That's not a dust storm vs That's not right

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

That's not a dust storm

Beyond 10,000 (less common)

That's not right

Top 3,000 (common)
Most common: That's not right
 That's not a dust stormThat's not right
Pronunciation🇬🇧 //ðæts nɒt ə dʌst stɔːm//🇺🇸 //ðæts nɑt ə dʌst stɔrm//🇬🇧 //ðæts nɒt raɪt//🇺🇸 //ðæts nɑt raɪt//
MeaningA dust storm is a weather event where strong winds lift dust into the air.That is incorrect or unfair.
ExampleWhen she complained about the noise, I said, 'That's not a dust storm!'When he claimed the project was successful, I thought to myself, 'That's not right.'
RegisterNeutralNeutral
How commonBeyond 10,000 (less common)Top 3,000 (common)
Collocationsnot a big deal, not as bad as, not worth worrying aboutthat'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 mistakesUsing it in formal contexts where it's too casual., Misunderstanding it as a literal weather condition., Confusing it with other types of storms, like rain or snow.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 notesUsed to express disbelief about a situation being as severe as a dust storm; typically informal.Use this phrase to indicate disagreement or to highlight a mistake. It's neutral and suitable in most contexts. Avoid in overly formal situations.

See it in real clips

That's not a dust storm
That's not right

Frequently asked questions: That's not a dust storm vs That's not right

What's the difference between That's not a dust storm and That's not right?

That's not a dust storm: A dust storm is a weather event where strong winds lift dust into the air. That's not right: That is incorrect or unfair.

Which is more common: That's not a dust storm and That's not right?

That's not right is the most common in everyday English.

Can you show an example of each?

That's not a dust storm: When she complained about the noise, I said, 'That's not a dust storm!' That's not right: When he claimed the project was successful, I thought to myself, 'That's not right.'

Can I use That's not a dust storm and That's not right interchangeably?

Not always. That's not a dust storm 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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