Could you tell me please, about can not and cannot?

Question

Could you tell me, please:

Which is the different between can not and cannot?

Thanks.

What is the difference................ - ian-hill, Oct 19, 2011

thanks Jan-hill, the problem is because I translate - maylegoas, Oct 19, 2011

Answer 1

"can't" is informal. In writing, "cannot" is more common. Say "can not" if you want to emphasize the NOT, if the tone is sharp. Ex. You can NOT have my sandwich!

Exactly! - territurtle, Oct 19, 2011

OK bailarina95 it is important to know this, thanks - maylegoas, Oct 19, 2011

good - ian-hill, Oct 19, 2011

Answer 2

"Cannot" is one word.

"Can't" is the abbreviation.

Edit:

Both "cannot" and "can not" are acceptable, although it's more common to see the one-word spelling of "cannot."

Thanks Mariana - maylegoas, Oct 19, 2011

This is correct May - ian-hill, Oct 19, 2011

Answer 3

One of the best ways I have seen it put is the following:

The Washington State University language site says:

These two spellings [cannot/can not] are largely interchangeable, but by far the most common is “cannot” and you should probably use it except when you want to be emphatic:

“No, you can not wash the dog in the Maytag.”

And then dry the dog in the microwave. - samdie, Oct 19, 2011

What is Maytag? - maylegoas, Oct 19, 2011

Maytag is a brand name for a household washing machine which washes clothes. - territurtle, Oct 20, 2011

Yep, Samdie, I think drying the dog in the microwave *definitely* qualifies! ;-)) - territurtle, Oct 20, 2011