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  1. differences - When to use "cannot" versus "can't"? - English …

    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 …

  2. What is the difference between "can not", "cannot", and "can't"?

    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 …

  3. "Can not" vs. "cannot" - English Language & Usage Stack Exchange

    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 …

  4. Why is “cannot” spelled as one word? - English Language & Usage ...

    Oct 18, 2013 · Why is “cannot” spelled as one word whereas other similar constructions such as “do not,” “will not,” “shall not,” “may not” and “must not” are spelled as two words (unless they …

  5. The usage of "can not" vs. "cannot" in mathematics

    Sep 19, 2023 · So here it’s about minimizing ambiguity: can not permits two interpretations, while cannot permits only one. Such care is critical in the language of mathematics. As another …

  6. meaning - What is the correct way to use "neither" and "nor" in a ...

    Jun 16, 2011 · I cannot find the tool, it is neither in the kitchen nor in the bathroom. I dislike that punctuation and I would either use a semicolon or make it two sentences. But if the sentence …

  7. grammaticality - Is it incorrect to say, "Why cannot....?" - English ...

    Feb 15, 2012 · Cannot is the only negative form that contains not rather than -n't. Theoretically, since it is a single word, you can say why cannot you... without a problem. My theory is that …

  8. double negation - Is "cannot not say" standard English? - English ...

    Nov 8, 2013 · 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 …

  9. If I am writing a formal letter, should I use "can't," "cannot," or ...

    Dec 10, 2018 · Stick with cannot. Can't tends to be informal, and can not is usually considered a typo.

  10. A person who cannot understand that there may be other …

    Jun 10, 2014 · 4 I'm searching for a word to describe a person who cannot understand that there may be different perspectives. I initially thought of single-minded, but that pertains to …