Do you really understand the expression "can't help doing something"?

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In Portuguese with English examples ☝

The phrase "can't help [doing something]" means you are unable to stop yourself from doing something, usually because it's a strong habit, feeling, or urge. It's often used to express that something happens automatically or irresistibly, even if you don’t want it to.

Structure:


Subject + can't help + verb-ing


The verb after "can't help" always comes in the -ing form (gerund).

 Meaning:


"I can't help eating chocolate" means:

👉 I try, but I can't stop myself from eating chocolate.

 
 Examples:

• I can’t help laughing when I watch that movie.

(It's so funny that I laugh no matter what.)

• She can’t help crying every time she hears that song.

(The song moves her emotionally.)

• We couldn’t help smiling at the baby’s reaction.

(It was impossible not to smile.)

• He can't help falling in love with her.

(He falls in love with her, even if he tries not to.)

• They can't help worrying about the future.

(They keep worrying, even if they don’t want to.)

 

Tips

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This expression is often used to talk about emotions or natural reactions.

It's similar in meaning to:

"I can't stop myself from..." or "It's impossible not to..."