Cool MateIt can't be true vs No way vs That's impossible
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
It can't be true
No way
That's impossible
| It can't be true | No way | That's impossible | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //ɪt kɑːnt bi truː//🇺🇸 //ɪt kænt bi tru// | 🇬🇧 //nəʊ weɪ//🇺🇸 //noʊ weɪ// | 🇬🇧 //ðæts ɪmˈpɒsəbl//🇺🇸 //ðæts ɪmˈpɑsəbl// |
| Meaning | This is a phrase used to express disbelief about something. | A phrase used to express disbelief or refusal. | It cannot be done. |
| Example | When I heard the news about the lottery winner, I thought, 'It can't be true!' | You won the lottery? No way! | When I heard his plan, I thought, 'That's impossible.' |
| Register | Neutral | Informal | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (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 | That's impossible to believe, That's impossible to achieve, That's impossible to accept |
| 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'. | Using 'that's impossible' too casually in formal discussions., Confusing the expression with 'it's impossible' when addressing multiple situations., Overusing the phrase for minor challenges. |
| 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. | Use this phrase to express disbelief or skepticism in a situation. It is suitable for informal and formal situations, but can sound a bit strong depending on tone. |
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Frequently asked questions: It can't be true vs No way vs That's impossible
What's the difference between It can't be true, No way, and That's impossible?
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. That's impossible: It cannot be done.
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! That's impossible: When I heard his plan, I thought, 'That's impossible.'
Can I use It can't be true, No way, and That's impossible interchangeably?
Not always. It can't be true, No way, and That's impossible 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.