That shit ain't the truth vs That's not right

When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.

That shit ain't the truth

InformalTop 2,000 (common)

That's not right

Top 3,000 (common)
Most formal: That's not rightMost common: That shit ain't the truth
 That shit ain't the truthThat's not right
Pronunciation🇬🇧 //ðæt ʃɪt eɪnt ðə truːθ//🇺🇸 //ðæt ʃɪt eɪnt ðə truθ//🇬🇧 //ðæts nɒt raɪt//🇺🇸 //ðæts nɑt raɪt//
MeaningThat statement is not true.That is incorrect or unfair.
ExampleWhen he said he won the lottery, I thought, 'That shit ain't the truth'.When he claimed the project was successful, I thought to myself, 'That's not right.'
RegisterInformalNeutral
How commonTop 2,000 (common)Top 3,000 (common)
Collocationsain't the truth, speak the truth, tell the truththat'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 mistakesConfused with formal expressions like 'That is not true.', Using it in formal writing contexts., Overusing the expression can make conversations sound unprofessional.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 notesThis phrase is very informal and often used in casual conversations. Avoid using it in formal situations or writing. It conveys strong emotion or disbelief.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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That shit ain't the truth
That's not right

Frequently asked questions: That shit ain't the truth vs That's not right

What's the difference between That shit ain't the truth and That's not right?

That shit ain't the truth: That statement is not true. That's not right: That is incorrect or unfair.

Which is more formal: That shit ain't the truth and That's not right?

That's not right is the most formal of these.

Which is more common: That shit ain't the truth and That's not right?

That shit ain't the truth is the most common in everyday English.

Can you show an example of each?

That shit ain't the truth: When he said he won the lottery, I thought, 'That shit ain't the truth'. That's not right: When he claimed the project was successful, I thought to myself, 'That's not right.'

Can I use That shit ain't the truth and That's not right interchangeably?

Not always. That shit ain't the truth 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.

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