Cool MateNot like that vs Not like this
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Not like that
InformalTop 2,000 (common)
Not like this
InformalTop 3,000 (common)
Most common: Not like that
| Not like that | Not like this | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //nɒt laɪk ðæt//🇺🇸 //nɑt laɪk ðæt// | 🇬🇧 //nɒt laɪk ðɪs//🇺🇸 //nɑt laɪk ðɪs// |
| Meaning | Used to say something is wrong or different from expected. | A way to say something isn't acceptable or good. |
| Example | You should hold the brush like this, not like that. | I appreciate your effort, but not like this. |
| Register | Informal | Informal |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 3,000 (common) |
| Collocations | do it like that, see it like that, say it like that | not like this, not like that, do it like this, say it like this |
| Common mistakes | Used too seriously - usually it's light-hearted., Confused with 'not like this' - they're similar but 'that' implies a greater distance or difference., Overused in confrontational tones - it can sound rude if not phrased carefully. | Using in formal writing or speeches., Confusing with 'not like that', which may imply a different situation., Overusing it can come off as rude. |
| Usage notes | Commonly used in casual conversation to indicate disapproval or a need for correction. Avoid in formal contexts. | Use this phrase to express disapproval. It’s casual, so avoid in formal settings. Works well in everyday conversation. |
See it in real clips
Frequently asked questions: Not like that vs Not like this
What's the difference between Not like that and Not like this?
Not like that: Used to say something is wrong or different from expected. Not like this: A way to say something isn't acceptable or good.
Which is more common: Not like that and Not like this?
Not like that is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Not like that: You should hold the brush like this, not like that. Not like this: I appreciate your effort, but not like this.
Can I use Not like that and Not like this interchangeably?
Not always. Not like that and Not like this 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.