Apr 20, 2021 · The words "cannot" and "can't" only mean "not able to." The phrase "can not" may mean "cannot" or "can't," but it also may mean "able not to," which is much different than "not …

Both are acceptable, but cannot is now more common. OED has this much to say about cannot: (ˈkænət) the ordinary modern way of writing can not: see CAN v. Notwithstanding, in some …

Aug 20, 2012 · Stylistically, the choice between can't and cannot is more complex. Generally, people use can't in speech and informal writing, and cannot or can not in formal writing or very …

Sep 19, 2023 · The terms cannot and can not are identical in meaning and are typically considered to be alternate forms of one another. However, the form cannot is much more …

Oct 18, 2013 · The construction cannot help but probably arose as a blend of cannot help and cannot but; it has the meaning of the first and the syntax of the second: We cannot help but …

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 …

Dec 10, 2018 · "Cannot" can be written in almost all cases but it's also possible to use "can not". You generally need to use it only if it's a part of some other construction, such as "not …

Jun 16, 2011 · The tool cannot be found in the kitchen. The tool cannot be found in the bathroom. Which is the correct sentence to represent the situation above? I can find the tool neither in …

Sep 18, 2014 · If you suffer from obsessive-compulsive disorder, then you cannot control your impulses. You can't help it, but you exhibit undesirable behavior. There are other explanations …

Dec 26, 2018 · Similar topic ("cannot/must not underestimate") here A Google search for "hard to understate" (with quote marks) mostly returns examples of misuse. Share Improve this answer