Cool MateI don't believe it vs That's unbelievable
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
I don't believe it
InformalTop 2,000 (common)
That's unbelievable
Top 2,000 (common)
Most formal: That's unbelievable
| I don't believe it | That's unbelievable | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //aɪ dəʊnt bɪˈliːv ɪt//🇺🇸 //aɪ doʊnt bɪˈliv ɪt// | 🇬🇧 //ðæts ˌʌnˈbiːləvəbl//🇺🇸 //ðæts ˌʌnˈbiːləvəbəl// |
| Meaning | I think this is not true. | It's hard to believe; it's shocking. |
| Example | When she told me she won the lottery, I said, 'I don't believe it!' | When she won the lottery, I thought, 'That's unbelievable!' |
| Register | Informal | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| Collocations | I can't believe it, I really don't believe it, I just don't believe it | That's unbelievable news, That's unbelievable behavior, That's unbelievable luck |
| Antonyms | believe it, accept it | - |
| Common mistakes | Confusing with 'I can't believe it' which expresses stronger emotions., Using it in formal contexts where a more polite expression is needed. | Used in negative situations instead of positive ones., Saying 'This is unbelievable' instead of 'That's unbelievable' in conversations., Confusing with 'That's incredible' which has a more positive connotation. |
| Usage notes | Best used in informal conversations to express disbelief or surprise. Not suited for formal situations or written contexts. | Commonly used in casual conversation to express surprise or disbelief. Avoid in overly formal settings. |
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Frequently asked questions: I don't believe it vs That's unbelievable
What's the difference between I don't believe it and That's unbelievable?
I don't believe it: I think this is not true. That's unbelievable: It's hard to believe; it's shocking.
Which is more formal: I don't believe it and That's unbelievable?
That's unbelievable is the most formal of these.
Can you show an example of each?
I don't believe it: When she told me she won the lottery, I said, 'I don't believe it!' That's unbelievable: When she won the lottery, I thought, 'That's unbelievable!'
Can I use I don't believe it and That's unbelievable interchangeably?
Not always. I don't believe it and That's unbelievable 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.