Meaning
Used to emphasize when you are surprised or when you can’t believe something is happening.
Today’s Sentences
- Don’t tell me you forgot.
- Don’t tell me it’s raining again.
- Don’t tell me they lost again.
- Don’t tell me I’m the last one.
- Don’t tell me that he already left.
- Writer’s Note
01
Don’t tell me you forgot.
Situation 1
There’s a dress code for the party.
Dress code?
Don’t tell me you forgot.
I totally forgot.
What’s the dress code?
Situation 2
Did you pick up the dry-cleaning?
No, I didn’t.
Was I supposed to?
Don’t tell me you forgot.
Sorry, I’ll go pick it up right now.
02
Don’t tell me it’s raining again.
Situation 1
Don’t tell me it’s raining again.
Grab an umbrella!
But I just bought new shoes.
Better wear your rain boots instead!
Situation 2
Don’t tell me it’s raining again!
Why?
I just watered the lawn.
You should have waited for the rain to do the watering.
03
Don’t tell me they lost again.
Situation 1
What’s the score?
5 to 4.
Don’t tell me they lost again.
They’ve lost 7 games in a row now.
Situation 2
Carter had his last soccer game of the season.
Don’t tell me they lost again.
Can you be a little more supportive?
Just saying.
04
Don’t tell me I’m the last one.
Situation 1
Have you seen this video?
Yes, it went viral a few months ago!
Don’t tell me I’m the last one to see it.
You just might be.
Situation 2
I’ve watched this movie so many times that I memorized the lines.
I haven’t seen it yet.
Don’t tell me I’m the last one!
It’s such a good movie,
you have to see it.
Ok, I’ll make plans this week.
05
Don’t tell me that he already left.
Situation 1
I need him to file a police report.
You do?
Don’t tell me that he already left.
I’ll give him a call.
Situation 2
I brought him a birthday gift.
You did?
Don’t tell me that he already left.
No, he just stepped out to get some more drinks.
Writer’s Note
Since ‘Don’t tell me’ is used to express surprise, shock or disbelief. Sometimes it’s great to use alternatives that will expand your vocabulary range and add variety to your conversations.
Here are some you can choose from:
- You’re joking!
- No way!
- Are you serious?
- I can’t believe it!
- You’re kidding me!
- It can’t be!
- You’ve got to be kidding!
Switching up common phrases for newer ones is a creative way to learn and practice your English skills. As your word bank grows, you can definitely see a gain in your reading, writing, and speaking skills.
