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Can not vs Cannot
Difference, Examples & Quiz

What's the difference? Which one is correct?

Can not

Definition: The phrase 'Can not' is a contraction of 'cannot', which means 'is not able to' or 'is not permitted to'. It is used to express inability or prohibition.

Usage: The phrase 'Can not' is commonly used in formal writing or when emphasizing a negative statement.

Example sentences:
  • 1. I can not attend the meeting tomorrow.
  • 2. He can not swim.
  • 3. You can not enter without a ticket.
Cannot

Definition: 'Cannot' is a contraction of 'can not', which means 'is not able to' or 'is not permitted to'. It is used to express inability or prohibition.

Usage: 'Cannot' is the more commonly used form in modern English.

Example sentences:
  • 1. I cannot believe what just happened.
  • 2. She cannot solve the math problem.
  • 3. We cannot afford to buy a new car.

The words "can not" and "cannot" have the same meaning, but "cannot" is the more formal and preferred spelling. Both are used to indicate the inability to do something.

Quizzes about "Can not" vs "Cannot"

Can not vs Cannot: 5 Quizzes

1. What is the correct spelling?

2. Which spelling is correct?

3. What is the proper way to spell it?

4. Which spelling is accurate?

5. What is the correct way to write it?

FAQs

  • Can not

    The phrase 'Can not' is a contraction of 'cannot', which means 'unable to' or 'not able to'. It is used to express impossibility or inability to do something.

  • Cannot

    'Cannot' is a word that means 'unable to' or 'not able to'. It is used to express impossibility or inability to do something.

  • What does 'Can not' mean?

    'Can not' is a contraction of 'cannot', which means 'unable to' or 'not able to'. It is used to express impossibility or inability to do something.

  • What is the meaning of 'Cannot'?

    'Cannot' is a word that means 'unable to' or 'not able to'. It is used to express impossibility or inability to do something.

  • How to use 'Can not' correctly?

    To use 'Can not' correctly, you should write it as 'cannot' without a space between 'can' and 'not'. It is a single word that expresses impossibility or inability to do something.