I don't know what to do vs I don't know what I would do

Both phrases are correct, but they convey slightly different meanings. 'I don't know what to do' is used when someone is unsure about the actions they should take in a current situation. On the other hand, 'I don't know what I would do' is used when someone is uncertain about their hypothetical actions in a future or imaginary scenario.

Last updated: April 01, 2024 • 845 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"I don't know what to do"

This phrase is used when someone is unsure about the actions they should take in a current situation.

Alternatives:

I am unsure about what to do
I have no idea what to do

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"I don't know what I would do"

This phrase is used when someone is uncertain about their hypothetical actions in a future or imaginary scenario.

Show examples from the web [+]

I don't know what I would do if I caught Dale with someone.
I don't know what I would do if anyone ever took Lucy.
I don't know what I would do if you ever got promoted.
I don't know what I would do without you over there.
I don't know what I would do if I didn't have a family that was always ready for me to come home.
Okay, vague premise aside, I don't know what I would do, but if Jess was with me, I'm sure...
I don't know what I would do if I found out my dad was a hero instead of a deadbeat.
If it were my son, I don't know what I would do.
And as your best friend, I don't know what I would do if anything happened to you.
I don't know what I would do if she was my kid.
I don't know what I would do If aiden ever hurt someone like that.
Look, I don't know what I would do if I was you.
If I lost Deb, I really... I don't know what I would do.
I don't agree with them, obviously, but... I don't know what I would do If they were saying those things about my child.
If I was Everett, I don't know what I would do.
If my husband did that to me... look, I don't know what I would do.
Well, I'm glad you survived, because I don't know what I would do without you around here.
I don't know what I would do if I didn't work in the M.E.'s office.
And it cost Tori her life, and it almost cost JT his, and I don't know what I would do if something happened to you, too.
I don't know what I would do if you suddenly became someone who let something own you

Alternatives:

I am unsure about what I would do
I have no idea what I would do

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I don't know what to do vs I don't know what I would do