The rule, as people use it

"I can't believe that ..." isn't really about believing. You know it's true. You're saying it surprises you, shocks you, or upsets you. The pattern is "I can't believe" plus a full sentence, and most people drop "that": "I can't believe you remembered my birthday."

Your voice tells people which feeling you mean. Said with a smile, it's happy surprise: "I can't believe we won." Said flat and slow, it's annoyance: "I can't believe he's late again." Said quietly, it can be sadness: "I can't believe she's gone."

For something that already happened, use the past: "I can't believe I forgot my keys." For something still going on, use the present: "I can't believe it's still raining." A short reaction on its own, "I can't believe it", works when the other person has already told you the news.

Examples

Tap a sentence to hear it. Say it after the voice.

Fill the gap

Type the missing words, then check. The full sentence plays when you get it.

  1. 1

    I can't believe you (finish) that thick novel over one weekend.

  2. 2

    I can't believe it's (still / snow) in April.

  3. 3

    I can't believe how (fast) the kids grow up.

  4. 4

    I can't believe I (forget) her name again.

  5. 5

    I can't believe they (not / tell) us about the party.

  6. 6

    I can't believe we (live) here for ten years already.

  7. 7

    I can't believe (the price) of coffee these days.

  8. 8

    I can't believe (it). You won the lottery?

Practice · 3 min

Write five things that surprised you this month: two good, two annoying, one about time. Say each one out loud with the right feeling in your voice.

  • Good: I can't believe ___ .
  • Good: I can't believe ___ .
  • Annoying: I can't believe ___ again.
  • Annoying: I can't believe ___ .
  • Time: I can't believe it's already ___ .

Say it today

Use it once in a real conversation before tomorrow. Out loud counts, even to yourself.