Speak 19

Phrase of the Day: I’M NOT SURE

Your goal: Use I’m not sure when you do not know something with confidence.

REVIEW

I’M NOT SURE means I don’t know for certain.

“I’m not sure. Let me check” gives an honest answer and offers a next step.

You can also say I’m not sure yet when you have not decided.

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CHOOSE TWO AND RESPOND

Read each question aloud. Choose two responses that make sense together. Use I’m not sure in at least one. Say them together as your answer. Then try a different combination.

“What time does the store close?”

• I’m not sure.

• Let me check.

• I’m not sure about the time.

• The hours are on the door.

• I’m not sure when it closes.

• We can call.

“Is this seat taken?”

• I’m not sure.

• Someone was sitting here.

• I’m not sure about this one.

• That seat is available.

• I’m not sure if they’re coming back.

• You could ask the person nearby.

“Are you free tomorrow?”

• I’m not sure yet.

• I need to check my calendar.

• I’m not sure about the morning.

• The afternoon might work.

• I’m not sure what time I’ll finish.

• I’ll let you know.

“Which answer is correct?”

• I’m not sure.

• Let’s read it again.

• I’m not sure about this one.

• We can ask the teacher.

• I’m not sure which one fits.

• The example might help.

“What would you like for lunch?”

• I’m not sure yet.

• I’m still looking.

• I’m not sure what I want.

• The soup looks good.

• I’m not sure about the sandwich.

• I might get a salad.

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COMPLETE THE RESPONSE

Choose a word from the box. You may use a word more than once. More than one answer may work.

check • ask • read • decide • call • know

1. “What time do they close?”
   “I’m not sure. I’ll _____ the hours.”

2. “Is this answer correct?”
   “I’m not sure. Let’s _____ the teacher.”

3. “What does the instruction say?”
   “I’m not sure. Let me _____ it again.”

4. “Which meal do you want?”
   “I’m not sure. I need a minute to _____.”

5. “Is the office open?”
   “I’m not sure. We can _____.”

6. “Will you be free tomorrow?”
   “I’m not sure. I’ll let you _____.”

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EXTEND THE CONVERSATION

Choose an ending. Say the whole response aloud.

“Are you free tomorrow?”

“I’m not sure yet. _____”

• I’ll check my calendar.

• What time did you have in mind?

• I’ll let you know this afternoon.

“Is this the correct answer?”

“I’m not sure. _____”

• Let’s look at the example.

• We can ask the teacher.

• I want to read it again.

“What would you like?”

“I’m not sure yet. _____”

• What do you recommend?

• Please give me another minute.

• I’m choosing between these two.