student asking question

What's the difference between "can't say" and "no, I haven't"? Would the nuance be changed if I say "no, I haven't" here?

teacher

Native speaker’s answer

Rebecca

These two phrases are essentially the same. The only difference is "can't say that I have" is a little more lighthearted and sometimes even used sarcastically. "No, I haven't" is a little more formal and direct. If you decided to use "no, I haven't" instead, your meaning would stay the same, but it will sound more serious. Ex: A: Have you seen Rachel at all? B: No, I haven't. = A: Have you seen Rachel at all? B: Can't say that I have! Ex: A: Have you seen my dress shoes? B: No, I haven't. = A: Have you seen my dress shoes? B: Can't say that I have.

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