you can't just be like this vs you can't just be like that

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'You can't just be like this' is used when referring to a specific behavior or attitude, while 'you can't just be like that' is used when talking about a different behavior or attitude. The choice between 'this' and 'that' depends on what is being referred to.

Last updated: March 29, 2024 • 820 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English when referring to a specific behavior or attitude.

"you can't just be like this"

This phrase is used to express disapproval or surprise at someone's behavior or attitude. 'This' is used to refer to something closer or more immediate.

Show examples from the web [+]

You can't just be a farmer.
You can't just be on defense with this guy.
You can't just be walking around.
You can't just be a gang of drunken raiders.
You can't just be this ominous presence who frightens people into neurotic action.
You can't just be afraid of rejection all the time.
Think this through... you can't just be shooting dudes.
You can't just be leaving your kid with anybody.
You can't just be throwing punches at people.
You can't just be pro-choice when you agree with that choice.
You can't just be throwing around appliances!
Phil, you can't just be playing with your Yenga all day.
You can't just be the guy who says how he feels.
You can't just be going out with any rando you meet online.
You can't just be cool and be in charge now.
Garfield, you can't just be wandering around the city.
True. You can't just be going around, dropping 5-0 like that.
You can't just be tapped on the shoulder and then - It's cancer.
Amir, you can't just be grabbing kidneys like that! Bring it back! Others found ways to blow off steam.
You can't just be killing people.

Alternatives:

you can't just act like this
you can't just behave like this
you can't just talk like this
you can't just think like this
you can't just react like this

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English when talking about a different behavior or attitude.

"you can't just be like that"

This phrase is used to express disapproval or surprise at someone's behavior or attitude. 'That' is used to refer to something more distant or different.

Show examples from the web [+]

Amir, you can't just be grabbing kidneys like that! Bring it back! Others found ways to blow off steam.
Amir, you can't just be grabbing kidneys like that!
Amir, you can't just be grabbing kidneys like that!
You can't just be a farmer.
You can't just be on defense with this guy.
You can't just be walking around.
You can't just be a gang of drunken raiders.
You can't just be this ominous presence who frightens people into neurotic action.
You can't just be afraid of rejection all the time.
Think this through... you can't just be shooting dudes.
You can't just be leaving your kid with anybody.
You can't just be throwing punches at people.
You can't just be pro-choice when you agree with that choice.
You can't just be throwing around appliances!
Phil, you can't just be playing with your Yenga all day.
You can't just be the guy who says how he feels.
You can't just be going out with any rando you meet online.
You can't just be cool and be in charge now.
Garfield, you can't just be wandering around the city.
True. You can't just be going around, dropping 5-0 like that.

Alternatives:

you can't just act like that
you can't just behave like that
you can't just talk like that
you can't just think like that
you can't just react like that

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you can't just be like this vs you can't just be like that