Believe it or not

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12 January 2026

Believe it or not

We use this expression to introduce something surprising or unusual, but true.

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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