Phrase of the day

Discover a new phrase each day to use in your English! These are special phrases and sayings that English speakers use all the time, but you don't often see these phrases in English course books or other study material. Visit daily to learn some popular English phrases on a regular basis.
12th January 2024

Believe it or not

We use this expression to introduce something surprising or unusual, but true.
Usage
Written: 
Yes
Spoken: 
Yes
Formal: 
Yes
Informal: 
Yes
Example 1
What did you do at the weekend, then?
Well, believe it or not, my boyfriend took me to New York as a surprise!
Wow! Lucky you.
Example 2
Have you seen the new James Bond film?
Yes, 22 times, believe it or not! It's just brilliant.

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