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i cannot vs I can not

Both "I cannot" and "I can not" are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "I cannot" is the more common and formal way to express inability or prohibition, while "I can not" is less common and may be used for emphasis or to create a pause between the words.

Last updated: March 21, 2024 • 799 views

i cannot

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to express inability or prohibition.

Use "I cannot" to express inability or prohibition in a formal context.

Examples:

  • I cannot attend the meeting tomorrow.
  • I cannot accept this offer.
  • also i cannot post the real code due the limit comment form
  • i cannot, and will not allow her to step one foot out of this secured area, let alone on patrol.
  • How do I do if i cannot receive or print the Voucher? 12.
  • I cannot set a good lineup.
  • I cannot apologise enough, Mrs Pegasus.
  • I cannot decide whether that makes you trustworthy...
  • Joe: Yes, i don't know what to say, i cannot tell you what this group is because we never played together a note. But this guy, Lelo Nika, is the greatest accordion player who has ever lived.
  • I cannot conceal our condition from the british indefinitely.
  • Because I cannot stay within these walls.
  • I cannot change Papa's mind.
  • I cannot begin to imagine the pain.
  • I cannot make sticky with anyone else.
  • And even I cannot convincingly whip myself.
  • I cannot precisely pinpoint its location.
  • I cannot sell makeup when civilization is collapsing.
  • I cannot fathom my father's regret.
  • I cannot parse these words or their meanings.
  • What I cannot ignore is your betrayal.
  • I cannot contemplate such a thing.
  • I cannot support closing places of worship.

Alternatives:

  • I can't
  • I'm unable to

I can not

This phrase is correct but less common in English. It may be used for emphasis or to create a pause between the words.

Use "I can not" for emphasis or to create a pause between the words, but it is less common than "I cannot".

Examples:

  • I can not believe my eyes.
  • I can not, in good conscience, support this decision.
  • May 19, 2009 ... 1451 Paston Lett. 140 I. 186 Other tydyngs as yett can I non tell you. Ibid. 172 I. 229 Whethir it be thus or non I can not say. 15.. Plumpton Corr.
  • Feb 15, 2010 ... "I can not eat ice cream" Means that I have the ability to choose to not eat it. ( Could be used ... "I can not drink if I want to". Versus...See More.
  • Oct 22, 2013 ... I can not make love to you. (Same as above. But also: Reckon with the possibility of my refusing to make love to you. Put differently: I am able to ...
  • I like big butts and I can not lie. You other brothers can't deny. That when a girl walks in with an itty bitty waist. And a round thing in your face. You get sprung

Alternatives:

  • I cannot
  • I can't

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