Home of English Grammar

Grammar Guide
  • Home
  • Exercises
  • Matches
  • Rules
  • Tools
    • Grammar Checker
    • Very Replacer
    • Word Counter
  • Top Social Media Posts
  • Various Posts
  • Vocabulary
  • Writing Guides
  • Contact

Cannot, can not, and can’t: when each form works

July 21, 2026 - pdf

Cannot, can not, and can't: when each form works

Cannot is the standard full form in modern English. In most sentences, if you mean be unable to, write cannot as one word: I cannot attend today.

Can’t is simply the contraction of cannot. It means the same thing, but it is more informal: I can’t attend today.

Can not as two words is much less common. Use it when not belongs to a separate construction rather than directly to can. The most common example is not only: You can not only attend, but also present.

A useful quick check is this: if you can replace the phrase with cannot and keep the same meaning, use the one word form. If not is part of something like not only, two words may be correct.

  • Cannot: We cannot park here.
  • Can’t: We can’t park here.
  • Can not: She can not only sing, but also compose.
  • Share
  • Post
  • Post
  • Reddit
  • Email
  • WhatsApp
NEW: Try Matches, our daily vocabulary challenge. Pick a topic and level and match words with definitions to boost your vocabulary.
2,485,429 
761,532 
Improve Your Grammar
  • Download 2026 Grammar Guide (PDF)
  • Free Weekly Exercises & Vocabulary
  • Join over 3 Million English Learners
We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe anytime.

Grammar Checker

GrammarCheck.net - Try online
Hint → Bookmark GrammarCheck for future use.

Latest Posts

  • 100 Best Synonyms for “Overwhelming” July 21, 2026
  • 100 Words Every IT Project Coordinator Should Know July 21, 2026
  • 100 Words to Describe Hotels July 21, 2026
  • 100 Best Synonyms for “Overcast” July 21, 2026
  • 100 Best Synonyms for “Opposite” July 21, 2026
  • 100 Questions to Ask Before Renting an Apartment July 21, 2026
  • Cannot, can not, and can’t: when each form works July 21, 2026

Copyright © 2026 · EnglishGrammar.org
Disclaimer · Pro · Privacy Policy · Refund Policy · Sitemap · Terms

Improve Your Grammar
  • Download 2026 Grammar Guide (PDF)
  • Free Weekly Exercises & Vocabulary
  • Join over 3 Million English Learners
We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe anytime.