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can’t seem vs can’t seem to

Both "can’t seem" and "can’t seem to" are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "Can’t seem" is used when expressing a general inability to achieve something, while "can’t seem to" is used when expressing a specific action or task that one is having difficulty with.

Last updated: March 15, 2024 • 1093 views

can’t seem

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to express a general inability to achieve something.

This phrase is used to convey a sense of not being able to accomplish or understand something, without specifying a particular action or task.

Examples:

I can’t seem to focus today.
She can’t seem to make up her mind.
He can’t seem to get the hang of it.

Show examples from the web [+]

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 ]. The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary
Feb 3, 2012 ... I am wondering why would someone say "I can't seem to" instead of simply saying "I can't". Is there any specific difference between the two? Is the former usage informal? Is it correct to say that the following two phrases are ...
3. used to diminish the force of a following infinitive to be polite, more noncommittal, etc: I can't seem to get through to you. [C12: perhaps from Old Norse soma to beseem, from sœmr befitting; related to Old English sēman to reconcile; see ...
"Can't Seem to Make You Mine" is a song by American rock group The Seeds, written by vocalist Sky Saxon and produced by Marcus Tybalt. It was released as a single in 1965 and re-issued in 1967, when it peaked at number 41 on the U.S. ...

Alternatives:

can’t appear
can’t manage
can’t achieve
can’t understand
can’t grasp

can’t seem to

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to express difficulty with a specific action or task.

This phrase is used when one is having trouble with a particular action or task, indicating an inability to complete it successfully.

Examples:

I can’t seem to find my keys.
She can’t seem to finish her homework.
He can’t seem to get the car started.

Show examples from the web [+]

Feb 3, 2012 ... I am wondering why would someone say "I can't seem to" instead of simply saying "I can't". Is there any specific difference between the two? Is the former usage informal? Is it correct to say that the following two phrases are ...
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 ]. The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary
3. used to diminish the force of a following infinitive to be polite, more noncommittal, etc: I can't seem to get through to you. [C12: perhaps from Old Norse soma to beseem, from sœmr befitting; related to Old English sēman to reconcile; see ...
「can't seem to do」の部分一致の例文検索結果. 該当件数 : 1件. What should I do when I just can't seem to think positively? どうしてもポジティブに考えられないときってどうしたらいいのかしら - Weblio Email例文集. 索引トップ用語の索引 ...

Alternatives:

can’t manage to
can’t succeed in
can’t accomplish
can’t complete
can’t achieve success in

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