Cool MateNot really vs That's actually not it though
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Not really
InformalTop 2,000 (common)
That's actually not it though
InformalBeyond 10,000 (less common)
Most common: Not really
| Not really | That's actually not it though | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //nɒt ˈrɪəli//🇺🇸 //nɑt ˈrɪəli// | 🇬🇧 //ðæts ˈækʧuəli nɒt ɪt ðəʊ//🇺🇸 //ðæts ˈækʧuəli nɑt ɪt ðoʊ// |
| Meaning | Not true or correct. | This phrase means what you think or expect is not correct. |
| Example | When he said he was an expert, I thought, 'Not really'. | I thought the meeting was at 3 PM, but that's actually not it though. |
| Register | Informal | Informal |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Beyond 10,000 (less common) |
| Collocations | not really my thing, not really sure, not really interested | think that's it, that's right though, believe it is |
| Common mistakes | Using it in very formal writing or speeches., Confusing with 'not really' as a definitive answer instead of an expression of doubt. | Using 'actually' in a sentence where correction isn't needed., Incorrectly interpreting 'it' as a different subject., Forgetting to use 'though' to soften the correction. |
| Usage notes | Used to express disagreement or doubt. Common in casual conversations, but may be too informal for formal settings. | Use this phrase in casual conversations to correct someone politely. Avoid in formal situations. |
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Frequently asked questions: Not really vs That's actually not it though
What's the difference between Not really and That's actually not it though?
Not really: Not true or correct. That's actually not it though: This phrase means what you think or expect is not correct.
Which is more common: Not really and That's actually not it though?
Not really is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Not really: When he said he was an expert, I thought, 'Not really'. That's actually not it though: I thought the meeting was at 3 PM, but that's actually not it though.
Can I use Not really and That's actually not it though interchangeably?
Not always. Not really and That's actually not it though 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.