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Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
we don't know
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesTable of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
28 human-written examples
"We don't know what we don't know".
News & Media
Likewise, we don't know.
News & Media
"Even we don't know.
News & Media
We don't know" squat.
News & Media
But we don't know.
News & Media
(We don't know why).
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
12 human-written examples
We do not know".
News & Media
Egypt: we do not know.
News & Media
We didn't know.' ".
News & Media
We didn't know.
Academia
We didn't know anything.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "we don't know" to express uncertainty or a lack of information in a clear and direct manner. It is suitable for various contexts, from casual conversation to formal reports.
Common error
While "we don't know" is perfectly acceptable, avoid using it repeatedly in close proximity. Vary your language with synonyms like "we are unsure" or "this remains undetermined" to maintain reader engagement.
Source & Trust
89%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "we don't know" functions primarily as a declarative statement expressing a lack of knowledge or certainty. It is a common way to admit that information is missing or unavailable, as shown in the examples provided by Ludwig.
Frequent in
News & Media
48%
Academia
20%
Science
16%
Less common in
Wiki
4%
Formal & Business
4%
Encyclopedias
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "we don't know" is a grammatically sound and exceedingly common expression used to convey a lack of knowledge or certainty. Ludwig AI confirms its wide acceptance and appropriate use across diverse contexts. While primarily found in news and media, as well as academic and scientific publications, its neutral register makes it versatile for both formal and informal communication. When aiming for clarity and directness, "we don't know" serves as an effective and readily understood statement.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
we're not sure
A more colloquial way of expressing uncertainty.
we are uncertain
This alternative replaces "don't know" with a more formal "are uncertain".
we have no idea
This phrase uses a more informal expression for lacking knowledge.
we are unaware
This alternative expresses a lack of awareness in a slightly more formal manner.
it is unknown to us
This phrase is a more formal and passive way of saying "we don't know".
we can't say for sure
This alternative implies uncertainty about a specific outcome or fact.
we haven't determined
This phrase indicates that a determination or conclusion has not yet been reached.
we lack the information
This indicates a lack of necessary data or details.
the answer eludes us
This is a more figurative and formal way to say "we don't know".
we are in the dark
A more idiomatic way of saying we are uninformed or unaware.
FAQs
How can I use "we don't know" in a sentence?
You can use "we don't know" to express a lack of information or certainty about something, as in "We don't know when the project will be completed" or "We don't know the exact cause of the problem".
What are some alternatives to "we don't know"?
Alternatives include phrases like "we are unsure", "we have no idea", or "it is unknown to us", depending on the level of formality and context.
Is it grammatically correct to say "we don't know"?
Yes, "we don't know" is grammatically correct. The contraction "don't" is the standard contraction of "do not" when used with the pronoun "we".
What's the difference between "we don't know" and "we didn't know"?
"We don't know" refers to a current lack of knowledge, while "we didn't know" refers to a past lack of knowledge. For example, "We don't know what the future holds" versus "We didn't know about the meeting until today".
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
89%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested