Can not-Cannot | Commonly Confused Words
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Can not vs. Cannot

Can not

/kæn nɑt/
Not being able to do something or lacking permission

Examples:

We can not continue until the issue is resolved.The concert can not start without the lead singer.She can not finish the project by tomorrow's deadline.

Synonyms:

Antonyms:

Cannot

/ˈkænət/
A contraction used to express that someone is unable to do something

Examples:

John cannot attend the meeting tomorrow.She cannot find her favorite book anywhere.We cannot allow the project to fail.

Synonyms:

This word has no synonyms

Antonyms:

Ways to tell them apart:

etymology
  • Cannot is the more common form of the word and is often preferred in writing.
  • Use cannot as a single word to indicate the inability to do something more formally.
  • Can not is less common but can be used when emphasizing the word not.
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