Aug 20, 2012 · Generally, people use can't in speech and informal writing, and cannot or can not in formal writing or very formal speech. Also (as @Kris points out in a comment), cannot might …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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.

9 "cannot not say" would only rarely be used in English, and only in very specific circumstances. In particular, this is not a simple double negative. "cannot not" does not mean the same as …

Dec 2, 2011 · It's only my opinion, but I think can't (similarly, let's) are examples of grammaticalisation. The contracted form has effectively taken on a "life of its own", leading to …

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?