could not believe

USAGE SUMMARY

"could not believe" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to express disbelief or amazement at something. Example sentence: I could not believe how quickly the movie ended.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

General Conversation

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"They could not believe it".

The New York Times

She could not believe it.

The New York Times - Sports

I could not believe they were serious".

The New York Times

Adam could not believe his luck.

The New Yorker

He could not believe what he saw.

The New York Times

I could not believe what was happening.

The New York Times

Weber could not believe his eyes.

The New York Times - Sports

Even the drivers could not believe it.

The New York Times - Sports

"I could not believe my eyes".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

"We could not believe our eyes.

BBC

I could not believe what had happened.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "could not believe" to express genuine surprise or disbelief when narrating events or reactions.

Common error

Avoid using "could not believe" excessively in your writing. Vary your expressions of disbelief with alternatives like "found it hard to believe" or "was incredulous" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could not believe" primarily functions as a verb phrase expressing disbelief or astonishment. It indicates the subject's inability to accept something as true or real. This aligns with Ludwig's analysis of the phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Sports

15%

General Conversation

10%

Less common in

Academia

7%

Wiki

5%

Science

25%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "could not believe" is a common and grammatically sound way to express disbelief or astonishment. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is suitable for various contexts, with a neutral register making it appropriate for both formal and informal situations. While very common, it's important to avoid overusing the phrase and consider alternatives like ""found it hard to believe"" or ""was astonished"" to add variety to your writing. The phrase is most frequently encountered in news and media sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it defied belief

This alternative highlights the unbelievable nature of the situation itself.

it was beyond comprehension

This phrase emphasizes the extreme difficulty in understanding something.

found it hard to believe

This alternative uses slightly more formal language, emphasizing the difficulty in accepting something as true.

it seemed unreal

Suggests that the event or situation felt dreamlike or detached from reality.

was incredulous

This single word conveys strong disbelief and skepticism.

was astonished

This alternative focuses on the feeling of surprise and amazement.

was taken aback

This phrase suggests a sudden and unexpected shock or surprise.

was dumbfounded

This emphasizes the inability to speak due to shock or surprise.

couldn't fathom

Highlights the inability to understand or comprehend something.

refused to accept

Emphasizes a deliberate rejection of an idea or fact.

FAQs

How can I use "could not believe" in a sentence?

You can use "could not believe" to express surprise or disbelief about something. For instance, "I could not believe how quickly the movie ended" or "She could not believe he had said that".

What are some alternatives to "could not believe"?

Alternatives include "found it hard to believe", "was astonished", or "it defied belief", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is "could not believe" grammatically correct?

Yes, "could not believe" is grammatically correct and commonly used in both spoken and written English to express disbelief or surprise.

What's the difference between "could not believe" and "did not believe"?

"Could not believe" often implies a stronger sense of surprise or astonishment, while "did not believe" simply indicates a lack of belief. For example, saying "I could not believe it" suggests you were shocked, whereas "I did not believe it" means you doubted its truth.