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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 • 29699 views

I don't know what to say

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

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

I don't know what I should say

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

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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