cannot
- 01 A1 Beginner
to be unable to do something because of a lack of ability or power.
denotes a lack of physical or mental ability to perform an action. This form is more formal than the contraction 'can't'.
Simple“I cannot swim very well, so I prefer to stay in the shallow water.”
In context“The patient cannot walk without assistance until the physical therapist confirms that the bone has fully healed.”
PitfallI can not go to the party. I cannot go to the party.In modern English, 'cannot' is written as one word. Only use 'can not' if the word 'not' belongs to a different phrase, like 'not only'.
- 02 A2 Elementary
used to say that something is not possible or cannot be true.
expresses logical impossibility or the certain conclusion that a state of affairs does not exist.
Simple“It cannot be midnight already; I only just started my homework.”
In context“Given the current evidence, it cannot be argued that the project was a total failure, as several key targets were met.”
SynonymsAntonyms - 03 A2 Elementary
used to say that someone is not permitted to do something.
denotes prohibition or the absence of permission to perform an action.
Simple“You cannot park your car here because it is a private driveway.”
In context“Visitors cannot enter the laboratory without wearing protective clothing and a security badge.”
Synonyms
Usage cannot afford · cannot easily · cannot continue
From can + not.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.