The use of "can't" to express impossibility

Question

Hello.

I wrote a lesson about "can" and "can't" to express possibilities.

Then, I wrote an example related to it. This is the example I wrote:

"They have been living here for a day. They can't know many people here"

The word "can't" here refers to impossibility.

One of the members of my WhatsApp Group asked me whether "can't know" does exist since it sounds awkward.

So, what do you think? Is my sentence correct?

Thanks in advance.

Blue Jay · Accepted Answer

It's correct.

CalifJim · Answer

ozpinkyThey have been living here for a day. They can't know many people here.

"can't" is used as the opposite of "deductive must", so this is correct. Nevertheless, it is not the best example of this grammatical pattern. Let me suggest something else.

1. Our dog hasn't eaten all day. By now he must be very hungry.
2. Our dog just ate an hour ago. He can't be very hungry yet.

In 1 the speaker deduces by logic that the dog is hungry.
In 2 the speaker deduces by logic that the dog is not hungry.

CJ

The use of "can't" to express impossibility

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