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Cannot Say vs False in Verbal Reasoning

The difference between "False" and "Cannot Say" decides most verbal reasoning scores. Here is the rule that makes it obvious.

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Verbal Reasoning
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Verbal: True / False / Cannot Say
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Answer False only when the passage contradicts the statement. Answer Cannot Say when the passage simply does not give enough information to decide - even if you personally know the answer. You judge strictly on the text in front of you.

The trap is using outside knowledge. If the passage does not state or clearly imply it, you cannot call it True or False, however obvious it seems. Practising this rule until it is automatic is the fastest way to lift a verbal score.

Common questions

When do I answer Cannot Say?

When the passage does not provide enough information to judge the statement true or false - regardless of what you know from outside the text.

What is the difference between False and Cannot Say?

False means the passage contradicts the statement; Cannot Say means the passage is silent or insufficient on it.

Written and reviewed by the Aptitude Practice editorial team. Last reviewed 9 July 2026. See how we build and check our tests in our methodology. Independent practice, not affiliated with any test publisher or employer named.

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