Cool MateThat's not right vs That's not tape
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
That's not right
That's not tape
| That's not right | That's not tape | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //ðæts nɒt raɪt//🇺🇸 //ðæts nɑt raɪt// | 🇬🇧 //ðæts nɒt teɪp//🇺🇸 //ðæts nɑːt teɪp// |
| Meaning | That is incorrect or unfair. | A phrase used to indicate something isn't what it seems, often implying disappointment. |
| Example | When he claimed the project was successful, I thought to myself, 'That's not right.' | When she unwrapped the gift, she exclaimed, 'That's not tape!' when she found it was glue instead. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 3,000 (common) | Beyond 10,000 (less common) |
| Collocations | 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 | not the right material, not what I expected, not suitable for this task |
| Common mistakes | 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. | Using 'that's not tape' in overly formal settings., Misunderstanding the phrase's nuance of disappointment., Not using appropriate tone to convey the intended meaning. |
| Usage notes | Use this phrase to indicate disagreement or to highlight a mistake. It's neutral and suitable in most contexts. Avoid in overly formal situations. | Use this phrase when you want to express that a situation or object is different from expectations. It's generally informal and suitable for everyday conversations. |
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Frequently asked questions: That's not right vs That's not tape
What's the difference between That's not right and That's not tape?
That's not right: That is incorrect or unfair. That's not tape: A phrase used to indicate something isn't what it seems, often implying disappointment.
Which is more common: That's not right and That's not tape?
That's not right is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
That's not right: When he claimed the project was successful, I thought to myself, 'That's not right.' That's not tape: When she unwrapped the gift, she exclaimed, 'That's not tape!' when she found it was glue instead.
Can I use That's not right and That's not tape interchangeably?
Not always. That's not right and That's not tape 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.