no kidding

USAGE SUMMARY

"no kidding" is correct and usable in written English.
It is an interjection that is used to express surprise or to respond sarcastically to a comment that may be viewed as obvious or as not being serious. Example: "You ran a marathon?" "No kidding!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

"No kidding?" "No kidding.

The New Yorker

No kidding, original sin!" No kidding!

The New York Times - Books

Well, no kidding.

The Washington Post

"No kidding?" he said.

The New York Times

First Man: "No kidding.

The New York Times

"No kidding," Shoshana says.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

Just say no, kids.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"No, kids," I said.

HuffPost

Professional Aunt No Kids.

Huffington Post

No kids.

The New York Times - Magazine

"No kids near alcohol".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "no kidding" sparingly to maintain its impact. Overuse can diminish its effect and make your writing sound repetitive.

Common error

Avoid using "no kidding" in situations that require genuine empathy or seriousness. Its sarcastic undertones can be misinterpreted as insensitivity.

Linguistic Context

The interjection phrase "no kidding" primarily functions as a response in a conversation, indicating surprise, agreement, or, most commonly, sarcasm. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's used when reacting to obvious or unserious statements.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

8%

Academia

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"No kidding" is a versatile interjection phrase, commonly used to express surprise, agreement, or, most often, sarcasm. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in written English. While frequently found in News & Media, it's generally informal and should be used judiciously in formal contexts. Alternatives like "really" or "is that so" can offer a more neutral tone when needed. Remember to consider the context and your intended audience to ensure your message is well-received.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

really

This single word alternative conveys disbelief or surprise, similar to "no kidding".

you don't say

This phrase is often used sarcastically to respond to an obvious statement, much like "no kidding".

is that so

Expresses mild surprise or disbelief, akin to a less emphatic "no kidding".

seriously

Similar to "really", this emphasizes surprise or seeks confirmation.

are you serious

Directly questions the veracity of a statement, implying surprise or disbelief.

that's surprising

Explicitly states the speaker's surprise at the information.

I'm amazed

Clearly communicates the speaker's astonishment.

well, I never

An expression of surprise or shock, often used in a somewhat old-fashioned manner.

I'll be

Short for "I'll be (something)", implies surprise or disbelief, leaving the listener to infer the complete thought.

that's something else

Conveys that the information is noteworthy, often in a surprising or unexpected way.

FAQs

How do I use "no kidding" in a sentence?

"No kidding" is typically used as a response to a statement, either to express genuine surprise or, more often, to express sarcasm. Example: "I stayed up all night finishing this report." Response: "No kidding? I would've just asked for an extension."

What's a less sarcastic way to say "no kidding"?

If you want to express genuine surprise without sarcasm, you can use alternatives like "really", "is that so", or "that's surprising".

When is it inappropriate to use "no kidding"?

It's generally inappropriate to use "no kidding" in formal settings or when someone is sharing serious or sensitive information. Its informal and often sarcastic nature can come across as disrespectful or dismissive.

What's the difference between "no kidding" and "you don't say"?

While both phrases can express sarcasm, "no kidding" can also convey genuine surprise, whereas "you don't say" is almost exclusively used sarcastically. In essence both alternatives mean something obvious or already known.