In conversations, whether casual or formal, expressing disbelief is common. However, saying “I can’t believe it” over and over again can make your communication feel repetitive.
Explore creative alternatives to saying ‘I can’t believe it’ to express surprise or disbelief more uniquely. From “I’m stunned!” to “This is unreal!” these phrases will help you stand out in conversations and capture attention effectively.
There are numerous ways to express surprise, astonishment, or disbelief more creatively and professionally, depending on the context. Below, I’ve provided alternatives, each with a scenario to show how they can be applied in everyday conversations or formal communications.
List Of Alternatives to Saying ‘I Can’t Believe It’
- I’m Speechless
- This Is Unreal
- I’m in Total Shock
- You’ve Got to Be Kidding Me
- I’m Stunned
- This Is Incredible
- I’m Flabbergasted
- I Never Saw That Coming
- This Blows My Mind
- I’m at a Loss for Words
- I Can Hardly Believe It
- I’m Astounded
- That’s Unbelievable
- I’m Gobsmacked
- This Is Astonishing
- I’m Taken Back
- This Is Beyond Belief
- I’m Dumbfounded
- I’m Blown Away
- I’m Amazed
1. I’m Speechless
This phrase conveys surprise in a powerful and personal way, implying you are so shocked that you’re at a loss for words.
(Example)
Hi Mia,
I just read the report on last quarter’s profits, and I’m speechless. I had no idea the results would exceed our projections by such a large margin. We need to celebrate this achievement soon!
Best regards,
Hannah
2. This Is Unreal
Using “unreal” expresses disbelief in a casual and modern tone.
(Example)
Hi Mia,
This is unreal—our marketing campaign has gone viral! The response we’re getting on social media is beyond what we expected. Let’s discuss how to capitalize on this momentum in our next meeting.
Cheers,
Hannah
3. I’m in Total Shock
This phrase is more formal, and it emphasizes a deep feeling of disbelief or surprise.
(Example)
Dear Mia,
After hearing the news about the merger, I’m in total shock. This was completely unexpected. We should set up a meeting to discuss how this will impact our department moving forward.
Kind regards,
Hannah
4. You’ve Got to Be Kidding Me
This phrase is informal and adds a playful tone while expressing disbelief.
(Example)
Hi Mia,
You’ve got to be kidding me! The client accepted all our proposals without a single revision. I can hardly believe it—it rarely happens this smoothly! Let’s get ready for the next steps.
Best,
Hannah
5. I’m Stunned
A concise and formal way to express surprise or disbelief.
(Example)
Hi Mia,
I’ve just finished reviewing the report, and I’m stunned by the results. I didn’t expect such a quick turnaround on the project. Let’s catch up later to go over the details.
Regards,
Hannah
6. This Is Incredible
“Incredible” shows that the situation is hard to believe in a positive or neutral sense.
(Example)
Hi Mia,
I’ve just received the latest feedback from the client, and this is incredible—they’re offering us a two-year contract extension! Let’s schedule a call to celebrate and plan the next steps.
Cheers,
Hannah
7. I’m Flabbergasted
An expressive and somewhat playful word that captures both surprise and disbelief.
(Example)
Hi Mia,
I’m flabbergasted—our team managed to complete the entire project two weeks ahead of schedule. I truly didn’t see that coming. Let’s plan a celebration for the team next week!
Best,
Hannah
8. I Never Saw That Coming
This phrase works well when the surprise was completely unforeseen.
(Example)
Hi Mia,
I never saw that coming—the competitor just announced they’re exiting the market. This changes everything for us! Let’s touch base tomorrow and come up with a new strategy.
Best,
Hannah
9. This Blows My Mind
This is a more casual, modern expression of disbelief, often used to convey something amazing or shocking.
(Example)
Hi Mia,
I’ve just seen the final numbers, and this blows my mind—our campaign reached over a million people in just three days. This level of engagement is beyond anything we expected!
Best regards,
Hannah
10. I’m at a Loss for Words
A formal, reserved way to express shock or disbelief.
(Example)
Dear Mia,
After hearing the recent updates from the client, I’m at a loss for words. It’s a remarkable turnaround from their initial stance. I’d love to discuss how we’ll handle this new development.
Kind regards,
Hannah
11. I Can Hardly Believe It
This phrase keeps the core idea of disbelief but sounds slightly more formal.
(Example)
Hi Mia,
I can hardly believe it—we secured the partnership deal! This is a huge step forward for the company, and I can’t wait to see how things evolve from here.
Best,
Hannah
12. I’m Astounded
A refined and formal way to convey surprise.
(Example)
Dear Mia,
After reviewing the results of the last quarter, I’m astounded by the growth in our revenue streams. Let’s make sure to discuss this in detail at our next meeting.
Warm regards,
Hannah
13. That’s Unbelievable
This phrase is straightforward and can be used in both formal and informal settings.
(Example)
Hi Mia,
That’s unbelievable! The CEO just approved our proposal with no modifications. This is such a positive surprise. Let’s meet tomorrow to go over the next steps.
Best,
Hannah
14. I’m Gobsmacked
A more informal and fun word, often used in British English, to express being extremely surprised.
(Example)
Hi Mia,
I just heard the news and I’m gobsmacked—our team won the industry award! I never expected this outcome. Let’s make sure everyone knows about this accomplishment!
Best,
Hannah
15. This Is Astonishing
“Astonishing” emphasizes a high degree of surprise and is suitable for formal writing.
(Example)
Hi Mia,
This is astonishing—the feedback from our customers has been overwhelmingly positive. We didn’t anticipate such a great response. Let’s strategize on how to maintain this momentum.
Best,
Hannah
16. I’m Taken Aback
This phrase expresses that you were caught off guard by the news.
(Example)
Dear Mia,
I must say, I’m taken aback by the client’s sudden decision to change course. I didn’t expect this at all. Let’s arrange a call to discuss how to move forward.
Best regards,
Hannah
17. This Is Beyond Belief
A dramatic phrase that emphasizes how shocking or unbelievable the situation is.
(Example)
Hi Mia,
This is beyond belief—we’ve surpassed our sales targets by 50%! I’m in complete awe of the team’s efforts. Let’s make sure everyone gets the recognition they deserve.
Best,
Hannah
18. I’m Dumbfounded
This phrase suggests you’re in shock and unable to process the situation.
(Example)
Hi Mia,
I’ve just received the news, and I’m dumbfounded—the competitor has withdrawn their bid. This changes everything! We need to regroup and determine our next steps.
Best,
Hannah
19. I’m Blown Away
A casual and enthusiastic way to express surprise, often used for positive situations.
(Example)
Hi Mia,
I’ve just seen the results, and I’m blown away—the team exceeded every expectation. We need to celebrate this win and plan for our next big project!
Cheers,
Hannah
20. I’m Amazed
“Amazed” can be used in both formal and informal settings to express surprise.
(Example)
Hi Mia,
I’m amazed by the level of detail in your latest report. You’ve done an outstanding job. Let’s discuss how we can implement some of your ideas in our upcoming projects.
Best regards,
Hannah
Conclusion
Expressing disbelief doesn’t always have to rely on saying “I can’t believe it.” With these creative and professional alternatives, you can keep your language fresh and tailored to any situation, from casual conversations to formal business communications. Depending on the tone you want to strike—whether it’s astonishment, awe, or complete shock—each phrase adds its unique flair to your dialogue.
