this is not

USAGE SUMMARY

"this is not" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use this phrase to convey a negative sentiment or a contrast, for example: "This is not the type of behaviour I want to see in the workplace."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This is not baseball".

The New York Times - Sports

"This is not 'C.S.I.

The New York Times

"This is not political.

The New York Times

This is not mockery".

Independent

This is not complicated".

The New York Times

This is not Haiti.

The New York Times

This is not daydreaming.

The New York Times

This is not popular.

The Economist

This is not bravado.

The Economist

This is not censorship.

The New York Times

This is not junk.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this is not" to clearly and directly negate a statement or idea. It provides a straightforward way to establish what something is not, setting a boundary or correcting a misconception.

Common error

Avoid simply stating what something isn't without offering a clearer alternative. Instead of just saying "This is not correct", clarify with "This is not correct; the accurate figure is X".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this is not" functions as a negation or denial. It serves to explicitly state that something is untrue, incorrect, or does not align with a given description or expectation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Wiki

10%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "this is not" is a versatile phrase used for negation, denial, or correction. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely applicable across various contexts, most commonly in News & Media. While generally neutral, its formality can vary based on the situation. When using this phrase, it's often best practice to follow up with a clarification or alternative to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

That is not

Uses "that" instead of "this" to refer to something less immediate or already mentioned.

It is not

Employs "it" as a pronoun, often referring to a previously mentioned subject or a general situation.

This isn't

A contracted form of "this is not", making it slightly more informal.

That isn't

A contracted form using "that" and "is not", implying a less immediate reference.

It isn't

Contracted form using "it" and "is not", offering a more casual tone.

This does not equal

More formal and precise, often used in mathematical or logical contexts to indicate inequality.

This is incorrect

Directly states that something is wrong or inaccurate.

This is the opposite of

Indicates a complete reversal or contrast in meaning or characteristic.

This isn't the case

Implies that a particular situation or assumption is not true.

This differs from

Highlights a distinction or difference between two things.

FAQs

How can I use "this is not" in a sentence?

"This is not" introduces a negation. For example, "This is not the right way to approach the problem" indicates that a particular method is inappropriate.

What are some alternatives to saying "this is not"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "that is not", "it is not", or "this is incorrect".

Is there a more informal way to say "this is not"?

Yes, you can use the contraction "this isn't" for a more casual tone.

When should I use "this is not" versus "this does not"?

"This is not" is used when negating an identity or state, while "this does not" is used when negating an action. For instance, "This is not my car" versus "This does not work".