Aug 4, 2012

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Aug 4, 2012 12:25
Can I say it this way?
I'm still working on it.
We cannot mess this up.
It's not a big deal.
Sedgehead
Thank you for your correction!
Aug 4, 2012 13:57
  • We cannot mess this up.

  • We can't mess this up.

    Use "can't" usually and "cannot" for emphasis.

    Examples:

    I can't find a glass to get a drink of water.

    The boy fell into the well. He will drown if we can get him out in three minutes. Climb down this rope and grab him. We cannot mess this up!!!

 

Aug 5, 2012 21:50 nini
Thank you so much. Your examples are very helpful!
Ges
Aug 4, 2012 18:53

当然可以。我们一般说can't.

Aug 5, 2012 21:51 nini
Thanks. I got it.
Tom
Aug 5, 2012 04:42

Yes; I think all of those expressions are widely used, at least in the USA.

Using "cannot" instead of "can't" does apply some emphasis, but mostly if it's pronounced "canNOT."

Aug 5, 2012 21:52 nini
Yes, you are so right. I got it. Thanks.
Pat123
Thank you for your correction!
Aug 5, 2012 12:12
  • We cannot mess this up.

  • We can not mess this up.

    Usually, there is emphasis on the not.

 

I hear these a lot.

Aug 5, 2012 21:53 nini
Thanks. I understood.
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