[Grammar] How can't you do that? VS. How can you not do that?

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sky3120

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How can't you do that? VS. How can you not do that?

Both are possible and they mean the same?

Thank you so much as usual.
 

Rover_KE

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First, let's get the question right, sky:

'Are they both possible and do they mean the same?'

Only the second is natural.

Rover
 

BobK

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They mean the same. The first is informal (and plain unacceptable in some circles ;-))

b
 
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