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“Can't” or “Cant”

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.

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Definitions

What each term means

Same sound, different spellings and meanings, shown with a pronunciation guide for each term.

can't k·AE·n·t

No dictionary entry for this spelling — see the usage examples below for how it shows up in writing.

cant k·AE·n·t

  • nouninsincere talk about religion or morals.
  • verbheel over.
Usage

Examples in context

Real sentences for each spelling. Hover an example to copy it.

“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.

“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 are drawn from WordNet.

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