In some cases, the not following can is in fact part of another phrase, such as “not only You cannot* only sing, but also dance very well In such instances can not is the appropriate choice
Cannot or Can Not: How to Use Can Not vs. Cannot Correctly • 7ESL
This dictionary defines cannot as “can not.”
In formal writing and where contractions are frowned upon, use cannot
It is possible to write can not, but you generally find it only as part of some other construction, such as “not only 'not only.but also.' structure is inversion If you want to invert your sentence, you need to split up 'cannot' and put 'not' at the beginning. Cannot (one word) is the negative form of the modal verb “can.” spelling it as “can not” (two words) is incorrect
Occasionally, however, you need to use the verb “can” followed by “not” as part of a subsequent phrase (e.g., when using the construction “ not only… but also ”). Learn the differences between the words cannot and can not See when you should use one word or two for accurate grammar, writing, and clarity.
