Cool MateAbsolutely not vs No no you can't you're not
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Absolutely not
InformalTop 3,000 (common)
No no you can't you're not
InformalBeyond 10,000 (less common)
Most common: Absolutely not
| Absolutely not | No no you can't you're not | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //ˈæb.sə.luːt.li nɒt//🇺🇸 //ˈæb.sə.luːt.li nɑːt// | 🇬🇧 //nəʊ nəʊ jʊ kɑːnt jər nɒt//🇺🇸 //noʊ noʊ jʊ kænt jɜr nɑt// |
| Meaning | Definitely not; strong refusal. | A phrase used to strongly refuse or reject someone's action or request. |
| Example | Can we go swimming in this cold weather? Absolutely not! | No no you can't you're not allowed to play outside after dark. |
| Register | Informal | Informal |
| How common | Top 3,000 (common) | Beyond 10,000 (less common) |
| Collocations | say absolutely not, respond absolutely not, use absolutely not | no no, can't do that, you're not serious, not going to happen |
| Common mistakes | Using it with a polite tone in formal situations., Confusing it with 'maybe' or 'possibly'. | Omitting 'no' in the phrase., Using it in formal contexts where a polite refusal is required., Changing the order of the words. |
| Usage notes | Use in casual conversations to strongly disagree. Avoid in formal settings. | Used in casual conversations to dismiss an idea or request. Not suitable for formal situations. |
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Frequently asked questions: Absolutely not vs No no you can't you're not
What's the difference between Absolutely not and No no you can't you're not?
Absolutely not: Definitely not; strong refusal. No no you can't you're not: A phrase used to strongly refuse or reject someone's action or request.
Which is more common: Absolutely not and No no you can't you're not?
Absolutely not is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Absolutely not: Can we go swimming in this cold weather? Absolutely not! No no you can't you're not: No no you can't you're not allowed to play outside after dark.
Can I use Absolutely not and No no you can't you're not interchangeably?
Not always. Absolutely not and No no you can't you're not 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.