Cool MateNot now vs Not this time
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Not now
InformalTop 2,000 (common)
Not this time
Top 2,000 (common)
Most formal: Not this time
| Not now | Not this time | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //nɒt naʊ//🇺🇸 //nɑt naʊ// | 🇬🇧 //nɒt ðɪs taɪm//🇺🇸 //nɑt ðɪs taɪm// |
| Meaning | Say you don't want to do something at this moment. | this time, no. |
| Example | Can you help me with this? I need to finish my project. | I appreciate the offer, but it's not this time. |
| Register | Informal | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| Collocations | not now, please, not now, later, not now, I'm busy | say not this time, choose not this time |
| Antonyms | - | yes, certainly, this time |
| Common mistakes | Using it in a formal setting where a more polite refusal is needed., Misunderstanding it as a definitive 'no' instead of a temporary pause., Confusing it with 'not now,' meaning 'never' in some contexts. | Using it when it's not a refusal., Confused with 'not this moment' which implies a future possibility. |
| Usage notes | Used to indicate that the speaker is not ready or willing to engage in something at this time. Best for casual conversations; may seem rude in formal contexts. | Used to refuse or deny something in the present context. Appropriate in both casual and formal situations when declining an offer or proposal. |
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Frequently asked questions: Not now vs Not this time
What's the difference between Not now and Not this time?
Not now: Say you don't want to do something at this moment. Not this time: this time, no.
Which is more formal: Not now and Not this time?
Not this time is the most formal of these.
Can you show an example of each?
Not now: Can you help me with this? I need to finish my project. Not this time: I appreciate the offer, but it's not this time.
Can I use Not now and Not this time interchangeably?
Not always. Not now and Not this time 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.