Cool MateThat's not how it works vs That's not right
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
That's not how it works
That's not right
| That's not how it works | That's not right | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //ðæts nɒt haʊ ɪt wɜːks//🇺🇸 //ðæts nɑt haʊ ɪt wɜrks// | 🇬🇧 //ðæts nɒt raɪt//🇺🇸 //ðæts nɑt raɪt// |
| Meaning | This means something isn't functioning the way it should. | That is incorrect or unfair. |
| Example | When I tried to open the door with a credit card, he said, 'That's not how it works.' | When he claimed the project was successful, I thought to myself, 'That's not right.' |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 3,000 (common) |
| Collocations | explain how it works, understand how it works, not how it should work | 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 |
| Common mistakes | Using it in overly formal situations where a softer explanation is needed., Misplacing the context, applying it where simple clarification is required., Using it as an accusation rather than constructive feedback. | 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. |
| Usage notes | Use this phrase in discussions where a process or method is being misunderstood or misapplied. It's appropriate in both casual and more serious discussions. | Use this phrase to indicate disagreement or to highlight a mistake. It's neutral and suitable in most contexts. Avoid in overly formal situations. |
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Frequently asked questions: That's not how it works vs That's not right
What's the difference between That's not how it works and That's not right?
That's not how it works: This means something isn't functioning the way it should. That's not right: That is incorrect or unfair.
Which is more common: That's not how it works and That's not right?
That's not how it works is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
That's not how it works: When I tried to open the door with a credit card, he said, 'That's not how it works.' That's not right: When he claimed the project was successful, I thought to myself, 'That's not right.'
Can I use That's not how it works and That's not right interchangeably?
Not always. That's not how it works and That's not right 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.