The TR Company

Do you know the meaning of “CAN’T HELP”?

17/7/19 Do you know the meaning of “CAN’T HELP”?

If you say that you cannot/can’t help doing something, you mean that you can’t stop yourself doing it: something makes you, even though you’re being careful not to, or should be trying not to.

• He’s a selfish person, but somehow you can’t help liking him.
• Excuse me – I couldn’t help overhearing what you said.
• Sorry I broke the cup – I couldn’t help it.

Can’t help is sometimes followed by but + infinitive without to; the meaning is the same as can’t help…ing. This is a common structure in American English.

• I can’t help but wonder what I should do next.