I just realised I never say the word 'cannot'

Trimac20   Mon May 24, 2010 2:11 pm GMT
Not because I'm a super-positive person,

but because 'can't' always suffices. Which got me wondering if 'cannot' tends to be an American?

Also, I notice Americans often say 'will not', 'cannot' instead of 'won't', 'can't' (far more common in British English). In Australian and British 'will not' sounds rather formal; for speeches or careful speech.

Anyone else notice this?
Smith   Mon May 24, 2010 2:21 pm GMT
I'm American, and "cannot" and "will not" are mostly used for emphasis. In normal speech, "can't" and "won't" are used.
Kendra   Mon May 24, 2010 2:44 pm GMT
I just realized I never say GOT TO, GOING TO, WANT TO, it's too formal
it's always gotta, gonna, wanna.
Kendro   Mon May 24, 2010 3:16 pm GMT
That's because you are a black.
Frederick   Mon May 24, 2010 5:08 pm GMT
">Also, I notice Americans often say 'will not', 'cannot' instead of 'won't', 'can't' (far more common in British English). In Australian and British 'will not' sounds rather formal; for speeches or careful speech.<"

I thought this occurred more with the Brits than with U.S. Americans.
Oxballs   Mon May 24, 2010 11:32 pm GMT
Wow this thread is utter bollocks. Get more value outta troll threads.