imagine that

USAGE SUMMARY

"imagine that" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to express a hypothetical situation that can or could occur, or to express surprise or disbelief in something. For example, "People used to think aliens existed, imagine that!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Imagine that – being moderate.

The New York Times

"Imagine that!" Hebert says.

The New York Times - Sports

Can you imagine that?

The New York Times

Imagine that in football.

The New York Times - Sports

Imagine that view!

The New Yorker

"Imagine that," Lewis said.

The New Yorker

Imagine that on KUWTK.

Independent

Imagine that pressure.

The New York Times

"Imagine that multiplied by millions.

The New Yorker

Imagine that poor fellow's nights.

The New York Times

Now imagine that case multiplied.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Incorporate "imagine that" to express surprise or mild disbelief in a situation, adding a touch of understated emotion to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "imagine that" excessively in a short span. Overuse can make your writing sound repetitive or lacking in more descriptive expressions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "imagine that" primarily functions as an interjection or discourse marker. It's used to express surprise, disbelief, or to invite the listener to consider a hypothetical situation. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is usable in written English, adding emphasis or prompting reflection.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

86%

Science

5%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "imagine that" is a versatile expression used to convey surprise, disbelief, or to introduce a hypothetical scenario. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in written English. It is commonly found in news and media, lending a conversational tone to articles and discussions. While highly frequent, it's important to use it judiciously to avoid redundancy. Alternatives such as "can you believe it" or "picture this" can provide nuanced variations of the same sentiment. Proper use of "imagine that" can enhance engagement and emphasize specific points in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

picture this

Similar to "imagine that", used to prompt someone to visualize a scenario.

can you believe it

Expresses surprise or disbelief, similar to "imagine that", but emphasizes incredulity.

believe it or not

Introduces a surprising fact or situation, expressing a similar level of astonishment to "imagine that".

would you have thought

Implies surprise at an unexpected outcome, similar to the tone of "imagine that".

who would have guessed

Highlights the unexpected nature of a situation, akin to the surprise conveyed by "imagine that".

consider this

Encourages reflection on a hypothetical situation, similar to using "imagine that" to introduce an idea.

just think

Prompting reflection on a situation, highlighting potential consequences or surprising aspects, similar to "imagine that".

what if

Poses a hypothetical question, prompting consideration of possibilities in a way similar to "imagine that".

you've got to be kidding me

Expresses strong disbelief or astonishment, more intense than the mild surprise of "imagine that".

think about it

Encourages reflection on a presented situation, similar to prompting contemplation with "imagine that".

FAQs

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

Use "imagine that" to express surprise, disbelief, or to introduce a hypothetical situation. For example: "They canceled the event at the last minute; "imagine that"!"

What phrases are similar to "imagine that"?

You can use alternatives like "can you believe it", "picture this", or "who would have guessed" depending on the context.

Is "imagine that" a formal or informal expression?

"Imagine that" is generally considered an informal expression, suitable for everyday conversation and less formal writing. For more formal contexts, consider alternatives that convey the same sentiment with a more sophisticated tone.

What's the difference between "imagine that" and "imagine this"?

While both phrases prompt the listener to consider a situation, "imagine that" often expresses surprise or disbelief, while "imagine this" is generally used to introduce a hypothetical scenario for consideration.