Aug 20, 2012 · When is it best to write "can't" versus writing "cannot"? Are they interchangeable in every situation?

Is there a difference in meaning and/or connotation between "can not" and "cannot"? I have read and seen both used interchangeably, but I know people who argue for a slight difference in …

Apr 20, 2021 · The phrase "can not" may mean "cannot" or "can't," but it also may mean "able not to," which is much different than "not able to" as it conveys the ability to not do something …

Oct 23, 2014 · So, "cannot" means something (denoted S) is impossible, while "can not" means the inverse of that something (denoted !S) is possible. These two statements do not imply …

Sep 19, 2023 · All uses of "can not" must be eliminated, because the reader cannot be sure of what the author intends. He believes that "can not" can be confusing and goes against the …

May 15, 2020 · The auxiliary may can suggest potential ("You may have won something") or permission ("You may not leave your boots in the hall"). The problem is, the term is somewhat …

Dec 26, 2013 · With parts of be and modals (can, should etc), the two forms Isn't he, won't you, shouldn't they and Is he not, will you not, should they not are in free variation. Some people …

Jan 16, 2017 · Closed 8 years ago. Can anyone explain the difference between cannot and can’t is? Is the only difference that cannot is more formal than can’t is?

Oct 29, 2010 · The only acceptable form for the unabbreviated negative of can (or, if you prefer, for the expansion of can't) is cannot, one word. Take from all that what you will.

Dec 4, 2015 · I can't swim here - this does not necessarily mean you do not know how to, it can also be because you are bound by some rules etc (you may be banned from the pool, say). I …