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

But AI can’t help students learn wisdom, which is essential to using those skills effectively.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 8, 2026

"When you realize the impact the work will have, people can't help but weigh in," Diamos says -- which helps explain Amodei's many sprawling essays.

From Barron's ● Oct. 2, 2026

But I can’t help wondering how many got their diagnosis the way I did: fast, and with a sense of relief that kept anyone from questioning it.

From MarketWatch ● Sep. 30, 2026

So she’s this feeling machine that battles against her own programming, but at the end of the day she can’t help her programming.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 14, 2026

“My braid-hands aren't working. Now I can't do my hair the way my momma told me to. And my sister is already at the Gatherfeast. She can't help me either.”

From "The Marvellers" by Dhonielle Clayton

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