Cool MateNo really vs Seriously
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
No really
InformalTop 2,000 (common)
Seriously
Top 2,000 (common)B1adverb
Most formal: Seriously
| No really | Seriously | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //nəʊ ˈrɪəli//🇺🇸 //noʊ ˈrɪli// | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈsɪəriəsli/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈsɪriəsli/"]/ |
| Meaning | Used to emphasize that something is true or serious. | used to show that something is true or important |
| Example | I'm not joking, no really, I did see a ghost! | I seriously need to improve my math skills before the exam. |
| Register | Informal | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | - | B1 |
| Part of speech | adverb | |
| Collocations | No really, seriously, No really, I mean it, No really, it's true | seriously consider, seriously doubt, seriously think, seriously injure |
| Antonyms | - | playfully, jokingly |
| Common mistakes | Used in written formal contexts., Misunderstood as a joke rather than a serious expression. | Using 'serious' instead of 'seriously' in adverbial contexts., Confusing with 'sincerely' when trying to express genuine feelings. |
| Usage notes | Commonly used in casual conversations to stress sincerity. Not suitable for formal writing or speeches. | Usually used to emphasize seriousness in conversations. It can sound casual in informal settings but is appropriate in serious discussions. |
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Frequently asked questions: No really vs Seriously
What's the difference between No really and Seriously?
No really: Used to emphasize that something is true or serious. Seriously: used to show that something is true or important
Which is more formal: No really and Seriously?
Seriously is the most formal of these.
Can you show an example of each?
No really: I'm not joking, no really, I did see a ghost! Seriously: I seriously need to improve my math skills before the exam.
Can I use No really and Seriously interchangeably?
Not always. No really and Seriously 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.