“Can't” or “Cant”—Which to use?

“Can't” or “Cant”

Overview

can't / cant are similar-sounding terms with different meanings (referred to as homophones). To better understand the differences, see below for definitions, pronunciation guides, and example sentences using each term. 👇

Definitions

can't: NA

cant: (noun) insincere talk about religion or morals. (verb) heel over.

Pronunciation

can't: k·AE·n·t

cant: k·AE·n·t

Trends

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Examples in Context

Examples of “can't”

…was offered a contract with Mercury.
…They Say You Can't" and "#MannyDoes".
…Year by The Times Literary Supplement.
…Kay Swift's "Can't We Be Friends?
…Get Her Out of My Mind"
…of boxers who can't afford it".
…endeavour to manufacture low-cost sanitary napkins.
…Love France But Not The French.
…Stand Me Now" - The Libertines
…tattoos or Can't Stand Me Now.

Examples of “cant”

…was offered a contract with Mercury.
…They Say You Can't" and "#MannyDoes".
…Year by The Times Literary Supplement.
…Kay Swift's "Can't We Be Friends?
…Get Her Out of My Mind"
…of boxers who can't afford it".
…endeavour to manufacture low-cost sanitary napkins.
…Love France But Not The French.
…Stand Me Now" - The Libertines
…tattoos or Can't Stand Me Now.

(Examples are Wikipedia snippets under the CC ShareAlike 3.0 license. Definitions drawn from WordNet.)

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