That's not a dust storm vs That's not true

When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.

That's not a dust storm

Beyond 10,000 (less common)

That's not true

Top 2,000 (common)
Most common: That's not true
 That's not a dust stormThat's not true
Pronunciation🇬🇧 //ðæts nɒt ə dʌst stɔːm//🇺🇸 //ðæts nɑt ə dʌst stɔrm//🇬🇧 //ðæts nɒt truː//🇺🇸 //ðæts nɑt tru//
MeaningA dust storm is a weather event where strong winds lift dust into the air.This is a way to say something is false.
ExampleWhen she complained about the noise, I said, 'That's not a dust storm!'When he claimed I was late, I immediately said, 'That's not true.'
RegisterNeutralNeutral
How commonBeyond 10,000 (less common)Top 2,000 (common)
Collocationsnot a big deal, not as bad as, not worth worrying aboutsay that's not true, feel that's not true, know that's not true
Common mistakesUsing it in formal contexts where it's too casual., Misunderstanding it as a literal weather condition., Confusing it with other types of storms, like rain or snow.Using it in very formal contexts where a gentler correction is needed., Confusing it with more polite phrases like 'I disagree' or 'That's incorrect'.
Usage notesUsed to express disbelief about a situation being as severe as a dust storm; typically informal.Use this phrase when you want to correct someone. It’s commonly used in discussions but can sound confrontational, so be mindful of tone.

See it in real clips

That's not a dust storm
That's not true

Frequently asked questions: That's not a dust storm vs That's not true

What's the difference between That's not a dust storm and That's not true?

That's not a dust storm: A dust storm is a weather event where strong winds lift dust into the air. That's not true: This is a way to say something is false.

Which is more common: That's not a dust storm and That's not true?

That's not true is the most common in everyday English.

Can you show an example of each?

That's not a dust storm: When she complained about the noise, I said, 'That's not a dust storm!' That's not true: When he claimed I was late, I immediately said, 'That's not true.'

Can I use That's not a dust storm and That's not true interchangeably?

Not always. That's not a dust storm and That's not true 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.

Related comparisons