I don't really know.

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Teo

#319652 Thu, 25 Jan 07 06:28 AM

1. I don't really know. 2. I really don't know.

What's the difference in meaning between the above two sentences?

Teo

Joined on Tue, Sep 28 2004

Taiwan

Contributing Member (1,631)

Thank you very much for your reply.

NewPhilologist

#319667 Thu, 25 Jan 07 08:31 AM

#1 indicates that the speaker is not certain about something, and #2 indicates that the speaker has no clue at all about it.

NewPhilologist

Joined on Sun, Oct 1 2006

Full Member (129)

CalifJim

#320125 Fri, 26 Jan 07 05:49 AM

1. I don't know in a really thorough manner. I may know in a superficial way, but not thoroughly. I am quite uncertain about this.
2. I honestly don't know at all. I am certain that I don't know. I absolutely do not know.

CJ

CalifJim

Joined on Mon, Aug 2 2004

California

Veteran Member (17,747)

"There are no facts, only interpretations" - Nietzsche

milky

#320128 Fri, 26 Jan 07 05:57 AM

Teo wrote:

1. I don't really know. 2. I really don't know.

What's the difference in meaning between the above two sentences?

For me, the second one is more emphatic - probably because the adverb is fronted and often stressed.

What time will you be home?

I don't really know. (I'm not sure.)

What time will you be home?

I really don't know. (I have no idea at all)

............

The second one seems to be used, many times, in situations where the respondent is irritated by the question. Kind of, "mind your own business", or "don't pressure me", or "how the *** should I know!".

milky

Joined on Thu, Jan 15 2004

Senior Member (3,149)

Hume said that if we had perfect or complete descriptive knowledge of reality, we could not, by reasoning, derive a single valid "ought".

Verbs, Adverbs