Truly Brilliant People Usually Use 8 Smart Phrases Instead Of ‘I Don’t Know’
Mundus | Shutterstock Admitting you don't know something is a natural part of life; in fact, confidently admitting you're not an expert at everything signals intelligence. However, if you use a phrase like "I don't know" to escape accountability or avoid the discomfort of not knowing, it can quickly backfire.
Brilliant people often use these phrases when they don't know something:
1. 'Can you tell me more about that?'
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According to a study published in the Journal of Individual Differences, curiosity is a trait generally linked to intelligence because it encourages people to start conversations and seek new experiences they might not otherwise understand or have the chance to pursue. By asking a question like this, rather than saying "I don't know," truly brilliant people have an opportunity to grow. They not only spark collaborative energy, but also have the chance to learn something new.
2. 'Let's try something else'
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Adopting a different point of view when solving a shared problem is a fundamental tactic of successful problem-solvers, according to a study from the Journal of Pedagogical Research. By using a question like this to get to the root cause, rather than avoiding the conversation completely, brilliant people excel at resolving workplace problems.
3. 'I'd love to learn from you'
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A 2022 study found that learning from others is naturally embedded in healthy human interaction and connection, but learning with others is even more beneficial. Even if you're not consciously aware of all the opportunities you have to learn from others during the day, adopting a phrase like this can intentionally spark a learning moment. For example, if someone asks you to help them problem-solve an issue at work, but you're unfamiliar with the project or industry, use this question to dive deeper. It's mutually beneficial — you not only learn from their expertise and experience, but you also gain a new perspective they've likely spent ample time considering.
4. 'Could I have some help?'
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A study published in Management Science suggests that people who ask for help and advice are generally perceived as more competent; Stanford University research also suggests that people are equally driven to help others in social situations. By seeking expertise from others, you're not only painting yourself in a more favorable light, but you're also giving others a chance to build their self-esteem by being helpful.
5. 'Let me find out'
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Especially in workplace environments, being the person people can consistently go to for help is what makes you truly successful. It's not just about being reliable or having all the answers, but about being the person who helps others figure out solutions to their problems.
With a smart phrase like this, brilliant people embody resourcefulness. Even if they don't know the answer, they have the connections to find it or find someone who does. The most helpful people don't know everything, and more importantly, know that they don't know everything.
6. 'That's a good question'
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One phrase brilliant people use instead of saying "I don't know" is "That's a good question," because it makes people feel heard, which is critical to building trust, according to a PLOS ONE study. By acknowledging someone else's opinions before giving advice or solutions, you establish common ground. Even if you're arguing with someone or in a highly emotional discussion, simply saying "thank you" or "I hear you" before sharing your thoughts can be the difference between a productive conversation and one that isn't.
7. 'Let me get back to you'
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Advocating for yourself isn't always comfortable, but expressing your needs and setting boundaries is the key to showing up as your best self. You can't be helpful or regulated if you're acting purely on raw emotions, so taking space to unpack your feelings and clear your mind is often essential. As experts at Harvard Business Review suggest, sometimes problem-solving is easier when you do it alone, giving you time to gather your thoughts and come up with clear solutions before you reconnect.
8. 'I'm not the best person to ask'
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According to a study in Philosophy and Phenomenological Research, intellectual humility, which is the ability to understand the limits of your knowledge, is essential for learning. Helping someone solve a problem doesn't mean you have all the answers; it means you can point them in the right direction. Help them find the document, connect them with someone who knows the answer, or come up with a plan together: that's true resourcefulness.
Zayda Slabbekoorn is a senior editorial strategist with a bachelor’s degree in social relations & policy and gender studies, focusing on psychology, relationships, self-help, and human interest stories.
