I really do not know. vs I don't really know

Both phrases are correct and commonly used in English. They convey a similar meaning, but the placement of the word 'really' differs slightly. The choice between them depends on personal preference or the emphasis the speaker wants to convey.

Last updated: April 01, 2024 • 993 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"I really do not know."

This phrase is used to express uncertainty or lack of knowledge with emphasis on the word 'really'.

Examples:

I really do not know what to do in this situation.
She really does not know how to solve this problem.

Show examples from the web [+]

Now what he did with it, I really do not know.
I really do not know.
I really do not know.
I really do not know.
I really do not know.
I really do not know.
I really do not know.
If this doesn't say Sophomore class, 2017, I really do not know what does.
But really, I do not know.
You may know someone lifetime and I do not really know.
I really do not know if you can understand the profound significance of it.
I really do not know even how you look.
I really do not know why the gentlemen are so scared.
But I really do not know... I'm really... sure.
If that is also too much for the Conservatives, then I really do not know any more what age we are living in.
I really do not know how you square the circle, but by the end of 2002 we must.
I really do not know why we waste our time talking of convents when you could simply annul the marriage.
I really do not know currently what I do, feel a little helpless and put in the corner.
I really do not know how to convey how beautiful it is both inside and outside.
If this is not an example of double standards, then I really do not know what to call these hypocritical formulations.

Alternatives:

I truly do not know.
I honestly do not know.

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"I don't really know "

This phrase is used to express uncertainty or lack of knowledge with emphasis on the word 'know'.

Examples:

I don't really know what to say in response.
He doesn't really know how to explain the concept.

Show examples from the web [+]

I don't really know what the truth is.
And I don't really know how to compare those units.
I don't really know where it's going.
So... I don't really know what I'm feeling.
I don't really know where it's going.
I don't really know what the military needs.
Okay, I don't really know how this works.
I don't really know if tonight's...
I don't really know how the corruption works.
I don't really know why he would mention that.
I don't really know that much about her.
I don't really know what happened.
I don't really know what came over me.
I don't really know why I'm alive.
I don't really know how those work.
I don't really know anything About where the new atrocities are.
I don't really know what you were expecting.
And I don't really know you, partner.
I don't really know if those hands are better...
Sorry, I don't really know her.

Alternatives:

I don't truly know.
I don't honestly know.

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I really do not know. vs I don't really know