Cool MateNot at all vs Nuh-uh
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Not at all
Top 2,000 (common)
Nuh-uh
InformalBeyond 10,000 (less common)
Most formal: Not at allMost common: Not at all
| Not at all | Nuh-uh | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //nɒt æt ɔːl//🇺🇸 //nɑt æt ɔl// | 🇬🇧 //nʌˈʌ//🇺🇸 //nʌˈʌ// |
| Meaning | not even a little bit | No or disagreement |
| Example | I didn't like the movie, not at all. | When asked if he wanted to go out, he replied, 'Nuh-uh, I'm staying in!', |
| Register | Neutral | Informal |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Beyond 10,000 (less common) |
| Collocations | not at all worried, not at all surprising, not at all offended | nuh-uh response, nuh-uh attitude, nuh-uh disagreement, nuh-uh reaction |
| Antonyms | at all, somewhat, partially | yes, affirmative |
| Common mistakes | Confusing with 'not really' which is less absolute., Using it in formal contexts where a less emphatic phrase is better., Omitting it when it's necessary for clarity. | Used in formal conversations where 'no' is more appropriate., Mispronounced as 'nuh-uh' when it's actually 'nuh-uh'., Confused with similar-sounding phrases. |
| Usage notes | Use 'not at all' to emphasize complete disagreement or absence. It's appropriate in both spoken and written contexts but less common in formal writing. | Use 'nuh-uh' in casual conversations to reject or disagree. It may sound childish or playful, which is suitable for friends but not formal situations. |
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Frequently asked questions: Not at all vs Nuh-uh
What's the difference between Not at all and Nuh-uh?
Not at all: not even a little bit Nuh-uh: No or disagreement
Which is more formal: Not at all and Nuh-uh?
Not at all is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: Not at all and Nuh-uh?
Not at all is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Not at all: I didn't like the movie, not at all. Nuh-uh: When asked if he wanted to go out, he replied, 'Nuh-uh, I'm staying in!',
Can I use Not at all and Nuh-uh interchangeably?
Not always. Not at all and Nuh-uh 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.