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can't help

Idioms

Also,. Be unable to do otherwise. For example, I can't help thinking that the keys will turn up eventually, or He couldn't help but believe he would pass the entrance exam, or I cannot but applaud his efforts. The first of these phrases, can't help, is always followed by a present participle whereas the others take an infinitive. [c. 1700]

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

As I get up, I can’t help noticing that most of the class have turned round to see what happened.

From Literature

I really mean it – and I can’t help feeling relieved that Bubbe isn’t that bad.

From Literature

I can’t help smiling to myself at the truth of her words.

From Literature

I can’t help smiling as we start to guide the boat back along the jetty towards the shore.

From Literature

Gabi grabs me and pulls me in for a massive hug when I get back to my seat, and I can’t help laughing.

From Literature

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023