Cool MateNot like this vs Not right
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Not like this
InformalTop 3,000 (common)
Not right
Top 2,000 (common)
Most formal: Not rightMost common: Not right
| Not like this | Not right | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //nɒt laɪk ðɪs//🇺🇸 //nɑt laɪk ðɪs// | 🇬🇧 //nɒt raɪt//🇺🇸 //nɑt raɪt// |
| Meaning | A way to say something isn't acceptable or good. | Incorrect or not appropriate. |
| Example | I appreciate your effort, but not like this. | The answer you provided is not right. |
| Register | Informal | Neutral |
| How common | Top 3,000 (common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| Collocations | not like this, not like that, do it like this, say it like this | not right time, not right decision, not right place, not right answer, not right choice |
| Common mistakes | Using in formal writing or speeches., Confusing with 'not like that', which may imply a different situation., Overusing it can come off as rude. | Used as a question without clarification (e.g., 'Is this not right?') instead of a complete thought., Confused with 'not correct' by some learners, while both are similar, nuances exist., Overusing in formal writing; better to use 'incorrect' in those contexts. |
| Usage notes | Use this phrase to express disapproval. It’s casual, so avoid in formal settings. Works well in everyday conversation. | 'Not right' can describe something incorrect, unfair, or inappropriate. It’s suitable for both spoken and written contexts, but avoid using it in highly formal settings. |
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Frequently asked questions: Not like this vs Not right
What's the difference between Not like this and Not right?
Not like this: A way to say something isn't acceptable or good. Not right: Incorrect or not appropriate.
Which is more formal: Not like this and Not right?
Not right is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: Not like this and Not right?
Not right is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Not like this: I appreciate your effort, but not like this. Not right: The answer you provided is not right.
Can I use Not like this and Not right interchangeably?
Not always. Not like this and Not right 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.