fancy that

USAGE SUMMARY

"fancy that" can be used as a valid, written English phrase.
It is used to express surprise or disbelief about something that has been said or done. Example: "I just found out my boss is giving everyone a bonus. Fancy that!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Fancy that.

The Economist

"Fancy that," Henry said.

The New Yorker

Zurga: Gosh, fancy that!

The Guardian - Books

"Fancy that," says Ginger.

The Guardian - Film

"Wow," you think, "fancy that!

The Guardian - Opinion

Fancy that?! – suggests some media savviness in Pyongyang.

The Guardian - Opinion

At one point he came to me for girlfriend advice — fancy that!

The New Yorker

It wasn't just that Snow's had been unknown to a Texas barbecue fancy that is notably mobile.

The New Yorker

Just a standard jump for joy at home plate, nothing fancy that could lead to further injuries.

The New York Times - Sports

JRM: Fancy that.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Fancied: that was the word.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the tone of the conversation. "Fancy that" can sometimes come across as sarcastic, so use it judiciously in sensitive contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "fancy that" in formal writing or professional settings where a more serious or neutral tone is expected. Opt for more formal expressions of surprise or acknowledgement.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "fancy that" is that of an interjection. It's used to express a sudden feeling or reaction, typically surprise or mild disbelief. As demonstrated by Ludwig, the phrase often stands alone or at the beginning of a sentence.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

82%

Wiki

9%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fancy that" is an informal interjection used to express mild surprise, amusement, or disbelief, as identified by Ludwig. It is most commonly found in News & Media sources. While grammatically correct, it's best to avoid it in formal contexts. According to Ludwig AI, it’s perfectly valid in written English and alternatives like "would you believe it" or "who would have thought" can be used for similar effect. Be mindful of the tone and audience when using this phrase to avoid unintended sarcasm or informality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

would you believe it

Emphasizes disbelief or astonishment at a surprising piece of information.

who would have thought

Highlights the unexpected nature of a situation or fact.

well, I never

An exclamation of surprise or mild shock.

imagine that

Similar to "fancy that", but with a slightly stronger sense of wonder.

how about that

Expresses surprise or interest in something that has been said or revealed.

that's something

Acknowledges the remarkableness or unusualness of something.

is that so

Expresses mild surprise or interest, often questioning the validity of a statement.

you don't say

Expresses mild surprise or skepticism.

gosh

An exclamation of surprise. It is also less formal.

indeed

Acknowledges a statement with a sense of agreement and sometimes surprise.

FAQs

How can I use "fancy that" in a sentence?

"Fancy that" is typically used as a standalone interjection to express surprise or mild amusement. For example, "I heard they eloped. "Fancy that"!"

What can I say instead of "fancy that"?

You can use alternatives like "would you believe it", "who would have thought", or "imagine that" depending on the context.

Is "fancy that" formal or informal?

"Fancy that" is generally considered an informal expression. It is suitable for casual conversations but less appropriate for formal writing or professional settings.

When is it appropriate to use "fancy that"?

Use "fancy that" when you want to express mild surprise, amusement, or disbelief in response to something unexpected or interesting. It is best used in informal settings.