cannot

1. 1
   not ableverb

   Used before another verb to say that someone is not able to do something.

   I cannot find my keys anywhere.

   She cannot swim yet, so she stays in the shallow part of the pool.

   UsageUse the plain verb after it, with no to: cannot swim. People often say can't.

   Note
2. 2
   not allowedverb

   Used to say that someone is not allowed to do something.

   You cannot park here on weekdays.

   Students cannot use their phones during the test.

   UsageRules often use it with be: phones cannot be used here.

   Note
3. 3
   certainly notverb

   Used to say you are sure something is false, impossible, or did not happen.

   That cannot be Tom at the door. He is away on vacation.

   You cannot have finished all that homework already!

   UsageFor the past, say cannot have + a form like seen or gone: cannot have seen. People often say that can't be right.

   Note

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