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

With the World Cup now unfolding across Los Angeles, the sisters say they can’t help but feel his presence.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 14, 2026

"Even in the public eye, I feel that same instinct – I can't help it."

From BBC ● Jul. 12, 2026

It’s a sufficiently pitiful, uncanny spectacle that one can’t help but wish this character had stayed animated.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 9, 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

When you hear somebody read a story well, you can’t help but think there’s some good inside them, even if you don’t know them.

From "Ida B" by Katherine Hannigan