can't help

Idioms  

1. 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]

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

can't help

“You can’t help but to want to be with them as much as possible.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 28, 2026

Eventually, one too many social gaffes have stacked up into a rickety pile, and Joe can’t help but play the Big Bad Wolf.

From Salon ● Jul. 5, 2026

Cordido's eyes can't help but radiate with gratitude when he speaks about the volunteer rescuers who pulled him from the ruins of Venezuela's double earthquake, which killed more than 2,600 people.

From Barron's ● Jul. 4, 2026

For instance, if a river in Nevada runs dry, an abundance of water in Michigan can’t help.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 3, 2026

After they walk away, I can’t help myself.

From "Popcorn" by Rob Harrell