modal verb

cannot

cannot, can't

I cannot open this jar.

I cannot open this jar.

You cannot be serious.

You cannot be serious.

((cannot)) ((+ base verb)) to be unable to do sth. I cannot open this jar.

Synonyms: unable to, impossible to

From Middle English 'can' + 'not'. It is written as one word, unlike other modal + not combinations (e.g., 'will not').

Remember that 'cannot' is one word. The two-word form 'can not' is used for emphasis or in specific structures.

This page is designed for learning support. Please use it as a learning reference, not as a formal reference.