CANNOT or CAN NOT?
Although both these words are correct and used all over the world, CANNOT is more widely used in standard (formal) written English, and, no doubt, the majority of the renowned writers prefer to use it.
The form CAN NOT is, however, widely used in informal written English.
But there are certain situations in which CAN NOT must be preferred. For example:
"Jane CAN NOT only sing, but also dance".
In this sentence, using CANNOT may cause a little confusion.
Likewise, if you want to say/write something emphatically, use CAN NOT even in formal context as in:
"You CAN NOT enter the class tomorrow without your notebook".
A final word: if you are so confused about using the right form of the word, then use "CAN'T". No doubt the orthodox purists of the language may frown upon it, arguing that it is the colloquial contraction. But, definitely though slowly, CAN'T is getting popularity in the world of both formal as well as written English.
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Good Night
Binu Jacob (Nova English Campus, Amritsar)
1 comment:
Dearest Binu ji,
Thanks for imparting knowledge on the differnt uses of 'cant, cannot and can not'. Ofcourse, your additions are always helpful. I personally believe that you always intend to choose simple, common and familiar words but show them in a different manner. Keep up!
I have a doubt in using 'would have'. Could you please clarify its usage with suitable examples in your upcoming addition. I will be grateful to you for this.
Blessings,
Pooja
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