Cool MateThat is incredible actually vs That's astonishing
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
That is incredible actually
Top 3,000 (common)
That's astonishing
Top 5,000 (fairly common)
Most common: That is incredible actually
| That is incredible actually | That's astonishing | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //ðæt ɪz ɪnˈkrɛdɪbəl ˈækʧuəli//🇺🇸 //ðæt ɪz ɪnˈkrɛdɪbəl ˈækʧuəli// | 🇬🇧 //ðæts əˈstɒnɪʃɪŋ//🇺🇸 //ðæts əˈstɑnɪʃɪŋ// |
| Meaning | It's amazing and true. | That's surprising or hard to believe. |
| Example | I can't believe you climbed that mountain; that is incredible actually. | When I heard the news, I said, 'That's astonishing!' |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 3,000 (common) | Top 5,000 (fairly common) |
| Collocations | incredible story, incredible journey, incredible talent, incredible discovery, incredible experience | that's astonishing news, that's astonishing to see, that's astonishing behavior |
| Common mistakes | Using 'actually' in overly formal contexts where a simpler expression would be better., 'That is incredible' is often said without the word 'actually', which changes the sentiment. | Using 'astonishing' in a negative context., Confusing 'astonishing' with 'astonished' which means surprised., Saying 'That's astonish' instead of 'That's astonishing'. |
| Usage notes | Use this expression to emphasize disbelief or surprise about something real or confirmed. It's generally appropriate in casual and semi-formal contexts. | Use 'That's astonishing' to express strong surprise. It's best in formal or neutral contexts, avoiding slangy conversations. |
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Frequently asked questions: That is incredible actually vs That's astonishing
What's the difference between That is incredible actually and That's astonishing?
That is incredible actually: It's amazing and true. That's astonishing: That's surprising or hard to believe.
Which is more common: That is incredible actually and That's astonishing?
That is incredible actually is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
That is incredible actually: I can't believe you climbed that mountain; that is incredible actually. That's astonishing: When I heard the news, I said, 'That's astonishing!'
Can I use That is incredible actually and That's astonishing interchangeably?
Not always. That is incredible actually and That's astonishing 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.