Cool MateThat's not right vs That's not true
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
That's not right
Top 3,000 (common)
That's not true
Top 2,000 (common)
Most common: That's not true
| That's not right | That's not true | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //ðæts nɒt raɪt//🇺🇸 //ðæts nɑt raɪt// | 🇬🇧 //ðæts nɒt truː//🇺🇸 //ðæts nɑt tru// |
| Meaning | That is incorrect or unfair. | This is a way to say something is false. |
| Example | When he claimed the project was successful, I thought to myself, 'That's not right.' | When he claimed I was late, I immediately said, 'That's not true.' |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 3,000 (common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| Collocations | that's not right at all, that's not right to say, that's not right for you, that's not right in this situation | say that's not true, feel that's not true, know that's not true |
| Common mistakes | Using in a formal report or presentation where a softer expression is better., Misusing it in a context where clarification is needed instead of just saying it's wrong. | 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 notes | Use this phrase to indicate disagreement or to highlight a mistake. It's neutral and suitable in most contexts. Avoid in overly formal situations. | Use this phrase when you want to correct someone. It’s commonly used in discussions but can sound confrontational, so be mindful of tone. |
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Frequently asked questions: That's not right vs That's not true
What's the difference between That's not right and That's not true?
That's not right: That is incorrect or unfair. That's not true: This is a way to say something is false.
Which is more common: That's not right 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 right: When he claimed the project was successful, I thought to myself, 'That's not right.' That's not true: When he claimed I was late, I immediately said, 'That's not true.'
Can I use That's not right and That's not true interchangeably?
Not always. That's not right 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.