10 Ways to Express Surprise

Have you ever heard unexpected news and didn’t know what to say in English? Whether it’s good news like a friend’s promotion or shocking news like a sudden change of plans, knowing how to express surprise naturally will help you react with confidence. In this lesson, you’ll learn 10 ways to express surprise—plus a few extras—that work in everyday conversations.

Common Ways to Express Surprise

Surprise can be positive, negative, or neutral—and English has many phrases to match your reaction. Below are 12 useful expressions, grouped by tone, with clear examples so you can use them right away.

Casual & Everyday Phrases

1. Wow!
   
   A quick, universal reaction to anything surprising. Use it alone or at the start of a sentence.
   
   Example: Wow! You got the job? That’s amazing!
2. No way!
   
   Shows disbelief or excitement—usually in informal settings with friends.
   
   Example: No way! You’re moving to Spain next month?
3. Are you serious?
   
   Used when something sounds hard to believe. Can be positive or negative.
   
   Example: Are you serious? The concert is canceled?
4. Really?
   
   A simple, versatile phrase to show surprise or ask for confirmation.
   
   Example: Really? You’ve never tried pizza before?
5. I can’t believe it!
   
   Expresses strong shock or joy—great for big news.
   
   Example: I can’t believe it! You won the lottery?

Polite or Neutral Reactions

6. That’s surprising!
   
   A calm, clear way to acknowledge unexpected information—good for work or polite chats.
   
   Example: That’s surprising! I didn’t expect the meeting to be moved.
7. Oh my goodness!
   
   A gentle, slightly formal expression of surprise—common in the US and UK.
   
   Example: Oh my goodness! Is that your twin sister?
8. I’m shocked!
   
   Used when something is truly unexpected or upsetting.
   
   Example: I’m shocked! He quit without saying goodbye?

Strong or Dramatic Reactions

9. You’re kidding!
   
   Very informal—shows you think something might not be true (but often is).
   
   Example: You’re kidding! They’re getting married already?
10. What?!?
    
    A sharp, immediate reaction—use with caution, as it can sound rude if shouted.
    
    Example: What?! The flight leaves in 10 minutes?
11. That’s unbelievable!
    
    Can mean “amazing” or “hard to accept,” depending on tone.
    
    Example: That’s unbelievable! You ran a marathon in under three hours?
12. I never saw that coming!
    
    Perfect when something completely unexpected happens.
    
    Example: I never saw that coming! Who knew she could sing like that?

Real-Life Dialogues

Dialogue 1 – Good News
A: Guess what? I passed my driving test!
B: No way! That’s awesome!
A: Yeah! First try!
B: Wow! I’m so happy for you!

Dialogue 2 – Unexpected Change
A: The office is closed tomorrow.
B: Really? Why?
A: There’s a power outage.
B: Oh my goodness! I had a big presentation scheduled…

Quick Tips: When to Use These Phrases

• With friends or family: Use casual phrases like “No way!” or “You’re kidding!”
• In school or work: Choose neutral options like “That’s surprising” or “Really?”
• For big emotional moments: “I can’t believe it!” or “Wow!” work well in almost any setting.
• Watch your tone! The same phrase (“Really?”) can sound curious, excited, or even skeptical depending on how you say it.

Practice Makes Perfect

Now that you know these 10 ways to express surprise, try using one today! React to a friend’s story, a news headline, or even your own small “aha” moment. The more you practice, the more natural these phrases will feel.

And remember—surprise is part of life. With these expressions, you’ll always have the right words ready, no matter what surprises come your way. Keep learning, keep speaking, and don’t be afraid to say “Wow!” out loud.