Cool MateCan you believe it vs Who would believe it
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Can you believe it
InformalTop 2,000 (common)
Who would believe it
InformalBeyond 10,000 (less common)
Most common: Can you believe it
| Can you believe it | Who would believe it | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //kæn jʊ bɪˈliːv ɪt//🇺🇸 //kæn jʊ bɪˈliv ɪt// | 🇬🇧 //huː wʊd bɪˈliːv ɪt//🇺🇸 //hu wʊd bɪˈliv ɪt// |
| Meaning | A phrase used to express disbelief or surprise. | a phrase expressing disbelief or surprise |
| Example | Can you believe it? They found a dinosaur fossil in our town! | She won the lottery again? Who would believe it! |
| Register | Informal | Informal |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Beyond 10,000 (less common) |
| Collocations | Can you believe it happened?, Can you believe it’s true?, Can you believe it’s already winter? | who would think, believe it or not, can you believe it |
| Common mistakes | Using it in a formal context where more polite expressions are required., Misplacing the intonation, which can change the meaning or sound less genuine., Confusing it with similar phrases like 'Can you imagine it' which has a different sentiment. | Using it in formal situations where a serious response is needed., Not emphasizing the surprise, making it sound flat., Confusing it with similar expressions like 'can you believe it?' |
| Usage notes | Used in casual conversations when something surprising is mentioned. Not typically used in formal writing. Can show excitement or incredulity. | Use this expression when you are surprised by something unbelievable. Best for casual conversations, not for formal settings. |
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Frequently asked questions: Can you believe it vs Who would believe it
What's the difference between Can you believe it and Who would believe it?
Can you believe it: A phrase used to express disbelief or surprise. Who would believe it: a phrase expressing disbelief or surprise
Which is more common: Can you believe it and Who would believe it?
Can you believe it is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Can you believe it: Can you believe it? They found a dinosaur fossil in our town! Who would believe it: She won the lottery again? Who would believe it!
Can I use Can you believe it and Who would believe it interchangeably?
Not always. Can you believe it and Who would believe it are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.