Cool MateNo way vs That can't be
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
No way
InformalTop 2,000 (common)
That can't be
Top 2,000 (common)
Most formal: That can't be
| No way | That can't be | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //nəʊ weɪ//🇺🇸 //noʊ weɪ// | 🇬🇧 //ðæt kɑːnt biː//🇺🇸 //ðæt kænt bi// |
| Meaning | A phrase used to express disbelief or refusal. | It is impossible or not true that something is the case. |
| Example | You won the lottery? No way! | She got a perfect score on the test? That can't be! |
| Register | Informal | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| Collocations | no way in hell, no way out, no way to tell | that can't be true, that can't be serious, that can't be possible, that can't be happening |
| Common mistakes | Using 'no way' in formal situations like essays or presentations., Mixing with more formal expressions like 'absolutely not'. | Misuse as a statement of fact rather than opinion., Confuse with 'that cannot be' which sounds more formal., Employ in overly formal contexts where simpler expressions fit better. |
| Usage notes | Use 'no way' in casual conversations to show strong disagreement or surprise. It's suited for informal contexts, not appropriate in formal writing. | Used to express disbelief or disagreement. Suitable for both spoken and written contexts, though less formal than academic language. |
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Frequently asked questions: No way vs That can't be
What's the difference between No way and That can't be?
No way: A phrase used to express disbelief or refusal. That can't be: It is impossible or not true that something is the case.
Which is more formal: No way and That can't be?
That can't be is the most formal of these.
Can you show an example of each?
No way: You won the lottery? No way! That can't be: She got a perfect score on the test? That can't be!
Can I use No way and That can't be interchangeably?
Not always. No way and That can't be 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.