informal 2K

I’m not kidding

🇬🇧 UK //aɪm nɒt ˈkɪd.ɪŋ// 🇺🇸 US //aɪm nɑt ˈkɪd.ɪŋ//

Meaning of I’m not kidding

A phrase used to indicate that someone is serious and not joking.

In simple words: I'm serious; I am not joking.

I’m not kidding in a sentence

• I’m not kidding; that movie is the scariest one I've ever seen!
• When he said he could eat ten pizzas, I thought he was joking, but he insisted, 'I’m not kidding.'
• She looked at me and said, 'I’m not kidding; you really need to try this cake.'
• He told me, 'I’m not kidding; I really won a contest!', looking quite proud.
• When I said we might go skydiving next month, she replied, 'I hope you’re not kidding about that!'

How to use I’m not kidding

Used in casual conversation to emphasize that one is being truthful. It's often playful but can also indicate frustration if someone doubts you.

Grammar pattern

standalone phrase

Memory hint

Imagine a child playing dress-up and pretending, then saying, 'I’m not kidding' when being serious.

Related words

Collocations with I’m not kidding

• I'm serious
• not joking
• for real
• you've got to believe me
• believe it or not

Synonyms for I’m not kidding

• I'm serious
• No joke
• For real
• Honestly
• Not joking

Common mistakes with I’m not kidding

• 'Kidding' is often confused with 'kid' which means child.
• Some learners might say 'I am not joking' rather than 'I'm not kidding', but 'kidding' is more common in informal contexts.
• Using 'I'm not kidding' too seriously can make the tone awkward.

Frequently asked questions about I’m not kidding

What does I’m not kidding mean?

I'm serious; I am not joking.

What is the definition of I’m not kidding?

A phrase used to indicate that someone is serious and not joking.

How do you use I’m not kidding in a sentence?

I’m not kidding; that movie is the scariest one I've ever seen!

Can you give another example of I’m not kidding?

When he said he could eat ten pizzas, I thought he was joking, but he insisted, 'I’m not kidding.'

What are synonyms for I’m not kidding?

Common alternatives include I'm serious, No joke, For real, Honestly, Not joking.

What words go with I’m not kidding?

It commonly pairs with I'm serious, not joking, for real, you've got to believe me, believe it or not.

What are common mistakes when using I’m not kidding?

'Kidding' is often confused with 'kid' which means child. Some learners might say 'I am not joking' rather than 'I'm not kidding', but 'kidding' is more common in informal contexts. Using 'I'm not kidding' too seriously can make the tone awkward.

How do you pronounce I’m not kidding?

US: //aɪm nɑt ˈkɪd.ɪŋ//, UK: //aɪm nɒt ˈkɪd.ɪŋ//. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

Is I’m not kidding formal or informal?

"I’m not kidding" is informal, so it fits casual conversation with friends and family.

When should I use I’m not kidding?

Used in casual conversation to emphasize that one is being truthful. It's often playful but can also indicate frustration if someone doubts you.