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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 • 785 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.
  • 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.
  • 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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