I cannot

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I cannot" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express an inability or refusal to do something. Example: "I cannot attend the meeting tomorrow due to a prior commitment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I cannot.

The New Yorker

I cannot, Keble".

The New Yorker

"I cannot repeat that".

The New York Times - Sports

I cannot help that.

The Economist

"I cannot tell anything".

The New Yorker

I cannot help myself.

The New York Times - Food

"Regrettably, I cannot".

The New York Times - Tech

"I cannot write.

The New York Times - Books

"I cannot forgive myself.

Independent

I cannot run away".

The New Yorker

I cannot remember.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I cannot", ensure the context clearly indicates the reason for the inability. This makes your statement more informative and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "I can't" in formal documents. While contractions are common in spoken English and informal writing, using the full form "I cannot" maintains a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I cannot" primarily functions as a declarative statement expressing the subject's inability or refusal to perform a specific action. As Ludwig AI underlines, it's a direct way to convey a limitation or denial. It's widely found in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I cannot" is a versatile and commonly used expression to convey an inability or refusal to do something. As Ludwig AI highlights, it is considered grammatically correct and usable in written English. While the contracted form "I can't" is more informal, "I cannot" is appropriate for both neutral and formal contexts, as demonstrated by its frequent appearance in news and media sources. Remember to clearly state the reason for your inability and avoid overuse of contractions in formal writing. Alternatives like "I am unable to" or "It is not possible for me to" can be used depending on the desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I am unable to

Replaces "cannot" with "am unable to", maintaining a formal tone.

I'm not able to

Uses the contraction "I'm" and "not able to", offering a slightly less formal alternative.

I can't

A contracted form of "I cannot", making it more informal.

It is not possible for me to

A more verbose way of expressing inability, suitable for formal contexts.

I am not in a position to

Indicates an inability due to circumstances rather than personal capability.

I have no capacity to

Emphasizes a lack of ability or resources to perform the action.

I am not permitted to

Suggests that the inability is due to a rule or permission being withheld.

I am prevented from

Highlights an external force or situation that hinders the action.

I amincapable of

Emphasizes a fundamental lack of skill or ability.

I am powerless to

Suggests a lack of influence or control over the situation.

FAQs

What does "I cannot" mean?

"I cannot" is a common phrase used to express an inability or refusal to do something. It indicates that the speaker is either not able to perform an action or chooses not to.

What are some alternatives to "I cannot"?

Alternatives to "I cannot" include "I am unable to", "I can't", or "I am not able to", depending on the desired level of formality.

Is it better to say "I cannot" or "I can't"?

The choice between "I cannot" and "I can't" depends on the context. "I cannot" is generally more formal, while "I can't" is suitable for informal situations.

How do I use "I cannot" in a sentence?

Use "I cannot" followed by a verb to express an inability to perform the action described by the verb. For example, "I cannot attend the meeting" or "I cannot believe what happened."