Cool MateThat is messed up vs That's not right
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
That is messed up
InformalTop 3,000 (common)
That's not right
Top 3,000 (common)
Most formal: That's not right
| That is messed up | That's not right | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //ðæt ɪz mɛst ʌp//🇺🇸 //ðæt ɪz mɛst ʌp// | 🇬🇧 //ðæts nɒt raɪt//🇺🇸 //ðæts nɑt raɪt// |
| Meaning | That is not right or fair | That is incorrect or unfair. |
| Example | I can't believe they canceled the concert. That is messed up. | When he claimed the project was successful, I thought to myself, 'That's not right.' |
| Register | Informal | Neutral |
| How common | Top 3,000 (common) | Top 3,000 (common) |
| Collocations | really messed up, that's so messed up, completely messed up, it’s messed up, this is messed up | that's not right at all, that's not right to say, that's not right for you, that's not right in this situation |
| Common mistakes | Misusing in formal contexts where a more polite phrase is needed., Confusing with 'that's messed', which is incomplete., Using without context; it should follow a statement. | Using in a formal report or presentation where a softer expression is better., Misusing it in a context where clarification is needed instead of just saying it's wrong. |
| Usage notes | Use this phrase to express disapproval or disbelief. It’s informal, often used in casual conversation among friends. | Use this phrase to indicate disagreement or to highlight a mistake. It's neutral and suitable in most contexts. Avoid in overly formal situations. |
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Frequently asked questions: That is messed up vs That's not right
What's the difference between That is messed up and That's not right?
That is messed up: That is not right or fair That's not right: That is incorrect or unfair.
Which is more formal: That is messed up and That's not right?
That's not right is the most formal of these.
Can you show an example of each?
That is messed up: I can't believe they canceled the concert. That is messed up. That's not right: When he claimed the project was successful, I thought to myself, 'That's not right.'
Can I use That is messed up and That's not right interchangeably?
Not always. That is messed up and That's not right 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.