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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.

“I’m no longer on duty,” she writes, “but when I’m out there, I can’t help but shepherd people back into the safe zone.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 24, 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

Anna keeps prefacing her remarks with the words “no offense,” but Pete can’t help being offended by her pointed disdain.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 19, 2026

When a reporter noted that he looked just like Bendet as he appeared in videos on the company’s website, he said, “I can’t help you, sorry,” and closed the door.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 3, 2026

My guilt tries to slink back in, but I refuse to wear it, and I can’t help feeling the tiniest bit relieved to know that he still needs me.

From "Red Flags and Butterflies" by Sheryl Azzam

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