Cool MateIncorrect vs Not like that
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Incorrect
Top 1,000 (very common)B2adjective
Not like that
InformalTop 2,000 (common)
Most formal: IncorrectMost common: Incorrect
| Incorrect | Not like that | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ˌɪnkəˈrekt/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˌɪnkəˈrekt/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //nɒt laɪk ðæt//🇺🇸 //nɑt laɪk ðæt// |
| Meaning | not right or true | Used to say something is wrong or different from expected. |
| Example | incorrect information/spelling | You should hold the brush like this, not like that. |
| Register | Neutral | Informal |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | B2 | - |
| Part of speech | adjective | |
| Collocations | be, prove, consider something, absolutely, completely, entirely, be, prove, consider something, absolutely, completely, entirely | do it like that, see it like that, say it like that |
| Antonyms | correct, right, true | - |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'inaccurate' which is more specific to details., Using 'incorrect' as a verb; it is only an adjective., Saying 'incorrectly' when needing an adjective form. | Used too seriously - usually it's light-hearted., Confused with 'not like this' - they're similar but 'that' implies a greater distance or difference., Overused in confrontational tones - it can sound rude if not phrased carefully. |
| Usage notes | Use 'incorrect' when something is wrong, especially in formal contexts like tests or official documents. Avoid it in casual conversations, where 'wrong' might be preferred. | Commonly used in casual conversation to indicate disapproval or a need for correction. Avoid in formal contexts. |
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Frequently asked questions: Incorrect vs Not like that
What's the difference between Incorrect and Not like that?
Incorrect: not right or true Not like that: Used to say something is wrong or different from expected.
Which is more formal: Incorrect and Not like that?
Incorrect is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: Incorrect and Not like that?
Incorrect is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Incorrect: incorrect information/spelling Not like that: You should hold the brush like this, not like that.
Can I use Incorrect and Not like that interchangeably?
Not always. Incorrect and Not like that 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.