Cool MateThat's astonishing vs That's incredible
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
That's astonishing
Top 5,000 (fairly common)
That's incredible
Top 5,000 (fairly common)
| That's astonishing | That's incredible | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //ðæts əˈstɒnɪʃɪŋ//🇺🇸 //ðæts əˈstɑnɪʃɪŋ// | 🇬🇧 //ðæts ɪnˈkrɛdəbl//🇺🇸 //ðæts ɪnˈkrɛdɪbəl// |
| Meaning | That's surprising or hard to believe. | That's amazing or unbelievable. |
| Example | When I heard the news, I said, 'That's astonishing!' | Did you see how high he jumped? That's incredible! |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 5,000 (fairly common) | Top 5,000 (fairly common) |
| Collocations | that's astonishing news, that's astonishing to see, that's astonishing behavior | That's incredible news, That's incredible talent, That's incredible technology |
| Common mistakes | Using 'astonishing' in a negative context., Confusing 'astonishing' with 'astonished' which means surprised., Saying 'That's astonish' instead of 'That's astonishing'. | Using it sarcastically in a serious conversation., Confusing with 'That's amazing' in terms of intensity. |
| Usage notes | Use 'That's astonishing' to express strong surprise. It's best in formal or neutral contexts, avoiding slangy conversations. | Used to express admiration or disbelief. Suitable in both formal and casual conversations. Avoid in overly serious contexts. |
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Frequently asked questions: That's astonishing vs That's incredible
What's the difference between That's astonishing and That's incredible?
That's astonishing: That's surprising or hard to believe. That's incredible: That's amazing or unbelievable.
Can you show an example of each?
That's astonishing: When I heard the news, I said, 'That's astonishing!' That's incredible: Did you see how high he jumped? That's incredible!
Can I use That's astonishing and That's incredible interchangeably?
Not always. That's astonishing and That's incredible 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.