Showing Disbelief or Surprise

During a conversation, someone might tell you something that is surprising, outrageous, or even doesn't seem to be true. How can you express your surprise or disbelief?  What should you say in response?    Below are some common expressions that you can use.

Showing Disbelief or Surprise

 

Really?

No kidding!

Are you serious?

You're making this up, aren't you?

No way!  (Informal)

Are you for real?  (Informal)

Are you pulling my leg?  (idiom) (to pull someone's leg = to fool someone)

 

Responding to Something Outrageous or Really Surprising

 

You've got to be kidding!

You've got to be kidding me!

I can't believe it!

Unbelievable!

Come on!  (Informal)

Get out of here!  (Informal)

That blows my mind.  (Informal)

 

Examples:

 

Dialog 1:  (between 2 friends)

Joe:  Listen to this.  A 60-year-old woman gave birth to a baby yesterday in Italy.

May: You're making this up, aren't you?

Joe:  No, it's in the newspaper.

 

Dialog 2:  (between 2 friends)

Kim:  Do you remember John?

Ann:  You mean our high school friend?

Kim:  That's him.  He was in last week's national singing contest...

Ann:  And?

Kim:  ...and he won first prize!

Ann:  Get out of here!  John is tone-deaf! 

Kim:  I know. 

Ann:  Unbelievable!  That really blows my mind.