Why I can not do this vs Why can’t I do this

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Why can't I do this?' is the more common and natural way to ask a question about the inability to do something. 'Why I cannot do this' is less common and sounds more formal or poetic.

Last updated: March 30, 2024 • 822 views

This phrase is correct but less common. It sounds more formal or poetic.

"Why I can not do this"

This phrase is a valid way to express a question about the inability to do something, but it is less commonly used in everyday language.

Show examples from the web [+]

That is why I do not think that we can leave this matter until later on.

Alternatives:

why can't I do this?
why am I unable to do this?
why is it that I cannot do this?
why is this not possible for me?
why do I lack the ability to do this?

This phrase is correct and commonly used in everyday language.

"Why can’t I do this"

This phrase is the more common and natural way to ask a question about the inability to do something in everyday language.

Show examples from the web [+]

Why can't I do this anymore?
Why can't I learn to do this right?
Which is a giant part of why I can't do this without you.
Which is a giant part of why I can't do this without you.
This is why I can't do this anymore.
You stop telling me why I can't do this and you start figuring out how I can.
Why can't I do any spells?
Why can't I feel indifferent?
She said, why can't I be like my older sister.
Why can't I do it anymore?
Why can't I do it just a little?
Why can't I do that too?
Why can't I do both?
Why can't I do it forever?
Why can't I do it from here?
Why can't I do like the daughter of the American?
Why can't people see that someone's doing a bad job, I don't know.
Then why can't I pronounce it?
So why can't I call Hanne?
Why can't I just leave? That's what Kozinski and Hodges were trying to do.

Alternatives:

why can I not do this?
why am I unable to do this?
why is it that I cannot do this?
why is this not possible for me?
why do I lack the ability to do this?

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Why I can not do this vs Why can’t I do this