Cool MateLike in outer space vs Unbelievable
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Like in outer space
InformalBeyond 10,000 (less common)
Unbelievable
Top 1,000 (very common)
Most formal: UnbelievableMost common: Unbelievable
| Like in outer space | Unbelievable | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //laɪk ɪn ˈaʊtə speɪs//🇺🇸 //laɪk ɪn ˈaʊtər speɪs// | 🇬🇧 //ʌn.bɪˈliː.və.bəl//🇺🇸 //ʌn.bɪˈlivə.bəl// |
| Meaning | Similar to something in outer space. | Not able to be believed; hard to accept as true. |
| Example | Her creativity is like in outer space; it’s out of this world. | His story about climbing Everest without oxygen was simply unbelievable. |
| Register | Informal | Neutral |
| How common | Beyond 10,000 (less common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| Collocations | design like in outer space, ideas like in outer space, creativity like in outer space | unbelievable story, unbelievable situation, unbelievable coincidence, unbelievable talent, unbelievable prices |
| Antonyms | - | credible, believable, plausible |
| Common mistakes | Confusing 'like in outer space' with 'like from outer space', which may imply being alien., Using it in formal contexts where it sounds too casual., Misplacing the emphasis, making it sound unnatural. | Confused with 'incredible' - both mean similar things but can have different connotations., Used too casually in serious contexts., Often mispronounced by stressing the wrong syllable. |
| Usage notes | Use this phrase in casual conversations to express something that is extraordinary or unusual, often with a sense of wonder. It's not appropriate for formal writing or speech. | Used to express astonishment or disbelief. It can be positive or negative depending on context (e.g., an unbelievable achievement vs. an unbelievable lie). |
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Frequently asked questions: Like in outer space vs Unbelievable
What's the difference between Like in outer space and Unbelievable?
Like in outer space: Similar to something in outer space. Unbelievable: Not able to be believed; hard to accept as true.
Which is more formal: Like in outer space and Unbelievable?
Unbelievable is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: Like in outer space and Unbelievable?
Unbelievable is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Like in outer space: Her creativity is like in outer space; it’s out of this world. Unbelievable: His story about climbing Everest without oxygen was simply unbelievable.
Can I use Like in outer space and Unbelievable interchangeably?
Not always. Like in outer space and Unbelievable are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.