Incredible vs Uncanny: Meaning And Differences

When it comes to describing something that is beyond ordinary, two words often come to mind: incredible and uncanny. But which of the two words is the proper choice to use? The answer is not as straightforward as you might think.

Incredible means something that is difficult to believe or impossible to imagine. It is often used to describe something that is remarkable or extraordinary. On the other hand, uncanny means something that is strange or mysterious in an unsettling way. It is often used to describe something that is eerie or unnerving.

While both words can be used to describe something that is beyond ordinary, the choice between the two often depends on the specific context and the intended tone of the description.

Define Incredible

Incredible is an adjective used to describe something that is difficult to believe or impossible to imagine. It denotes the quality of being extraordinary or exceptional, beyond what is considered ordinary or normal. The word incredible is often used to express awe or admiration for something that is remarkable or impressive. For instance, an incredible feat of athleticism might refer to a particularly impressive display of physical prowess that leaves the audience in awe.

Define Uncanny

Uncanny is an adjective used to describe something that is strange or mysterious in a way that is unsettling or eerie. It denotes the quality of being peculiar or unusual, often in a way that defies explanation. The word uncanny is often used to describe something that is both familiar and unfamiliar at the same time, creating a sense of discomfort or unease. For instance, an uncanny resemblance between two people might refer to a striking similarity that is difficult to explain or understand.

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

Using the correct word in a sentence can make all the difference in conveying the intended meaning. In this section, we will discuss how to properly use the words “incredible” and “uncanny” in a sentence.

How To Use “Incredible” In A Sentence

The word “incredible” is often used to describe something that is unbelievable or astonishing. Here are some examples of how to use “incredible” in a sentence:

• The view from the top of the mountain was incredible.
• The athlete’s performance was incredible.
• The amount of money donated to the charity was incredible.

When using “incredible” in a sentence, it is important to note that it should be used to describe something positive. For example, “The amount of damage caused by the hurricane was incredible” would be an incorrect usage of the word, as it is describing something negative.

How To Use “Uncanny” In A Sentence

The word “uncanny” is often used to describe something that is strange or mysterious. Here are some examples of how to use “uncanny” in a sentence:

• He had an uncanny ability to predict the future.
• The resemblance between the two strangers was uncanny.
• Her intuition was uncanny, as she always seemed to know what was going to happen.

When using “uncanny” in a sentence, it is important to note that it should be used to describe something that is unsettling or eerie. For example, “The taste of the food was uncanny” would be an incorrect usage of the word, as it is describing something that is not strange or mysterious.

More Examples Of Incredible & Uncanny Used In Sentences

Incredible and uncanny are two words that can be used to describe things that are difficult to believe or understand. They can be used in a variety of contexts, from describing a fantastic feat of athleticism to an eerie coincidence. Here are some examples of how these words can be used in sentences:

Examples Of Using Incredible In A Sentence

• The view from the top of the mountain was absolutely incredible.
• She has an incredible talent for playing the piano.
• The amount of work he accomplished in one day was incredible.
• The special effects in the movie were truly incredible.
• It’s incredible how much technology has advanced in the last decade.
• His story of survival in the wilderness was nothing short of incredible.
• The support from the community was incredible after the natural disaster.
• The food at the restaurant was incredible – I’ve never tasted anything like it.
• Her ability to speak multiple languages is truly incredible.
• The amount of money he donated to charity was absolutely incredible.

Examples Of Using Uncanny In A Sentence

• The resemblance between the two sisters was uncanny.
• He had an uncanny ability to predict the weather.
• The coincidence was so uncanny that it gave me chills.
• Her intuition about people was uncanny – she always knew when someone was lying.
• The way the movie predicted the future was uncanny.
• She had an uncanny knack for finding lost items.
• His memory for details was uncanny – he could remember every detail of a conversation from years ago.
• The timing of the events was uncanny – it was almost as if they were meant to happen.
• The way the two stories paralleled each other was uncanny.
• The resemblance between the historical figure and the actor who played him was uncanny.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to using words like incredible and uncanny, it’s important to understand the subtle differences between them. Unfortunately, many people make the mistake of using these words interchangeably, which can lead to confusion and miscommunication. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

Using Incredible When You Mean Uncanny

One common mistake is using the word incredible when you actually mean uncanny. While both words can be used to describe something that is impressive or extraordinary, they have different connotations. Incredible typically means something is hard to believe or almost unbelievable, while uncanny refers to something that is strange or eerie.

For example, if you say “the magician’s performance was incredible,” you’re implying that it was almost impossible to believe. However, if you say “the magician’s performance was uncanny,” you’re suggesting that it was strange or eerie in some way.

Using Uncanny When You Mean Incredible

The opposite mistake is also common: using uncanny when you actually mean incredible. This can happen when people use uncanny as a synonym for impressive or amazing. However, as we’ve already noted, uncanny has a different connotation that implies something strange or eerie.

For example, if you say “the athlete’s performance was uncanny,” you’re suggesting that there was something strange or eerie about it. However, if you say “the athlete’s performance was incredible,” you’re simply saying that it was impressive or amazing.

Offering Tips For Proper Usage

To avoid these common mistakes, it’s important to understand the nuances of each word. Here are some tips for using incredible and uncanny correctly:

• Think about the connotations of each word before using them.
• If you’re not sure which word to use, consult a thesaurus or dictionary to check the definitions.
• Avoid using these words interchangeably.
• Consider using alternative words if you’re not confident in your usage of incredible or uncanny.

Context Matters

When it comes to choosing between the words incredible and uncanny, context is key. Depending on the situation, one word may be more appropriate than the other. Understanding the nuances of each word and the context in which they are used can help ensure that your writing is clear and effective.

Examples Of Different Contexts

Here are a few examples of different contexts and how the choice between incredible and uncanny might change:

Context	Appropriate Word Choice
Describing a Natural Wonder	Incredible
Describing a Strange Phenomenon	Uncanny
Describing a Remarkable Achievement	Incredible
Describing a Creepy Feeling	Uncanny
Describing a Surprising Turn of Events	Incredible
Describing a Supernatural Occurrence	Uncanny

As you can see, the choice between incredible and uncanny often depends on the specific context in which they are used. When describing a natural wonder or a remarkable achievement, incredible is the more appropriate choice. However, when describing a strange phenomenon or a creepy feeling, uncanny may be the better option.

By carefully considering the context in which you are using these words, you can ensure that your writing is clear, effective, and appropriately nuanced.

Exceptions To The Rules

While the usage of incredible and uncanny follows certain rules, there are exceptions to these rules. Here are some cases where the conventional rules may not apply:

1. Expressing Emotions

When it comes to expressing emotions, the rules for using incredible and uncanny may not be as strict. For instance, in informal conversations, people may use incredible and uncanny interchangeably to express their feelings. In such cases, the choice of word depends on the speaker’s personal preference and the context of the situation.

Example:

• It was an incredible moment when I saw my baby take her first steps.
• It was an uncanny feeling when I saw a ghost in my room.

2. Regional Differences

The usage of incredible and uncanny may vary depending on the region and culture. In some regions, one word may be more commonly used than the other, or they may have different connotations altogether. For example, in some parts of the United States, incredible may be used more frequently than uncanny.

Example:

• The view from the mountaintop was incredible.
• Her uncanny ability to predict the future amazed everyone.

3. Contextual Usage

The context in which incredible and uncanny are used can also determine which word is more appropriate. In some situations, one word may be more fitting than the other, even if the general rule suggests otherwise. For instance, if you want to emphasize the unusual or mysterious nature of something, uncanny may be a better choice.

Example:

• His incredible strength helped him lift the heavy weights.
• The uncanny resemblance between the two sisters was eerie.

Overall, while there are general rules for using incredible and uncanny, it is important to consider the context, regional differences, and personal preference when choosing which word to use. By understanding the exceptions to the rules, you can use these words more effectively and convey your message more clearly.

Practice Exercises

Now that we have a better understanding of the differences between incredible and uncanny, let’s put our knowledge into practice. Here are some exercises to help you improve your understanding and use of these two words in sentences:

Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank

Choose the correct word (incredible or uncanny) to fill in the blank in the following sentences:

1. After years of practice, her piano skills were __________.
2. The magician’s __________ trick left the audience speechless.
3. It was __________ how quickly the storm clouds rolled in.
4. The __________ resemblance between the two sisters was eerie.
5. His __________ strength allowed him to lift the heavy box with ease.

Answer Key:

1. incredible
2. uncanny
3. incredible
4. uncanny
5. incredible

Exercise 2: Sentence Writing

Write a sentence using each of the following words (incredible and uncanny) to demonstrate your understanding of their meanings:

Word	Sentence
incredible	Her ability to speak five languages fluently is simply incredible.
uncanny	The resemblance between the two actors is uncanny.

Explanation:

By writing sentences using each word, you are demonstrating your understanding of their meanings and how they can be used in context.

By completing these practice exercises, you can improve your understanding and use of incredible and uncanny in your writing. Remember to pay attention to the context and connotations of each word, and choose the one that best fits your intended meaning.

Conclusion

After exploring the differences between incredible and uncanny, it is clear that these two words are not interchangeable. While both words express a sense of amazement or disbelief, incredible is used to describe something that is difficult to believe, while uncanny is used to describe something that is strange or mysterious.

It is important to pay attention to the context in which these words are used, as using them incorrectly can lead to confusion or misunderstandings. By understanding the nuances of language use, we can communicate more effectively and accurately convey our intended meanings.

As with any aspect of language and grammar, there is always more to learn and explore. By continuing to study and practice, we can improve our language skills and become more confident and effective communicators.