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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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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.
Jan 4, 2023 · Understanding the Difference: Can Not vs. Cannot. Let’s dive right into one of English language’s tricky duos: “can not” and “cannot.” You’ve probably seen both used, which might leave you scratching your head. After all, they look similar, but do they mean the same thing? The answer is yes… and no.
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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Feb 1, 2024 · Within English grammar, nuances often lie within the smallest details. “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.
May 9, 2024 · Both “cannot” and “can not” are used in British English. “Cannot” is more common and generally preferred in formal writing, while “can not” might appear in contexts where emphasis on the negation is required.
Oct 23, 2014 · They do mean the same thing, but common usage over time has made one form more "usual" than the other (namely cannot). It's similar to contractions ( can't , don't , won't ), except it seems acceptable to use cannot in a formal setting whereas contractions are frowned upon.