Cool MateIt can't be true vs No way
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
It can't be true
Top 2,000 (common)
No way
InformalTop 2,000 (common)
Most formal: It can't be true
| It can't be true | No way | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //ɪt kɑːnt bi truː//🇺🇸 //ɪt kænt bi tru// | 🇬🇧 //nəʊ weɪ//🇺🇸 //noʊ weɪ// |
| Meaning | This is a phrase used to express disbelief about something. | A phrase used to express disbelief or refusal. |
| Example | When I heard the news about the lottery winner, I thought, 'It can't be true!' | You won the lottery? No way! |
| Register | Neutral | Informal |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| Collocations | It can't be true that, It can't be true for, It can't be true about | no way in hell, no way out, no way to tell |
| Common mistakes | Confusing with 'It can't be possible' which has a different connotation., Using in overly formal writing or speeches where skepticism may not be suitable. | Using 'no way' in formal situations like essays or presentations., Mixing with more formal expressions like 'absolutely not'. |
| Usage notes | Used in everyday conversations to convey doubt or skepticism. It is appropriate in most contexts but may sound informal in very serious discussions. | Use 'no way' in casual conversations to show strong disagreement or surprise. It's suited for informal contexts, not appropriate in formal writing. |
See it in real clips
Frequently asked questions: It can't be true vs No way
What's the difference between It can't be true and No way?
It can't be true: This is a phrase used to express disbelief about something. No way: A phrase used to express disbelief or refusal.
Which is more formal: It can't be true and No way?
It can't be true is the most formal of these.
Can you show an example of each?
It can't be true: When I heard the news about the lottery winner, I thought, 'It can't be true!' No way: You won the lottery? No way!
Can I use It can't be true and No way interchangeably?
Not always. It can't be true and No way 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.