How to say “not at all” like a native speaker
A strong negative answer, or a polite response to thanks or an apology. Context decides whether it means “not in any way” or offers reassurance.
All phrases · Small talk
Hear “not at all” in real speech
Clip 1 · BBC Learning English
Our favourite sweet foods 🍦🍭🍫 Practise your listening with Real Easy English · 4:58
About this video
Phil and Georgie discuss desserts in this BBC Learning English conversation. They talk about having a sweet tooth, wanting sugar after meals and memorable puddings.
In context
They do that with chocolate bars and things like that so, yeah, not very healthy.No, not at all...
but lovely.
Clip 2 · Patrick Winston (MIT)
How to Speak · 25:07
About this video
Patrick Winston teaches a lecture about speaking and communicating ideas. He discusses the role of knowledge and practice, and uses presentation slides to illustrate choices that help or hinder an audience.
In context
Would you mine critiquing my slides?Not at all, I said.
You have too many, and they have too many words.
Clip 3 · Elizabeth Gilbert
Your elusive creative genius | Elizabeth Gilbert · 11:56
About this video
Elizabeth Gilbert reflects on her relationship with writing after the success of her memoir, Eat, Pray, Love. She explores ways to think about creativity and the uncertainty of the creative process.
In context
So when I heard that I was like -- that's uncanny, that's exactly what my creative process is like.That's not at all what my creative process is -- I'm not the pipeline!
I'm a mule, and the way that I have to work is I have to get up at the same time every day, and sweat and labor and barrel through it really awkwardly.
When to use “not at all”
- Reassuring a guest: “Am I interrupting?” “Not at all. Come in.”
- Emphasizing that a task is easy: “This exercise isn't difficult at all.”
Possible connected-speech patterns in “not at all”
Both T sounds can link into the following vowels. Some American speakers use quick taps here; other speakers use clearer stops.
Related phrases
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A slow line to begin with: listen to how “don’t need to” runs together, then say it at the speaker’s pace.
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