Difference between “cannot” and “can't”

[Anthony Voronkov]

Can anyone explain to me what is the difference between "cannot" and "can't", please?

 

[GoesStation]

Can't, can not and cannot mean the same thing. People write cannot occasionally in some formal contexts where the less formal contracted form feels too casual.

 

[bubbha]

"cannot" is more formal; "can't" is less formal. People are more likely to use "can't" in casual speech, but "cannot" in a formal academic paper.

"cannot" should be written as one word when it means "can't". You can write "can not" in sentences like "You can not only take a bus; you can also take a train." Here, the word "not" belongs with "only", not with "can".