can't seem to

Idioms  

1. Be apparently unable to, as in No matter how hard I try, I can't seem to concentrate on this book. This phrase gives added emphasis to a negative statement, as in the example. [Late 1800s]

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Example Sentences

“Anytime now. We’re not exactly sure when she was bred. As elephants go, Pet’s pretty steady, but the past few days she’s been acting up. She can’t seem to get comfortable when she lies down, she’s off her feed, and yesterday she took a poke at me with her trunk for no good reason, which is really out of character for her. Normally she’s the most easygoing elephant I’ve ever been around.”

From Literature

"While there's strong bipartisan agreement I think across the board that we have a problem, people can't seem to come together for the solution," Stahl said.

From BBC

I can’t seem to hear him fully even though he’s standing right in front of me.

From Literature

“Anyway, Leo actually talks to you. I can’t seem to hold his attention.”

From Literature

“All righty, then. Have you seen Colin? I can’t seem to find him.”

From Literature