What is cannot? Pronunciation and usage in English

cannot means . Learn how to pronounce and use cannot through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of cannot

cannotcontraction

/ˈkanɒt//ˈkanət//kaˈnɒt/
Definition & pronunciation of cannot

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "cannot" in English. It's a tricky one for many learners! Here's a breakdown:

1. The Core Sound:

  • "Can": This part is relatively straightforward. It sounds like "kæn" - almost like "can" as in "I can do it." The "a" is a short, open "a" sound, like in "father."

  • "Not": This is where it gets a bit more complex. It's pronounced "nɒt" (rhymes with "pot").

    • "No": Pronounced "no" as in “no way.”
    • "t": The "t" is silent.

2. Putting it Together:

You blend these two parts together, but with a slight pause (a very short one) between them. This pause is crucial.

3. The Full Pronunciation:

The most common and accepted pronunciation of "cannot" is:

“kæn-nɒt” (Think "can - not")

Here’s a helpful breakdown of the sounds:

  • kæn: /kæn/ (rhymes with "pan")
  • nɒt: /nɒt/ (the "o" is a short, rounded vowel sound, like in "hot" or "pot")

Resources for Hearing It:

Tips for Getting it Right:

  • Emphasis: The emphasis is usually on the first syllable ("can").
  • Short Pause: Really try to feel that tiny pause between the "can" and the "not." It's a subtle but important element.
  • Practice: Repeat the word slowly and deliberately, focusing on mimicking the sounds you hear in the resources above.

Would you like me to:

  • Break it down in a different way?
  • Give you some practice words to help you?

Usage and examples with the word cannot in English

Let's break down how to use "cannot" in English. It's a common and important word, but it has specific ways it's used.

1. Expressing Lack of Ability (Most Common)

This is the most frequent use of "cannot." It means you are unable to do something.

  • Structure: cannot + base form of the verb
  • Examples:
    • "I cannot swim very well." (I lack the ability to swim well.)
    • "She cannot speak French." (She doesn't have the skill to speak French.)
    • "They cannot lift that heavy box." (They are physically unable to lift it.)
    • "He cannot understand the instructions." (He doesn't have the comprehension.)

2. Expressing Prohibition or Restriction (Often with "must not")

"Cannot" is often used with "must not" to indicate something that is forbidden or not allowed. This is very common in rules and regulations.

  • Structure: cannot + verb + (to + infinitive) (This is more formal)

  • Examples:

    • "You cannot enter the restricted area." (It is forbidden to enter.)
    • "Students cannot use their phones during the exam." (Using phones is prohibited.)
    • "The car cannot be driven over 60 mph." (Driving faster is not permitted.)

  • Shortened form (more conversational): "Don't can" – Though less formal, this is increasingly common and generally accepted. However, "must not" is the preferred, more formal option.

3. Expressing Negative Possibilities (Less Common, More Formal)

In formal contexts, “cannot” can express a strong negative possibility. It’s similar to “must not” but focuses on the impossibility of something happening.

  • Structure: cannot + be + adjective/noun
  • Examples:
    • "The meeting cannot be rescheduled." (It is impossible to reschedule the meeting.)
    • "The solution cannot be found easily." (It's not possible to find a simple solution.)
    • "The damage cannot be repaired." (It is impossible to fix the damage.)

Key Differences & Comparisons

  • Cannot vs. Can't: "Cannot" is the full form and is generally more formal. "Can't" is the contracted form (cannot + not). Both are widely used and understood. "Can't" is more common in everyday speech.
  • Cannot vs. Must Not: "Cannot" expresses inability. "Must not" expresses prohibition. They sometimes overlap (e.g., "You cannot cross the street," is equivalent to "You must not cross the street").
  • Cannot vs. Won't: "Cannot" refers to a lack of ability. “Won’t” refers to a choice not to do something.
    • "I cannot open this lock." (I lack the ability.)
    • "I won't open the door." (I choose not to.)

Tips for Using "Cannot" Correctly:

  • Be consistent: Choose whether you want to use the full "cannot" or the contracted "can't" and stick with it within a sentence or paragraph.
  • Context matters: Consider the formality of the situation and your audience. “Cannot” is often more appropriate in formal writing or speech.

Do you want me to:

  • Give you more examples?
  • Focus on a specific scenario (e.g., using it in a business email)?
  • Explain how it differs from a similar word (like "will not")?

Synonyms for the word cannot

Practice with vocabulary cannot

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. Due to the heavy rain, we _______ proceed with the outdoor event as planned.
  2. She _______ understand why the project was delayed without further explanation.
  3. Students _______ access the library during the renovation period.
  4. He _______ decide between the two job offers because they both seem equally appealing.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which of the following expresses impossibility?
    a) cannot
    b) must not
    c) should not
    d) might not

  2. In formal writing, which word is best to replace "can't" to maintain professionalism?
    a) cannot
    b) may not
    c) won't
    d) shouldn't

  3. Which sentence is grammatically correct?
    a) She cannot attend the meeting tomorrow.
    b) She will not allowed to attend the meeting tomorrow.
    c) She might not attends the meeting tomorrow.
    d) She should not attends the meeting tomorrow.

  4. Which word best fits this sentence: "The system _______ process your request at this time. Please try again later."
    a) is unable to
    b) cannot
    c) must not
    d) should not

  5. Which word is closest in meaning to "unable to"?
    a) might not
    b) cannot
    c) should not
    d) will not

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: It is impossible for me to meet the deadline.
    Rewrite: _______________

  2. Original: The machine is not functioning properly, so it won’t complete the task.
    Rewrite: _______________

  3. Original: She isn’t allowed to enter the restricted area.
    Rewrite: _______________

Answer:

Exercise 1:

  1. cannot
  2. cannot
  3. cannot
  4. cannot

Exercise 2:

  1. a) cannot
  2. a) cannot
  3. a) She cannot attend the meeting tomorrow.
  4. b) cannot
  5. b) cannot

Exercise 3:

  1. I cannot meet the deadline.
  2. The machine cannot complete the task because it is not functioning properly.
  3. She is prohibited from entering the restricted area.

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