15 Phrases to Say “Are You Serious?”

The phrase “Are you serious?” is a versatile tool used to express disbelief, surprise, or to ask for confirmation when something sounds unexpected or incredible. Depending on the context, it can convey excitement (at good news) or astonishment (at bad news). Knowing a variety of phrases allows you to communicate your reaction more naturally and fluently. These 15 phrases to say “Are you serious?” will help you convey genuine surprise and ask for confirmation in any situation.

We’ve organized these phrases based on the level of energy and formality.

High-Energy and Casual Disbelief 😲

Use these phrases with friends, family, or in informal settings when the news is highly exciting or unbelievable.

1. No way! This is a high-energy, classic phrase used to express strong surprise or disbelief, often at good news.

• Meaning: I can’t believe that’s true!
• Example: “I got the highest score on the test.” — “No way! That’s incredible.”

2. You’re kidding me! A very common, slightly dramatic phrase implying the news is so surprising it must be a joke.

• Meaning: I can’t believe that’s true; it must be a joke.
• Example: “The flight has been delayed until tomorrow.” — “You’re kidding me! We’ll miss the connection.”

3. Get out of here! A very informal and enthusiastic phrase expressing disbelief, almost always used for surprisingly good news.

• Meaning: I can’t believe this good news is true.
• Example: “They are giving away free concert tickets.” — “Get out of here!“

4. Shut up! (Used only in casual settings, especially among friends). This is an enthusiastic, informal way to express shock, usually at amazing news.

• Meaning: I am extremely shocked (usually about good news).
• Example: “She said yes to your proposal!” — “Shut up!“

5. I don’t believe you. A direct, casual statement of disbelief. It can sound challenging, so use it carefully, usually only with close acquaintances.

• Meaning: I am extremely skeptical of what you just said.
• Example: “The company is moving to Europe next month.” — “I don’t believe you. Where did you hear that?”

6. Seriously? A short, common alternative to the full phrase, often said with an excited or skeptical tone of voice.

• Meaning: A simple, quick request for confirmation.
• Example: “The presentation is first thing tomorrow morning.” — “Seriously? I thought we had the afternoon.”

Acknowledging Surprising Facts and News 🤯

Use these phrases when the surprise relates to a new fact, realization, or a complex piece of information.

7. Is that for real? This is a direct, casual question asking if the information is factually genuine and not a fabrication.

• Meaning: Is this true, or is it fake?
• Example: “The average price of coffee has doubled this year.” — “Is that for real?“

8. You’re pulling my leg. An idiom meaning you are joking or teasing me. Use this when you suspect the speaker is deliberately trying to trick you.

• Meaning: You are joking or teasing me.
• Example: “I saw a purple squirrel in the park this morning.” — “Are you sure? You’re pulling my leg.”

9. Is that true? A simple, direct question asking for factual confirmation, suitable for most social settings.

• Meaning: Asking directly for factual verification.
• Example: “The new road is already open.” — “Is that true?“

10. I find that hard to believe. This is an assertive phrase used when you genuinely doubt the factual correctness of the statement and need further proof.

• Meaning: I require more evidence to accept this as fact.
• Example: “He claims he knows five languages fluently.” — “I find that hard to believe.“

11. That’s unbelievable! This is used when the information is so extraordinary it is hard to accept as true (good or bad).

• Meaning: The information is so extraordinary it seems impossible.
• Example: “The team finished the massive project in one week.” — “That’s unbelievable!“

Formal and Measured Confirmation 🤨

Use these phrases in professional or formal settings when you need to express surprise without being overly emotional or dramatic.

12. I’m surprised to hear that. A formal, measured way to express that the information conflicts with your prior knowledge or expectations.

• Meaning: I didn’t expect to hear this news.
• Example: “The audit revealed several financial errors.” — “I’m surprised to hear that. I thought we were careful.”

13. Do you have confirmation of that? This is a professional question that directly asks for proof or an official source for the surprising information.

• Meaning: Asking for the official source or evidence to verify the news.
• Example: “The client is canceling the contract.” — “Do you have confirmation of that?“

14. That’s unexpected. A neutral, professional way to acknowledge that the news was not anticipated, allowing you to ask for further details calmly.

• Meaning: The information was not anticipated.
• Example: “The sales figures dropped in the third quarter.” — “That’s unexpected. What was the cause?”

15. Could you double-check that? This is a polite, professional request for the speaker to verify the facts, implying you suspect an error has been made.

• Meaning: Politely asking the speaker to check the facts again because they seem questionable.
• Example: “The delivery is scheduled for 3 AM.” — “Could you double-check that? That time seems incorrect.”

Quick Tips for Expressing Disbelief

• Use Tone Wisely: The phrase “Seriously?” can mean “This is amazing!” (high, excited tone) or “This is terrible!” (low, stressed tone). Your voice is key.
• Follow Up: After expressing surprise with one of these 15 phrases to say “Are You Serious?”, keep the conversation going by asking a related question (e.g., “No way! When did you find out?”).
• Match the Setting: Avoid highly informal phrases like “Shut up!” in professional or serious conversations.

Which phrase is the most professional way to ask for verification of a surprising fact?