Cool MateDoesn't matter vs Makes no difference
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Doesn't matter
Top 2,000 (common)
Makes no difference
Top 2,000 (common)
| Doesn't matter | Makes no difference | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //ˈdʌzənt ˈmætə//🇺🇸 //ˈdʌzənt ˈmætɚ// | 🇬🇧 //meɪks nNJoʊ ˈdɪf.ər.əns//🇺🇸 //meɪks noʊ ˈdɪf.ər.əns// |
| Meaning | It's not important. | It does not matter. |
| Example | I can go to the party or not; it really doesn't matter to me. | Whether you choose the blue shirt or the red one makes no difference to me. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| Collocations | doesn't matter how, doesn't matter what, doesn't matter when | makes no difference to, makes no difference whether, makes no difference at all |
| Antonyms | matters, is important, is relevant | - |
| Common mistakes | Omitting 'not' (saying 'do matter')., Using in overly formal contexts., Misunderstanding the tone, which can sound dismissive. | Using 'make no difference' instead of 'makes no difference' for third person subjects., Confusing with 'makes a difference' which means the opposite., Omitting 'to' when stating what it doesn't matter to. |
| Usage notes | Use when something is unimportant or irrelevant. Avoid in formal writing. | Used in both spoken and written English. More common in informal conversation. Avoid in very formal settings. |
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Frequently asked questions: Doesn't matter vs Makes no difference
What's the difference between Doesn't matter and Makes no difference?
Doesn't matter: It's not important. Makes no difference: It does not matter.
Can you show an example of each?
Doesn't matter: I can go to the party or not; it really doesn't matter to me. Makes no difference: Whether you choose the blue shirt or the red one makes no difference to me.
Can I use Doesn't matter and Makes no difference interchangeably?
Not always. Doesn't matter and Makes no difference 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.