Use: “I’ll check and let you know.”Ask someone: “What about you?”Practice a conversation with a friend, classmate, or tutor.Have a conversation without immediately saying: “I don’t know.”My goal: What I learned: How confident do I feel? ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐Keep practicing. Small conversations can lead to big improvements!
24 8 About the AuthorHi! I’m The Fluent Vibe, your English learning partner. I’m an ESL tutor and a passionate language learner. I created the Better Conversations series to help English learners develop practical, real-life communication skills and feel more confident when speaking. You don't need perfect English to communicate. You just need the confidence to keep the conversation going.Thank you for learning with me! Better Conversations Series Book 1: Stop Saying “I Don’t Know ” Coming Next: Book 2 — How to Keep a Conversation Going More useful phrases. More real-life examples. More oppor tunities to practice. Keep learning. Keep speaking. Keep growing. Your English Learning Par tner @fluentvibe.co The Fluent Vibe
25 Thank You! Watch Out For The Next Series! All the Best!