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MUSCOVITE Posted 14 years ago
Grammar

'can you not VERB' vs 'can't you VERB'

Hi,

(a) 'Can you not understand that liberty is worth more than ribbons?'

(b) 'Can't you understand that ....'

Could somebody please comment on these two (nearly identical?) sentences?

Assuming that (a) and (b) are both correct grammar,

1. I guess (a) is more formal than (b) ...and is never used in spoken English?
2. Which do you think is more common in modern written English, (a) or (b)?

Thank you!

mus-te
  

Top answer

(a) may be more formal, but the distinction I see is one of emphasis. Example: we have been discussing something for 20 minutes, and I don't think you have considered everything. Can you not understand.....?

— Philip

  • (a) may be more formal, but the distinction I see is one of emphasis.
  • Example: we have been discussing something for 20 minutes, and I don't think you have considered everything.
  • Can you not understand.....?
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5 Answers
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(a) may be more formal, but the distinction I see is one of emphasis. Example: we have been discussing something for 20 minutes, and I don't think you have considered everything. Can you not understand.....?
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I'd judge ( a) to be rhetoric and ( b) to be ordinary conversation.
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Thank you for your reply!
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AlpheccaStarsI'd judge ( a) to be rhetoric and ( b) to be ordinary conversation.
(I hope) I see your point.... thanks!
I wonder if this "piece of grammar" is addressed (in more detail) in any English grammar books? If you can point me in the right direction, it would be great.
Thanks again!

mus-te
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MUSCOVITEI wonder if this "piece of grammar" is addressed (in more detail) in any English grammar books? If you can point me in the right direction, it would be great.
I think you're asking for the chapter of a book that hasn't yet been written!
MUSCOVITE(a) 'Can you not understand that liberty is worth more than ribbons?'(b) 'Can't you
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