Expressing Surprise in English
Do you feel like you lack words when expressing surprise in English? Well, here is a list of 18 commonly used phrases and expressions to help you do that.
You don’t say!
- “Our cat ate a lizard.” “You don’t say! Is she all right?”
Get out (of here)
- “Have you heard that a woman in Australia gave birth to six?” “Get out! It’s a lot of babies, isn’t it?”
Expressing surprise in English
You are joking/you must be joking
- “It may be hard to believe but I am 45 years old.” “You must be joking! You look at least ten years younger!”
For real
- “Julia stopped smoking!” “For real?”
How extraordinary!
- “My parents have never had a fight for over 30 years of marriage.” “How extraordinary!”
Expressing surprise in English
Imagine
- “Can you believe that Mark and I are related? His grandpa and my grandpa were cousins. ” “Imagine. How come you didn’t know it?”
I can’t believe my eyes/ears
- I haven’t seen you for so long. I can’t believe my eyes how much you’ve changed.
- Have I just heard that I won the lottery? I can’t believe my ears.
It takes all sorts (to make a world)
Use the phrase to say that you are surprised by someone’s behaviour.
- “Brian wants to go skydiving.” “Doesn’t he have anything better to do? It takes all sorts to make a world!“
Expressing surprise in English
What is the world coming to
Use the phrase to express surprise about something you disapprove.
- Can you believe that they let a drug dealer get away with a minor punishment? What is the world coming to?
No way
Use the phrase to express surprise and disbelief.
- “We are champions of the world in basketball.” “No way!”
Really?
- “Sandra’s got a scholarship for Cambridge.” Really? I didn’t know she applied for it.”
Expressing surprise in English
It’s a small world
Use the phrase to show surprise when you meet someone unexpectedly.
- Hello Jack. It’s a small world! We meet so far away from home.
As large as life
Use the phrase to say that you are very surprised to see someone or something.
- I was sure that he moved abroad but when I opened the door, there he was, as large as life.
I never dreamed
Use the phrase to say that you are very surprised.
- I never dreamed to see you again. It is a big surprise.
Expressing surprise in English
It’s news to me
Use it to say that you didn’t know about something, especially if it annoys you.
- Price of electricity is going up? It’s news to me.
There is a first time for everything
Use it to say that something is surprising and strange.
- I didn’t know that hot water turns into ice faster than cold. There is a first time for everything.
Live and learn
Use it to show your surprise about something you’ve just seen or heard.
- An octopus has three hearts! Well, I guess you live and learn.
Expressing surprise in English
What do you know
“Your ex-wife is getting married?” “Really? What do you know.”
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