Don't feel bad about this vs No worries

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

Don't feel bad about this

Top 2,000 (common)

No worries

InformalTop 2,000 (common)
Most formal: Don't feel bad about this
 Don't feel bad about thisNo worries
Pronunciation🇬🇧 //dəʊnt fiːl bæd əˈbaʊt ðɪs//🇺🇸 //doʊnt fiːl bæd əˈbaʊt ðɪs//🇬🇧 //nəʊ ˈwʌriz//🇺🇸 //noʊ ˈwɜriz//
MeaningDon't be upset about this.Don't worry or be anxious.
ExampleDon't feel bad about this; everyone makes mistakes.You forgot your notebook? No worries, you can borrow mine.
RegisterNeutralInformal
How commonTop 2,000 (common)Top 2,000 (common)
Collocationsdon't feel bad, feel bad about mistakes, don't feel guilty, don't worry about this, feel bad aftersay no worries, express no worries, have no worries
Common mistakesConfused about when to use 'bad' vs 'badly'., Using 'feel' with non-emotional subjects., 'Don't feel bad about this' is often misquoted with 'Don't be bad about this'.Using in formal settings where a professional tone is required., Confusing with 'no problem', which is slightly different in usage., Believing it means 'not worried' when it’s a reassurance expression.
Usage notesThis phrase is often used to comfort someone or to encourage them not to worry. It's appropriate in personal and informal situations.Used to reassure someone that everything is fine. It’s common in casual conversations and less formal settings. Avoid in formal writing or serious situations.

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Don't feel bad about this
No worries

Frequently asked questions: Don't feel bad about this vs No worries

What's the difference between Don't feel bad about this and No worries?

Don't feel bad about this: Don't be upset about this. No worries: Don't worry or be anxious.

Which is more formal: Don't feel bad about this and No worries?

Don't feel bad about this is the most formal of these.

Can you show an example of each?

Don't feel bad about this: Don't feel bad about this; everyone makes mistakes. No worries: You forgot your notebook? No worries, you can borrow mine.

Can I use Don't feel bad about this and No worries interchangeably?

Not always. Don't feel bad about this and No worries 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.

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