cannot
It means “not able to.”
Used to say that someone is not able to do something because of lack of ability, time, resources, or other limitations.
It means “not allowed to.”
Used to say that something is not allowed by rules, law, or authority.
It means “it is not possible.”
Used to say that something is impossible or cannot happen, often because of facts, conditions, or limits in reality.
It can mean “I will not” or “I refuse to.”
Used to say that someone refuses to do something or is not willing to accept or allow something, often in a firm or polite way.
It means “I’m sure it isn’t true/possible.”
Used to say that something is certainly not true, not correct, or not the case, based on reasoning or evidence.
- Base: cannot
- Plural: cannots
cannot ... enough
1emphasize that something is very great
It means “as much as possible; very, very much.”
- I cannot thank you enough for your help.
- We cannot recommend this restaurant enough.
- She cannot praise her team enough.
- I cannot thank you enough.
cannot afford (to) [do something]
1not have money or ability to risk
It means “I don’t have enough money” or “it’s too risky.”
- We cannot afford a bigger apartment right now.
- I cannot afford to miss any more work.
- The company cannot afford to lose its biggest customer.
- I cannot afford it.
- We cannot afford to buy a car.
cannot be bothered (to) [do something]
1not willing to make the effort
It means “I don’t want to do it because it feels like too much effort.”
- I cannot be bothered to cook tonight, so let’s order pizza.
- He cannot be bothered with the paperwork.
- She cannot be bothered to argue about it anymore.
- I cannot be bothered to go out.
- He cannot be bothered with it.
cannot but [do something]
1must do; cannot avoid
It means “must” or “cannot avoid.”
- I cannot but agree with your conclusion.
- She cannot but admire his patience.
- We cannot but wonder what happened next.
cannot complain
1say you are fine or okay
It means “I’m doing okay.”
- “How’s work?” “Cannot complain.”
- I cannot complain—things have been pretty good lately.
- We cannot complain, considering how busy everyone else is.
- I cannot complain.
cannot help (doing) [something]
1be unable to stop oneself
It means “I can’t stop myself.”
- I cannot help laughing when I watch that scene.
- She cannot help worrying about her son.
- He cannot help thinking that something is wrong.
- I cannot help smiling.
- She cannot help crying.
cannot stand [someone/something]
1strongly dislike or tolerate
It means “I really dislike it” or “I can’t tolerate it.”
- I cannot stand that constant noise.
- He cannot stand being interrupted.
- She cannot stand the way he talks to staff.
- I cannot stand this music.
- He cannot stand waiting.
cannot wait
1be very excited for something
It means “I’m very excited and want it soon.”
- I cannot wait to see you tomorrow.
- They cannot wait for the holidays to start.
- She cannot wait to tell her parents the news.
- I cannot wait!
- We cannot wait to go.