Cannot vs. Can not

Have you ever thought to yourself as to why we have two negation forms in the English form in the English language? Well, I'll tell you why.

"Cannot" vs. "Can not" in the English Grammar

What Is Their Main Difference?

Both of these words look the same but they are completely different. 'Cannot' in the negation of 'can'. 'Can not', however, is used when we want to to the structure 'not only but also'.

Differences

'Cannot' is the negative form of 'can'. It can be used in written, formal English. Look:

I really cannot do anything for you.

They cannot treat her like that.

We mainly use 'can not' to indicate that someone can do something along with other things. It is mainly used with the 'not only but also' structure' Check out the following examples:

The police can not only stop this mess, but they can also prevent it from occurring again in the future.

My parents can not only have an amicable divorce, but they can also live their own lives and fell satisfied.

Similarities

They do not have any similarities.

Are They Interchangeable?

We cannot use them interchangeably because using 'can not' to negate a sentence is wrong. Compare:

✓ I said I cannot come.

X I said I can not come.

Comments

Loading recaptcha
  • linkedin
  • linkedin
  • facebook
  • facebook
  • email

You might also like

Continual vs. Continuous

Have you ever wondered about the differences between these two? No? Well, since they can be tricky sometimes, I'll show you how to use them correctly.

Cocoa vs. Cacao

What do you think about these two words? Do they have any differences or similarities? Have you read anything about them before?

Client vs. Customer

What Are the similarities between 'client' and 'customer'? Do they have any differences? How about similarities? Well then, let's find out.

Convince vs. Persuade

Have you ever wondered about these two verbs? Well, in this lesson, I'm gonna tell you about the little details of each of them.

Cloths vs. Clothes

I know they differ in only one letter, but I think it's better we discuss them cause they might become confusing sometimes.

Climactic vs. Climatic

In this lesson, we're gonna analyze the differences and similarities between 'climactic' and 'climatic'. No need to worry. They're not difficult.
LanGeek
Download LanGeek app