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]

---

Example Sentences

One can’t help but let their face spread into a big, goofy smile watching Early and his friends make something they’re so clearly excited by, something they’re proud of.

From Salon • Jun. 22, 2026

Whenever the topic of “Strangers” comes up, and it does constantly in my professional and social groups, I can’t help but bring up my one crucial question: “What do we think the husband’s side is?”

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 21, 2026

The unmoving, shallow water can’t help but grow algae in the beating sun, and since the concrete expands and contracts with shifting temperatures, any seals along the seams have struggled to remain watertight.

From Slate • Jun. 19, 2026

Villarreal: Whenever I watch something based on a true story or people that were like historical figures, I can’t help but Google to see if something really happened.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 4, 2026

“I know, but we can’t help him if we get caught. We’ll have to think of something else, Razi.”

From "The Boy Who Met a Whale" by Nizrana Farook