Cool MateNot like that vs Not that way
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Not like that
InformalTop 2,000 (common)
Not that way
| Not like that | Not that way | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //nɒt laɪk ðæt//🇺🇸 //nɑt laɪk ðæt// | |
| Meaning | Used to say something is wrong or different from expected. | |
| Example | You should hold the brush like this, not like that. | - |
| Register | Informal | - |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | - |
| Collocations | do it like that, see it like that, say it like that | - |
| 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. | - |
| Usage notes | Commonly used in casual conversation to indicate disapproval or a need for correction. Avoid in formal contexts. | - |
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Frequently asked questions: Not like that vs Not that way
What's the difference between Not like that and Not that way?
Not like that: Used to say something is wrong or different from expected. Not that way:
Can I use Not like that and Not that way interchangeably?
Not always. Not like that and Not that way 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.