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can not vs cannot

Both "can not" and "cannot" are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "Cannot" is the standard form and is more commonly used in written and formal English. On the other hand, "can not" is used when you want to emphasize the separate meanings of "can" and "not".

Last updated: March 19, 2024 • 1145 views

can not

This phrase is correct and used when you want to emphasize the separate meanings of "can" and "not".

Use "can not" when you want to express that something is possible but not allowed or not able to be done.

Examples:

You can not enter this area without permission.
I can not believe you did that!
She can not attend the meeting tomorrow.

Show examples from the web [+]

He can not be far away.
Medicine can not help this girl now.
Children can not resolve the problems of adults.
You can not do anything. confessed.
Without functional equipment, I can not diagnose correctly.
Because I can not live without it
Regrettably, wireless networks are increasingly congested and can not cope.
Your opponents can not gain their Order bonus.
Note: Image changes can not be undone automatically.
One flaw wastewater can not be geloost. highly recommended.
Poor quality products can not withstand being refinished even once.
A differentiator can not ignore its cost position.
While antibiotics can not drink alcohol.
Download products can not be exchanged or returned.
This list can not reply all probable interactions.
Description & Keywords can not be translated also.
Entry tickets once purchased can not be reimbursed.
Credit card can not be paid.
This question can not be answered unequivocally.
Illegal images can not get loaded to known emulator tools.

Alternatives:

is not able to
is not allowed to
is unable to

cannot

This is the standard form and is more commonly used in written and formal English.

Use "cannot" as a single word to express that something is impossible or not allowed.

Examples:

I cannot go to the party tonight.
He cannot swim.
We cannot accept late submissions.

Show examples from the web [+]

Transforming border processes cannot happen overnight.
Management alone cannot make important decisions.
Our shields cannot handle another attack.
These corrupt people cannot solve our problems.
We cannot only have grateful experiences.
We cannot achieve victory through strength of arms.
Lasting peace cannot simply be political.
Dr Crusher cannot erase his memory.
The best compost cannot save parched seedlings.
Kumo! immortality and life cannot coexist.
You cannot operate the machine without me.
Without them, humanity cannot survive.
They cannot differentiate sound quality differences between those two clips.
Dignity cannot wait for better times.
A dictator cannot live without the force.
Miss Derbeken cannot testify to the letter.
Manager Choi cannot wait any longer.
And they can do things vampires cannot.
Victory cannot rest on dreams alone.
Intimate relationships cannot substitute for a life plan...

Alternatives:

can't
is unable to
is not allowed to

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