but I can't vs but I can not

Both "but I can't" and "but I can not" are correct, but "but I can't" is more commonly used in everyday English. The contraction "can't" is a more informal and natural way of expressing the negative form of "can."

Last updated: March 21, 2024

but I can't

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

This phrase is the contraction of "but I cannot." It is used to express inability or refusal to do something.

Examples:

I want to go out, but I can't because I have to study.
She would love to join us, but she can't make it tonight.
I know you're trying to help, but I can't accept your offer.
I would help you, but I can't do it alone.
I'm sorry, but I can't agree with your decision.

Show examples from the web [+]

Jan 15, 2010 ... But I Can't by Plug In Stereo. ForeverFilipino. SubscribeSubscribedUnsubscribe 3030. Loading... Loading... Working... Add to ...
Jan 6, 2015 ... I Would If I Could But I Can't - Dizzy Mizz Lizzy [Lyrics]. Mads Emil Askov Engmarksgaard. SubscribeSubscribedUnsubscribe 9898. Loading.
'Oh I would, if I could, but I can't, so I won't. One day a man proposed to me, A thing I am not used to, Asked me to marry him and was. Upset when I refused to.
Wise men say. Only fools rush in. But I can't help falling in love with you. Shall I stay. Would it be a sin. If I can't help falling in love with you. Like a river flows

Alternatives:

but I cannot
but I am unable to
but I am not able to
but I am prohibited from
but I am restricted from

but I can not

This phrase is correct but less commonly used in everyday English.

This phrase is the full form of "but I can't." It is more formal and less common in spoken language.

Show examples from the web [+]

My friend did not block me? but i can not see her post or timeline. Follow. Sharing & Connecting. Friends. i can not see her post or timeline anymore? she did not ...
My husband can view my friend's page from his account but I can not, and my friend can't view mine :/. Asked over a year ago by Michaela Lundhag. 351 Votes ...
There's a group that exists but i can not find it my friend gave me the link to that group but it sais ''This content is currently unavailable'' i don't know what's wrong
I have hands but I can not feel. Look at me, And time will tell where your Map lies still. clock. Downloaded 21 Times. what has hands but cant feel? a clock.

Alternatives:

but I cannot
but I am not able to
but I am prohibited from
but I am restricted from
but I am unable to

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but I can't vs but I can not

but I can't

but I can not

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