Phrase of the day

Discover a new phrase each day to use in your English! These are special phrases and sayings that English speakers use all the time, but you don't often see these phrases in English course books or other study material. Visit daily to learn some popular English phrases on a regular basis.
19th November 2024

I don't know offhand

We use this expression to say we don't know something and need to check to find out.
Usage
Written: 
Yes
Spoken: 
Yes
Formal: 
No
Informal: 
Yes
Example 1
Where's Vincent?
I don't know offhand. Have you checked in the office?
Example 2
Is Los Angeles more or less than ten hours ahead of us?
I don't know offhand. I think it's written on the map in the front of my diary, though.

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