CAN VS CAN'T
The words "can" and "can't" mean the same thing. So why do so many people write "CAN" when they should be writing "CAN'T"?
Most people believe that saying CAN is more powerful than saying CAN'T, but it's really about emphasis. When you say CAN in a sentence, it implies ownership or capability. For example: I can ride my bike down the street without a problem or I can clean up this mess in no time flat! But when you say CAN'T you're putting something down, declaring that it won't happen or implying impossibility. For example: I can't ride my bike down the street without a problem or I can't clean up this mess in no time flat!
Another way to look at the difference between CAN and CAN'T is the difference between possibility and certainty. When you say "CAN" you're speaking with less certainty, but when you say "CAN'T" then there is little doubt about your statement.
An easy way to remember how to use these words correctly is to translate: If you're talking about a possibility, use "can." If you're certain about something that won't happen, use "can't. " According to this logic, "I can't" means "I don't think that's true," and "I can" means "I think it's true."
Here are some more examples using these words:
CAN I go to the party? - I can't. I don't think I can.
CAN'T we go to the party? - We sure can't. We know it won't happen.
CAN YOU drive the car? - Yes, I can (but not confidently). No, you CAN'T (but not confidently). [Note: If you want someone else to do something for you, use CAN. But if you want them to do it for themselves, use CAN'T. Also, if you want them to be able to do something in the future, don't use CAN. Use CAN'T.]
CAN YOU drive the car? - Yes, I CAN. No, YOU CAN'T [or "No, you can't".]
CAN WE go to the movies? - Yes we can (but not confidently). No we can't (but not confidently).
CAN I get tickets for us all? - Sure, you can! You can get tickets for all of us anytime! [Note: If you want someone else to do something for you, use "can. " But if you want them to do it for themselves, use "can't". Also, if you want them to be able to do something in the future, don't use "can. " Use "can't".]
CAN WE go on a diet? - Yes we can (but not confidently). No, we can't (but not confidently).
CAN I attach this paper? - Sure you can! You are capable of doing that task!
CAN'T I attach this paper? - No. You're not capable of doing that task!
CAN YOU open this jar for me? - Sure! Here you go. You can do it!
CAN'T YOU open this jar for me? - I'm sorry, but I can't. It's not my ability, but it's the strength of the jar's lid that prevents me from opening it.
CAN WE go to the movies? - Sure we can (but not confidently). No we can't (but not confidently).
CAN I get tickets for us all? - Yes you can! You have no doubt that you will be able to get tickets for all of us anytime!
CAN'T he teach this class tomorrow? - No, He can't. The university told him he has one more day before taking a leave of absence.
CAN'T he teach this class tomorrow? - No, he can't. It's against Hoyle to do something with a conflict of interest. [Note: "Hoyle" is a set of rules for card games.]
Some people say that "you can't" should be written as "you cannot." But except in very formal letters and emails, you should use the form "can't." The word is derived from the phrase cannot and not from the word can. In fact, the word CAN'T is how most people say it when they talk (I can't ). So don't be concerned with using apostrophes.
CAN I go to the party? - CAN'T we go to the party?
CAN'T he teach this class tomorrow? - CAN he teach this class tomorrow?
CAN YOU open this jar for me? - CAN you open this jar for me?
CAN WE go to the movies? - CAN we go to the movies?
CAN I get tickets for us all? - CAN I get tickets for us all?
If you have any questions about grammar or language, please feel free to comment or contact me at: canvs.can't@gmail.com . (The "vs." is supposed to be a colon. )
CAN YOU open this jar for me? CAN you open this jar for me? CAN'T YOU open this jar for me? CAN I open this jar for you? CAN I get tickets for us all?
CAN WE go to the movies? CAN we go to the movies? CAN WE go on a diet? can we get tickets for all of us anytime!
CAN'T he teach this class tomorrow? CAN'T he teach this class tomorrow? CAN'T he teach another class tomorrow ?
CAN'T we go on a diet ? Can't we get tickets for all of us anytime!
can vs cant.
by josiah
can: Can is used when the action is possible, but the person has doubts about it. For example, "Can I have this snack?" means you are asking for permission to have something. However, if a parent responds with "You can't have this snack," you do not get to have a snack, because you were not able to convince your parent otherwise. If you ask for permission, and the other person responds "you can," then you know that it is possible for them to give it to you (they just may decline).
CAN'T: Can't can be used when a person knows they are unable to perform an action. For example, "I can't play this game," means that you know that it is not possible for you to play the game. This can be used when you have tried to do something and it was too hard. It can also be used when a person has accidentally broken something and had to pay for it.
CAN: Can is used when a person does not doubt their ability to perform an action, but is unsure about another's ability to do so. For example, "Can she go?" means that someone does not have the ability to go themselves, but they are asking if some else does. It can be used in many cases where there is doubt about the action being taken (such as "Can I go?").
Conclusion:
Can is used when a person can do something, but they are unsure of someone else's ability to do the same. Cannot is used when a person is unable to do something, regardless of whether they know it or not. Can't is used when someone knows they cannot do something, but will continue trying anyways.
*Edited 11/3/* MAYBE THE REST OF THIS SHOULD BE ADDED TO THE EXAMPLE ABOVE. IT IS APART FROM THE PHRASES AND WORDS SHOWN HERE THAT MAKES UP THE ENTIRE ARTICLE SO STILL HAVE PLENTY OF WORK TO DO ON THIS TOPIC.