- Expresses doubt, uncertainty, or polite disagreement about a statement, proposal, or fact.
- It questions the validity or wisdom of something without directly confronting or saying You're wrong.
Explanation
Origin
- Standard English construction expressing personal uncertainty (I'm not sure) regarding a specific topic (about that).
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- Hmm, dunno 'bout that.
- Is that right? (Can imply doubt)
- Sounds kinda sus. (Suspicious)
- I dunno... (Trailing off implies doubt)
Vulgar/Emphatic (Expressing strong doubt/disbelief):
- I call bullshit on that.
- That sounds like crap to me.
- Are you fucking serious? I doubt that.
Milder/More Formal:
- I would question that assumption.
- I have reservations about that.
- Further verification may be needed.
- Permit me to express some skepticism.
Situational Appropriateness
- Appropriate in most contexts, including professional and formal settings.
- It's a polite and diplomatic way to express skepticism or potential disagreement without being confrontational.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Generally well-understood as expressing doubt or polite disagreement.
- It's not a statement of ignorance (I don't know) but rather a questioning of the presented information or idea.
Examples
- Person A: I think we should launch the product next week.
- Person B: I'm not sure about that. The testing isn't complete yet.
- He said the meeting is at 3. / I'm not sure about that, I thought it was at 4.
- Is this the best route? / I'm not sure about that. Maybe we should check the GPS.
Dialogue
Manager: Let's assign the new project to Mark. He has the most experience.
Team Lead: I'm not sure about that. His current workload is already very high.
Manager: Good point. Who else could potentially lead it?
Social Media Examples
- Comment on a news headline: I'm not sure about that source's credibility.
- Forum Reply: (To a technical solution) -> I'm not sure about that method. It might cause conflicts.
- Chat: Heard the party's cancelled. -> I'm not sure about that, I haven't heard anything.
Response Patterns
- Oh? Why do you say that?
- What makes you uncertain?
- Okay, let's double-check.
- Well, I think... (Reasserting the original point)
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
After someone says I'm not sure about that:
- They typically explain their reasons for doubt (...because I read somewhere else that...).
- The conversation often turns to verifying the information or discussing the pros and cons of the proposal.
Conversation Starter
- No. It's a response expressing doubt or uncertainty about something previously stated.
Intonation
- Usually spoken with a thoughtful or hesitant tone.
- Often has a slight pause after sure.
- Intonation might fall slightly at the end, indicating reservation.
Generation Differences
- Used by all generations.
Regional Variations
- Universal in English-speaking regions.