So, at some point in time, and according to dictionary.reference.com it was around 1706 someone decided they could no longer write cannot. Instead, they shortened it to can't. For the sake of saving two letters except you have to add the apostrophe, you can now write can't -- which saves approximately .2 seconds of your time.
Cannot on the other hand can also be spelled can not.
Three different ways to express your inability to do something.
Oh wait, there is a fourth and probably more accurate rendering of these three words: won't.
So many times we say can't, or cannot, or can not, when in reality we mean won't. It's not that we can't do it, we just do want to put in the effort to try it. Or, we are afraid we might falter the first few times. Or, perhaps we just want to find an easier way or have someone do it for us.
When you desire to do something and that desire is strong enough, it's funny how can't evaporates from our thoughts.
Just something to think about, if you want to.
houston@figment-consulting.com
No comments:
Post a Comment