cannot

Saying Something Is Not Possible

Level 1

Cannot can express inability, refusal or a rule against an action: Here cannot park. The context decides which meaning is intended; it is not limited to a person's skill.

How It Works

Cannot can reject an action because it is impossible, beyond someone's ability or against a rule. Here cannot park usually concerns a rule about parking. I cannot reach it describes an inability in that situation.

In a short reply, the action can remain understood: Can finish today? Cannot. The reply says the proposed deadline does not work. Do not add a reason such as a law or a lack of skill unless the conversation supports it. Cannot and can't are both encountered; this card teaches the meaning of the negative modal, not one mandatory pronunciation.

Examples (4)

  1. I cannot reach the top shelf.

    I am unable to reach the top shelf.

  2. Here cannot park.

    Parking is not allowed here.

  3. This box cannot fit in the bag.

    This box will not fit in the bag.

  4. Finish by five, can? Cannot, too much work.

    Can you finish by five? No, there is too much work.

How It Connects

Tap a pattern to see what it builds on and what it leads to.

cannotLevel 1Saying Something Is Not Possible

Learn This First

Start from a possible action before expressing its impossibility or another negative modal reading.

Learn Next

Patterns that build on this one.