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- Can not, as two separate words, is not a proper verb phrase. When describing an action which is impossible, you should always use cannot. The words can and not should only appear together when they are part of separate but adjacent phrases.
writingexplained.org/cannot-or-can-not-differenceCannot or Can Not: What’s the Difference? - Writing Explained
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What does can not mean? Can not, as two separate words, is not a proper verb phrase. When describing an action which is impossible, you should always use cannot. The words can and not should only appear together when they are part of separate but adjacent phrases. For example, By buying two cakes, Alina can not only have her cake, but she can ...
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.” Examples
This dictionary defines cannot as “can not.” The word and the phrase mean exactly the same thing: both are the negation of the very common and useful verb can . The only difference between them is that the closed form, cannot , is much more common.
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.
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Feb 1, 2024 · “Cannot” offers simplicity and conventionality, suitable for most situations, while “can not” provides emphasis or contrast in specific contexts—as well as its use in correlatives. Finally, “can’t” voices a different sentiment in your text or writing.
Mar 28, 2024 · When it comes to “cannot” vs. “can not,” the former is the go-to choice for formal writing, while the latter has specific uses in phrases like “not only… but also.” Being aware of these distinctions allows you to write well-structured, persuasive content that appeals to your target audience.
Jul 13, 2020 · The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) defines “cannot” as “the ordinary modern way of writing can not,” which infers that the two-word form entered the English Language before “cannot” or “can’t.”