Cool MateNot working vs That ain't working
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Not working
Top 2,000 (common)
That ain't working
InformalTop 5,000 (fairly common)
Most formal: Not workingMost common: Not working
| Not working | That ain't working | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //nɒt ˈwɜːkɪŋ//🇺🇸 //nɑt ˈwɜrkɪŋ// | 🇬🇧 //ðæt eɪnt ˈwɜːkɪŋ//🇺🇸 //ðæt eɪnt ˈwɜrkɪŋ// |
| Meaning | not functioning or operating | That is not functioning or effective. |
| Example | The printer is not working again. | I tried fixing it, but that ain't working at all. |
| Register | Neutral | Informal |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 5,000 (fairly common) |
| Collocations | not working properly, not working at all, not working in the office | that ain't right, that ain't fair, that ain't easy |
| Antonyms | working, functioning | - |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'not working out' which implies a situation failing rather than a function., Used inappropriately in formal documents where you should specify the issue more clearly. | Using 'ain't' in formal writing., Confusing 'that' with 'this' when referring to immediate issues., Using the phrase without context; needs explanation. |
| Usage notes | Use 'not working' when something fails to function. It's appropriate in most contexts, but avoid in very formal writing. | This phrase is used in casual speech to indicate something isn't effective. Avoid in formal contexts. |
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Frequently asked questions: Not working vs That ain't working
What's the difference between Not working and That ain't working?
Not working: not functioning or operating That ain't working: That is not functioning or effective.
Which is more formal: Not working and That ain't working?
Not working is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: Not working and That ain't working?
Not working is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Not working: The printer is not working again. That ain't working: I tried fixing it, but that ain't working at all.
Can I use Not working and That ain't working interchangeably?
Not always. Not working and That ain't working 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.