No way means “definitely not, not a chance” or “really? I can't believe it!”. In the first meaning it is a blunt refusal or a strong belief that something is impossible; in the second it expresses surprise. The phrase is informal: with a manager or a client, instead of No way say I'm afraid I can't or That won't be possible.
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No way!; there's no way + subject + can/will + verb; there's no way to + verb
- 'Fancy a swim? The water's only ten degrees.' 'No way, it's far too cold.'
- 'I got the job in Barcelona!' 'No way! That's amazing news.'
- There's no way we can visit three museums in one afternoon.
What changed
First versionThere's no way how we can finish the project by Friday.
RevisionThere's no way we can finish the project by Friday.
Don't add how after there's no way. It is followed directly by a clause with a subject (there's no way we can finish) or by to + verb (there's no way to finish).
Said in a happy, excited voice, No way! shows surprise, not refusal: I passed the exam! — No way! The situation tells you which meaning is meant: after good news it means “I can't believe it”, after a request it means “not a chance”.
Your turn
'Can I borrow your car for the whole month?' my friend asked. '___! I need it to get to work every day.'
Show the answer
No way — Your friend wants the car for a month, but you need it every day, so you refuse: No way. No problem would mean you agree. A blunt refusal like this is fine with a friend, but with a manager I'm afraid I can't is better.
A friend tells you some unexpected news. Write their line and your reply: show surprise with No way! and ask a follow-up question.
'I'm moving to Canada next month.' 'No way! Have you already found a flat there?'
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