Cool MateNot at all vs You're welcome
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Not at all
Top 2,000 (common)
You're welcome
Top 1,000 (very common)
Most common: You're welcome
| Not at all | You're welcome | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //nɒt æt ɔːl//🇺🇸 //nɑt æt ɔl// | 🇬🇧 //jʊəˈwɛlkəm//🇺🇸 //jʊrˈwɛlkəm// |
| Meaning | not even a little bit | What you say when someone thanks you. |
| Example | I didn't like the movie, not at all. | Thank you for helping me! |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| Collocations | not at all worried, not at all surprising, not at all offended | say you're welcome, respond with you're welcome, you're welcome anytime |
| Antonyms | at all, somewhat, partially | thank you, thanks, much obliged |
| Common mistakes | Confusing with 'not really' which is less absolute., Using it in formal contexts where a less emphatic phrase is better., Omitting it when it's necessary for clarity. | Saying 'you're welcome' too soon, before they've finished thanking you., Confusing it with 'your welcome', which is incorrect., Using it in a sarcastic tone when actually annoyed. |
| Usage notes | Use 'not at all' to emphasize complete disagreement or absence. It's appropriate in both spoken and written contexts but less common in formal writing. | Commonly used after someone says 'thank you'. It's polite but can be less formal in casual settings. Avoid in formal speeches. |
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Frequently asked questions: Not at all vs You're welcome
What's the difference between Not at all and You're welcome?
Not at all: not even a little bit You're welcome: What you say when someone thanks you.
Which is more common: Not at all and You're welcome?
You're welcome is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Not at all: I didn't like the movie, not at all. You're welcome: Thank you for helping me!
Can I use Not at all and You're welcome interchangeably?
Not always. Not at all and You're welcome 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.