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I don't know what to say vs I don't know what I should say

Both phrases are fine/correct. However, they're used in slightly different contexts. 'I don't know what to say' is a common expression used when someone's at a loss for words or is unsure of how to respond. On the other hand, 'I don't know what I should say' implies a sense of obligation or correctness in the response.
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Explained by Miss E.
Editor at TextRanch

Last updated: August 17, 2024 • 29931 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"I don't know what to say"

This phrase is used when someone is unsure of how to respond or is at a loss for words.
  • Jan 24, 2019 ... ... of the pain “I can die but I can't break” you said “You can rule I won't obey” As long as I'm still smiling Well I don't know what to say.
  • Dec 3, 2017 ... You're talking to a friend who just lost his father - "I don't know what to say" - just talk about yourself, compliment him, try F.O.R.D...
  • 1 day ago ... Advice |. Asking Eric: They've called a meeting about my mom, and I don't know what to say. Plus: She sent my brothers screenshots of what I ...
  • Feb 6, 2019 ... After someone says "I don't know what to say" as their only response to me confiding in them, I shut off completely and tell myself that I should distance ...
  • Nov 15, 2023 ... I don't know what to say! Thank you all. Words cannot explain how grateful I am for all of your support It is thanks to all of you that I'm ...
  • I don't know what to say about this, except that I am very grateful. -TW.
  • Jun 11, 2017 ... How do I overcome the "I don't know what to say - syndrome"? All related (60).
  • Aug 6, 2024 ... I don't know what to say. It was the coolest thing in the world to see my mom holding the first physical copy of our upcoming book.
  • Nov 4, 2014 ... When a girl says "I don't know what to say" when you ask her out, what does it mean? Is it positively inclined or not? All related (41).

Alternatives:

  • I'm not sure what to say
  • I'm speechless
  • I'm at a loss for words

This phrase is correct and conveys a sense of obligation or correctness in the response.

"I don't know what I should say"

This phrase is used when someone feels a sense of obligation or correctness in their response.
  • I would like to speak at my father's funeral, but I don't know what I should say and whether I can do so without breaking down? How do I pre.
  • Feb 15, 2020 ... I don't know what I should say for the predict. I like the predicted picture more than the target for this one.
  • Sep 9, 2022 ... Mhh...I don't know what I should say about this knife. I mean It's defintly worth his money and I like the Opinel knives but there's just ...
  • Jan 13, 2011 ... I make people uncomfortable and in all that awkwardness I feel uncomfortable as well. I realize that its because I don't know what I should say.
  • Mar 10, 2021 ... I don't know what I should say to her. I don't know what options she's going to present me with. I hate making permanent medical decisions ...
  • Jul 18, 2022 ... “Because I am not used to talk about me” or “Because I don't know what I should say” etc.. That is a great way to start a session ^_^. Upvote ...
  • I'm biracial. I'm Latina. I don't speak fluent Spanish. There are a lot on instances where I don't feel I belong, where I don't know what I should say or do.
  • Jul 14, 2023 ... How can I be mature? I don't know what I should say and what should I do. I am ending up with hurting others. All related (43). Recommended.
  • May 4, 2018 ... Give me wisdom and humility. Lord, when I don't know what I should say, help me be humble enough ...

Alternatives:

  • I'm not sure what I should say
  • I'm unsure of what I should say
  • I'm uncertain about what I should say

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