Cool MateSomething's not right vs There's an issue
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Something's not right
Top 2,000 (common)
There's an issue
Top 2,000 (common)
| Something's not right | There's an issue | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //ˈsʌmθɪŋz nɒt raɪt//🇺🇸 //ˈsʌmθɪŋz nɑːt raɪt// | 🇬🇧 //ðeəz ən ˈɪʃuː//🇺🇸 //ðɛrz ən ˈɪʃu// |
| Meaning | There is a problem or issue. | There is a problem. |
| Example | When I tasted the soup, I knew something's not right with the seasoning. | There's an issue with the report that needs to be addressed. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| Collocations | feel something's not right, know something's not right, sense something's not right, think something's not right, suspect something's not right | raise an issue, address an issue, discuss an issue, identify an issue, resolve an issue |
| Common mistakes | Using in overly formal contexts., Confusing with 'everything's fine'., Not using with the correct intonation. | Omitting 'there's' and using only 'an issue' which sounds incomplete., Using more casual language which may not fit the context., Confusing 'issue' with 'problem' in formal contexts. |
| Usage notes | Use when sensing trouble or discomfort; can be informal. Avoid in very formal situations. | Commonly used in discussions or meetings to address problems. Avoid in very informal settings. |
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Frequently asked questions: Something's not right vs There's an issue
What's the difference between Something's not right and There's an issue?
Something's not right: There is a problem or issue. There's an issue: There is a problem.
Can you show an example of each?
Something's not right: When I tasted the soup, I knew something's not right with the seasoning. There's an issue: There's an issue with the report that needs to be addressed.
Can I use Something's not right and There's an issue interchangeably?
Not always. Something's not right and There's an issue 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.