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How should I know? vs How would I know?

Both "how should I know?" and "how would I know?" are correct and commonly used phrases in English. They are used to express uncertainty or lack of knowledge about a particular situation or question. The choice between them depends on the context and personal preference.

Last updated: March 19, 2024 • 793 views

How should I know?

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to express uncertainty or lack of knowledge about a particular situation or question.

This phrase is used when someone is asking a question to which you do not have the answer or information. It can be used in a slightly more assertive or direct manner compared to "how would I know?".

Examples:

A: Where did you leave my keys? B: How should I know? I didn't touch them.
How should I know what time the movie starts? I haven't checked the schedule.
How should I know if she's coming to the party? I haven't spoken to her.
How should I know what's wrong with the computer? I'm not the IT guy.
How should I know where your phone is? I haven't seen it.

Show examples from the web [+]

Dec 30, 2015 ... (Definition of how should I know? from the Cambridge Advanced Learners Dictionary & Thesaurus © Cambridge University Press) ...
How can strings come unwound when they've held so tight. On the ride down this road if it's time, time to let go. Tell me, how should I know. If we're still on fire
Inf. I do not know.; Why should I be expected to know? (Shows impatience or rudeness.) Bill: Why is the orea called the killer whale? Mary: How should I know ?
Oct 20, 2014 ... According to Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary in the entry “know” and thefreedictionary.com, “How should I know?” means “I don't know ...

Alternatives:

I have no idea.
I'm not sure.
I don't have the answer.
I can't help you with that.
I'm clueless.

How would I know?

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to express uncertainty or lack of knowledge about a particular situation or question.

This phrase is used when someone is asking a question to which you do not have the answer or information. It can be used in a more polite or hypothetical manner compared to "how should I know?".

Examples:

A: Where's the nearest gas station? B: How would I know? I'm not from around here.
How would I know what she wants for her birthday? I haven't talked to her.
How would I know if the meeting got canceled? I wasn't informed.
How would I know why the train is delayed? I'm not a train conductor.
How would I know where your glasses are? I haven't seen them.

Show examples from the web [+]

Feb 9, 2015 ... "How would I know?" asks for a method of finding something out if a given proposition is true: something to check for. The word would indicates ...
How would I know. Usually said when someone asks you a question that you really don't want to answer, but they won't leave you alone until you answer it.
You say you don't feel like yourself. Does that mean you're somebody else. How would I know. Oh you say you just don't feel quite right today. Does that mean ...
Advisory - the following lyrics contain explicit language: You say. You say you don't feel like yourself. Does that mean you're somebody else. How would I know.

Alternatives:

I have no idea.
I'm not sure.
I don't have the answer.
I can't help you with that.
I'm clueless.

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