Cool MateChill out vs Don't worry about that
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Chill out
InformalTop 2,000 (common)
Don't worry about that
Beyond 10,000 (less common)
Most formal: Don't worry about thatMost common: Chill out
| Chill out | Don't worry about that | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //tʃɪl aʊt//🇺🇸 //tʃɪl aʊt// | 🇬🇧 //dəʊnt ˈwʌri əˈbaʊt ðæt//🇺🇸 //doʊnt ˈwɜri əˈbaʊt ðæt// |
| Meaning | Calm down and relax. | Don't be concerned about that. |
| Example | You need to chill out and stop worrying so much about the exam. | Don't worry about that; everything will be fine. |
| Register | Informal | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Beyond 10,000 (less common) |
| Collocations | chill out time, chill out period, chill out zone | worry about something, don't worry, stop worrying, worry too much |
| Common mistakes | 'Chill out' is often confused with 'cool off', but the meanings can slightly differ., Some learners use 'chill out' in a serious context, which may sound inappropriate., Using 'chill out' as a command can come off as rude. | Using 'worry' with a subject (e.g., 'Don't you worry about that')., Confusing with 'Don't worry for that'., Overusing in formal emails where 'Please don't concern yourself' might be better. |
| Usage notes | Use 'chill out' in casual conversations to suggest someone should relax. Avoid in formal contexts. | Commonly used to reassure someone. Suitable for both casual and formal contexts but may be too informal for very serious situations. |
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Frequently asked questions: Chill out vs Don't worry about that
What's the difference between Chill out and Don't worry about that?
Chill out: Calm down and relax. Don't worry about that: Don't be concerned about that.
Which is more formal: Chill out and Don't worry about that?
Don't worry about that is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: Chill out and Don't worry about that?
Chill out is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Chill out: You need to chill out and stop worrying so much about the exam. Don't worry about that: Don't worry about that; everything will be fine.
Can I use Chill out and Don't worry about that interchangeably?
Not always. Chill out and Don't worry about that 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.