Usage of Cannot and Can't
In published, edited English prose, cannot is far more common than can not. An exception is usually made when the not following can is part of another phrase, such as "not only"; in such instances can not is the usual choice.
We can not only hope but also expect to succeed.
Can't has the same meaning as cannot, but as with contractions in general, it is somewhat informal.
Cite this Entry
“Can't.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/can%27t. Accessed 15 Nov. 2025.
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