that's not me

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'that's not me' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when someone is expressing that something does not represent them. For example, "My friend has been acting irresponsibly lately, but that's not me".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"Those who say stop — that's not me".

The New York Times

I thought, "Thank God that's not me".

The New York Times

"The errors, that's not me," Reyes said.

The New York Times - Sports

"Oh no that's not me!

Huffington Post

That's not me".

The New York Times - Sports

"But that's not me.

The New York Times

"That's not me, darling.

The New York Times

That's not me, anyway.

The Guardian - Sport

"That's not me," Dzurlic said.

The New York Times - Magazine

"I says: 'That's not me!

The New York Times - Sports

That's not me being precocious.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "that's not me" to clearly and directly disassociate yourself from an action, attribute, or situation that doesn't align with your values or personality. This can help to define your boundaries and communicate your identity effectively.

Common error

Avoid using "that's not me" as a blanket statement to dismiss valid criticism or feedback. It's important to consider whether the criticism holds merit before simply deflecting it with this phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that's not me" functions as a declarative statement of disassociation. It serves to negate an attribute, action, or identity being ascribed to the speaker. As Ludwig AI suggests, it expresses that something does not represent the speaker.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Science

2%

Academia

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "that's not me" is a common and grammatically correct way to express disassociation from a particular action, attribute, or identity. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is suitable for various contexts, primarily appearing in news and media. It is used to establish boundaries and clarify one's self-perception. While versatile, it's important to avoid using it as a blanket dismissal of criticism. Alternatives such as ""it isn't like me"" or ""that doesn't represent me"" offer nuanced ways to convey a similar sentiment. Understanding the appropriate context and potential misinterpretations ensures effective communication when using the phrase "that's not me".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it isn't like me

Focuses on the atypical nature of an action or trait.

that doesn't represent me

Highlights the lack of alignment between a representation and the speaker's true self.

it's not my character

Emphasizes the contrast with one's established personality.

I wouldn't do that

Directly denies the likelihood of performing a specific action.

that's out of character for me

Highlights that behavior is not typical for the speaker.

I'm not like that

States a general difference in nature or behavior.

that's not who I am

Emphasizes a fundamental difference in identity.

I don't identify with that

Indicates a lack of personal connection or agreement.

I'm not associated with that

Denies any connection or involvement.

that's not my style

Focuses on a difference in preference or manner.

FAQs

How can I use "that's not me" in a sentence?

You can use "that's not me" to express disagreement or disassociation from a statement or action. For example, "People think I enjoy gossiping, but "that's not me", I prefer to mind my own business."

What are some alternatives to saying "that's not me"?

Alternatives include "it isn't like me", "that doesn't represent me", or "I'm not like that". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "that's not me"?

It is appropriate when you want to clearly express that a particular behavior, characteristic, or association does not align with your self-perception or values. It can be used to defend your actions or establish boundaries.

How does the meaning of "that's not me" differ from "this isn't me"?

"That's not me" typically refers to a specific action, characteristic, or situation, while "this isn't me" suggests a more profound or temporary change in one's overall state or identity. "This isn't me" implies something is currently amiss.