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- Can’t is a contraction of cannot, and it’s best suited for informal writing. In formal writing and where contractions are frowned upon, use cannot. It is possible to write can not, but you generally find it only as part of some other construction, such as “not only... but also.”
www.grammarly.com/blog/commonly-confused-words/cannot-or-can-not/
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‘Cannot’ vs. ‘Can Not’: Is there a difference? You can learn all about them. What to Know. Both cannot and can not are perfectly fine, but cannot is far more common and is therefore recommended, especially in any kind of formal writing. Can't has the same meaning, but as with contractions in general, it is somewhat informal.
Feb 1, 2024 · “Cannot” and “can not” might seem interchangeable, but a subtle difference sets them apart. While “cannot” offers simplicity and conventionality, suitable for most situations, “can not” provides emphasis or contrast in specific contexts.
Mar 4, 2021 · Both cannot and can’t mean that a person or object does not have the ability to do something. They can also mean that someone does not have permission when can takes the place of may. However, you wouldn’t necessarily use them in the same contexts.
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Oct 23, 2014 · OED-cannot definition: the ordinary modern way of writing can not. Both cannot and can not are acceptable spellings. There’s no difference in meaning between cannot and can not. but the cannot is much more usual. Some references from ELU - can't vs cannot.
When it comes to choosing between ‘cannot’ and ‘can not’, several factors come into play. These include regional preferences, style guide rules, context of usage in sentences, intended tone or emphasis as well as punctuation.
Jan 4, 2023 · Distinguishing between “can not” and “cannot” can be tricky, but it’s a fundamental skill in mastering English grammar. Though used interchangeably by many, these two expressions do have subtle differences in usage.