That shit ain't the truth vs That's not true
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
That shit ain't the truth
InformalTop 2,000 (common)
That's not true
Top 2,000 (common)
Most formal: That's not true
| That shit ain't the truth | That's not true | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //ðæt ʃɪt eɪnt ðə truːθ//🇺🇸 //ðæt ʃɪt eɪnt ðə truθ// | 🇬🇧 //ðæts nɒt truː//🇺🇸 //ðæts nɑt tru// |
| Meaning | That statement is not true. | This is a way to say something is false. |
| Example | When he said he won the lottery, I thought, 'That shit ain't the truth'. | When he claimed I was late, I immediately said, 'That's not true.' |
| Register | Informal | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| Collocations | ain't the truth, speak the truth, tell the truth | say that's not true, feel that's not true, know that's not true |
| Common mistakes | Confused with formal expressions like 'That is not true.', Using it in formal writing contexts., Overusing the expression can make conversations sound unprofessional. | Using it in very formal contexts where a gentler correction is needed., Confusing it with more polite phrases like 'I disagree' or 'That's incorrect'. |
| Usage notes | This 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 when you want to correct someone. It’s commonly used in discussions but can sound confrontational, so be mindful of tone. |
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Frequently asked questions: That shit ain't the truth vs That's not true
What's the difference between That shit ain't the truth and That's not true?
That shit ain't the truth: That statement is not true. That's not true: This is a way to say something is false.
Which is more formal: That shit ain't the truth and That's not true?
That's not true is the most formal of these.
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 true: When he claimed I was late, I immediately said, 'That's not true.'
Can I use That shit ain't the truth and That's not true interchangeably?
Not always. That shit ain't the truth and That's not true 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.