meaning - "Can not" vs. "cannot"



Is there a difference in meaning and/or connotation between "can not" and "cannot"?


I have read and seen both used interchangeably, but I know people who argue for a slight difference in meaning. That is, cannot indicates that there is an incapability whereas can not indicates the possibility of absence. Is this a real difference?



Answer



Both are acceptable, but cannot is now more common. OED has this much to say about cannot:



(ˈkænət)
the ordinary modern way of writing can not: see CAN v.



Notwithstanding, in some situations ambiguity may arise if you write can not, and the difference might not be a minor one. Compare:



  • I cannot make love to you. (Something is stopping me from it, be it objective or subjective. Put differently: I am not able to make love to you.)

  • I can not make love to you. (Same as above. But also: Reckon with the possibility of my refusing to make love to you. Put differently: I am able to not make love to you.)


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