CAN'T/CANNOT/CAN NOT?😬 Only 9 mins to learn!

Summary

In this video, the creator explains the differences between 'can't,' 'cannot,' and 'can not' in English. While 'can't' and 'cannot' have the same meaning, 'can't' is a more informal, contracted version used in everyday conversation, whereas 'cannot' is formal and preferred in professional or academic settings. The creator also clarifies that 'can not' (separated) is incorrect except in specific cases where 'not' begins a new phrase. The video provides useful examples and tips for understanding these terms and emphasizes the importance of context when choosing between them.

Takeaways

• 😀 Can't and cannot are both forms of the negative of 'can', but 'can't' is the informal, contracted version used in everyday speech and writing.
• 😀 'Cannot' is the more formal version, commonly used in professional, academic, and serious settings to maintain clarity and formality.
• 😀 The apostrophe in 'can't' represents omitted letters from 'cannot', signaling it's a contraction.
• 😀 'Cannot' is preferred in formal writing like essays, letters, or workplace communication to convey professionalism.
• 😀 In informal communication, 'can't' is quicker and more natural, which is why it's often used in spoken and casual written English.
• 😀 The term 'can not' (with a space) does not exist as a valid contraction or form of 'cannot'; it is a common mistake.
• 😀 The only exception where 'can not' might appear is when 'not' is part of a phrase like 'not only', separating 'can' and 'not' into different segments of the sentence.
• 😀 A sentence like 'We can not only see the beach but the islands' illustrates the usage of 'can' and 'not' separately as part of a larger phrase.
• 😀 Even in spoken English, you can use both 'can't' and 'cannot', but 'cannot' is more commonly used in formal, written contexts.
• 😀 It’s essential to remember that 'cannot' is always written as one word (cannot), never with a space between 'can' and 'not'.

Q & A

What is the difference between 'can't', 'cannot', and 'can not'?

'Can't' is a contracted form of 'cannot' and is more informal. 'Cannot' is the full, formal version used in professional or academic settings. 'Can not' is not a proper form in English and does not exist, except in certain cases when it's part of a specific phrase like 'not only'.

Why is 'can't' used instead of 'cannot' in everyday language?

'Can't' is used because it's shorter, quicker, and more natural in informal spoken and written English. It helps people communicate more efficiently.

When should 'cannot' be used?

'Cannot' is typically used in formal settings like professional or academic environments where clear, proper communication is required.

Can 'cannot' be used in spoken English?

Yes, 'cannot' can be used in spoken English, but it is more common in formal settings. In everyday casual conversations, 'can't' is preferred.

What does the apostrophe in 'can't' signify?

The apostrophe in 'can't' indicates the omission of letters from the word 'cannot'. It's used to show that letters have been removed when the word is contracted.

Is it ever correct to write 'can not' as two separate words?

'Can not' is not a proper form and should not be used as a replacement for 'cannot'. However, 'can not' might appear in specific phrases like 'not only', but this is an exception.

What is an example of 'can not' used correctly in a sentence?

An example is 'From our hotel room, we can not only see the beach but the islands.' Here, 'can' and 'not' are part of different phrases ('can' and 'not only').

Why do we use 'cannot' instead of 'can't' in formal writing?

'Cannot' is used in formal writing because it sounds more serious and professional. It is considered clearer and more appropriate in settings like business letters, essays, and academic papers.

How does the use of 'cannot' affect communication in a professional environment?

Using 'cannot' in professional environments ensures that communication is clear, formal, and precise. It avoids the casual tone that 'can't' might carry, which could be seen as too informal for such settings.

Is it wrong to use 'cannot' with friends or in social settings?

No, it is not wrong to use 'cannot' in social settings, but it is less common. People tend to use 'can't' in casual conversations for ease and naturalness, while 'cannot' sounds more formal.