can't
/kɑːnt/ verb A1- Cannot (negative modal auxiliary); be unable to; not have the ability to (whether due to lacking relevant strength or skill or knowledge or supplies, or due to logical impossibility, etc). · I can’t quite get it to work.· Shut up, can’t you?
- To be forbidden to; to be not permitted to. · You can’t enter the hall without a ticket.
- To be unwilling to; to not have the desire of; to don’t want to. · Will you come to dinner with us tonight? Can't; already have plans this evening.
Verb forms
- Base form
- can't
- He/she/it
- can'ts
- Past
- can'ted
- Past participle
- can'ted
- -ing form
- can'ting
From the library
It would have been easy enough, but I'm a soft-hearted guy that can't begin shooting unless the other man has a gun also.
"I can't help it, Mr.
I can get along with the Prime Minister, and I've nothing against the Home Secretary, who seemed a civil, obliging sort of man, but I can't stand his lordship.
"You were in danger of your life then, my boy, and I can't do without you just yet.
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