cannot have

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot have" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to express the idea that something is impossible or not allowed to happen. Example: She cannot have another cookie before dinner.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We cannot have both.

Independent

Cannot have that.

The New York Times - Sports

It cannot have both.

The Economist

They cannot have got far.

The Economist

We cannot have it all.

The New York Times

Clearly, you cannot have both.

The Economist

We cannot have open borders".

Independent

And you cannot have both.

The Economist

She cannot have him now.

The New Yorker

We cannot have that.

The Guardian

They cannot have listened.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cannot have" to clearly state that something is not permitted or possible. This phrase leaves little room for ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "cannot have" when "could not have" is more appropriate. "Cannot have" indicates impossibility, while "could not have" suggests something did not happen but was possible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot have" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing strong negation regarding possibility or permission. As Ludwig AI confirms, it indicates that something is either impossible or not allowed. The examples show its use in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Wiki

20%

Science

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cannot have" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to express impossibility, prohibition, or a lack of something. As Ludwig AI points out, its correct usage is widely recognized. It appears frequently in news, wiki, and scientific contexts, with neutral to formal tone, making it appropriate for many writing scenarios. When writing, remember to distinguish it from "could not have" to avoid confusion and ensure accurate communication. Alternatives such as "must not have" and "are not allowed to have" can provide similar meanings with slight nuances. The phrase is considered grammatically correct by Ludwig.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

must not have

Emphasizes prohibition or a rule against having something.

are forbidden from having

States that there is an explicit ban on possessing something.

are not allowed to have

Explicitly states that permission to have something is denied.

cannot be in possession of

Emphasizes the state of not possessing something, often in a legal context.

are unable to have

Focuses on the inability or lack of capacity to possess something.

there is no possibility of having

Focuses on the absence of any chance of obtaining something.

is impossible to have

Highlights the impossibility of possessing or experiencing something.

may not have

Suggests a lack of permission or possibility, often weaker than "must not have".

is out of the question

Indicates that something is completely impossible or unacceptable.

do not have

States a simple lack of possession or experience.

FAQs

How to use "cannot have" in a sentence?

"Cannot have" is used to express impossibility or prohibition. For example, "You cannot have both security and complete freedom" or "She cannot have known about the surprise party because she was out of town".

What can I say instead of "cannot have"?

Alternatives include "must not have", "are not allowed to have", or "is impossible to have" depending on the specific meaning you want to convey.

Which is correct, "cannot have" or "can't have"?

"Cannot have" and "can't have" are both correct, with "can't have" being a contraction of "cannot have". The choice depends on the desired level of formality, with "cannot have" being more formal.

What's the difference between "cannot have" and "could not have"?

"Cannot have" indicates something is impossible, while "could not have" suggests something didn't happen but was possible. For instance, "He cannot have committed the crime because he was in another country" versus "He "could not have" known the answer without studying".