informal 3K

I can't be hearing this

🇬🇧 UK //aɪ kɑːnt bi ˈhɪərɪŋ ðɪs// 🇺🇸 US //aɪ kænt bi ˈhɪrɪŋ ðɪs//

Meaning of I can't be hearing this

An expression of disbelief or shock about something one has heard.

In simple words: I can't believe this is true.

I can't be hearing this in a sentence

• When she said she won the lottery, I thought, 'I can't be hearing this!'
• After the scandal was revealed, everyone kept saying, 'I can't be hearing this.'
• When he claimed to have met a celebrity, I just laughed and said, 'I can't be hearing this.'
• She told me her son's in college now, and I replied, 'I can't be hearing this!'
• His excuse for being late was so outrageous that I thought, 'I can't be hearing this.'

How to use I can't be hearing this

Used informally to express disbelief or shock about something heard. Not suitable for formal writing.

Grammar pattern

chunk

Memory hint

Imagine being shocked and saying, 'I can't hear this ridiculous news!'

Related words

Collocations with I can't be hearing this

• can't believe this
• can't be serious
• just can't understand

Synonyms for I can't be hearing this

• I can't believe this
• This can't be true
• No way

Common mistakes with I can't be hearing this

• Misuse in formal contexts, where more formal expressions are expected.
• Omitting 'I' sometimes makes it sound less personal.

Frequently asked questions about "I can't be hearing this"

What does "I can't be hearing this" mean?

I can't believe this is true.

What is the definition of "I can't be hearing this"?

An expression of disbelief or shock about something one has heard.

How do you use "I can't be hearing this" in a sentence?

When she said she won the lottery, I thought, 'I can't be hearing this!'

Can you give another example of "I can't be hearing this"?

After the scandal was revealed, everyone kept saying, 'I can't be hearing this.'

What are synonyms for "I can't be hearing this"?

Common alternatives include I can't believe this, This can't be true, No way.

What words go with "I can't be hearing this"?

It commonly pairs with can't believe this, can't be serious, just can't understand.

What are common mistakes when using "I can't be hearing this"?

Misuse in formal contexts, where more formal expressions are expected. Omitting 'I' sometimes makes it sound less personal.

How do you pronounce "I can't be hearing this"?

US: //aɪ kænt bi ˈhɪrɪŋ ðɪs//, UK: //aɪ kɑːnt bi ˈhɪərɪŋ ðɪs//. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

Is "I can't be hearing this" formal or informal?

"I can't be hearing this" is informal, so it fits casual conversation with friends and family.

When should I use "I can't be hearing this"?

Used informally to express disbelief or shock about something heard. Not suitable for formal writing.