General English Level 6 V 3
UNIT 04 The unexplained TOPIC 02 Is there anybody out there?
LANGUAGE FOCUS 04 Expressing doubt and disbelief
Alex and Bert say:
Bert:
… What a load of rubbish! I don't know how anyone can take that stuff seriously. I have to see it before I believe it.
Bert:
… You're joking! Come on, Alex - you're pulling my leg , aren't you?
Bert: … You're kidding! Well, I doubt it was a UFO. It was probably a meteor or something like that. But we'll never know now, will we?
Alex: Bert, you will never convince me that what I saw wasn't a UFO! Unlike you, I do believe in them, you see.

In the conversation with Alex, Bert expresses his doubt and disbelief that UFOs and aliens exist. He uses certain phrases and idioms to do it:

Expression: Meaning:
What a load of rubbish! None of it is true.
You're joking ! You don't mean it.
You're kidding!
You're pulling my leg. You're trying to trick me.

Here are some more:

Expression: Meaning:
Are you serious? You don't mean it.
You can't be serious!
You've got to be kidding!
Get real!
Are you for real?
I can't believe you said that!
You can't mean it!
Come off it! Don't be ridiculous.

This diagram shows some idioms we use when expressing belief and disbelief. The idioms on the left express strong disbelief and are very informal.


Examples

1 Read the examples.
2 Listen to the examples.
3 Practise saying each example. Use the Pause button.
There's life on other planets, you know.
You can't be serious!

If dolphins can communicate, then so can aliens.
Get real!

There are people listening for messages from space.
What a load of rubbish!

I've seen a UFO. It was incredible!
You're pulling my leg!

Ten per cent of UFO sightings can't be explained.
Are you serious?

I believe astronauts have seen UFOs in space.
Come off it!

My friend was abducted by aliens.
Are you for real?

Now go to 05 PRACTICE I don't believe it.