"can't help but do" vs "can't help doing"

Question

"can't help but do" vs "can't help doing"

Both "can't help but do" and "can't help doing" are correct and commonly used phrases in English. They are interchangeable and convey the same meaning. The choice between the two depends on personal preference or the context in which they are used.

Last Updated: March 31, 2024

This phrase is used to express that someone is unable to avoid doing something. It is often followed by a verb in the base form.

Examples:

I can't help but feel sorry for him.
She can't help but laugh at his jokes.
He can't help but admire her talent.
They can't help but wonder what will happen next.
We can't help but notice the changes around us.

Alternatives:

can't help doing
can't avoid doing
can't refrain from doing
can't resist doing
can't stop doing

This phrase is used to convey the idea that someone is unable to prevent themselves from doing something. It is often followed by a gerund (verb+ing).

Examples:

I can't help feeling nervous before a presentation.
She can't help eating chocolate when she's stressed.
He can't help smiling when he sees her.
They can't help laughing at his jokes.
We can't help loving our pets.

Alternatives:

can't help but do
can't avoid doing
can't refrain from doing
can't resist doing
can't stop doing

Answer 1

can't help but do

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

Answer 2

can't help doing

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"can't help but do" vs "can't help doing"

can't help but do

can't help doing

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