Cool MateNot really vs Perhaps not
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Not really
InformalTop 2,000 (common)
Perhaps not
Top 2,000 (common)
Most formal: Perhaps not
| Not really | Perhaps not | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //nɒt ˈrɪəli//🇺🇸 //nɑt ˈrɪəli// | 🇬🇧 //pəˈhæps nɒt//🇺🇸 //pərˈhæps nɑt// |
| Meaning | Not true or correct. | Maybe not |
| Example | When he said he was an expert, I thought, 'Not really'. | I thought about joining the team, but **perhaps not**. |
| Register | Informal | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| Collocations | not really my thing, not really sure, not really interested | suggest that perhaps not, feel that perhaps not, think that perhaps not |
| Common mistakes | Using it in very formal writing or speeches., Confusing with 'not really' as a definitive answer instead of an expression of doubt. | Using in overly formal contexts., Confusing with 'maybe' which is less definite., Assuming it expresses strong disagreement. |
| Usage notes | Used to express disagreement or doubt. Common in casual conversations, but may be too informal for formal settings. | Used to express uncertainty about a situation or idea. More polite than simply saying 'no'. |
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Frequently asked questions: Not really vs Perhaps not
What's the difference between Not really and Perhaps not?
Not really: Not true or correct. Perhaps not: Maybe not
Which is more formal: Not really and Perhaps not?
Perhaps not is the most formal of these.
Can you show an example of each?
Not really: When he said he was an expert, I thought, 'Not really'. Perhaps not: I thought about joining the team, but **perhaps not**.
Can I use Not really and Perhaps not interchangeably?
Not always. Not really and Perhaps not 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.