couldn't help myself but vs couldn't help but

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in slightly different contexts. 'Couldn't help but' is the more common and concise version, while 'couldn't help myself but' is also correct but less commonly used. The choice between them depends on the level of formality and personal preference.

Last updated: March 21, 2024 • 4606 views

This phrase is correct but less commonly used than the alternative.

"couldn't help myself but"

This phrase is used to express that someone was unable to resist doing something, often followed by an action. It adds emphasis by including 'myself' before 'but'.

Show examples from the web [+]

I was afraid if I saw you cry, I couldn't help myself but to cry too.
It was always forbidden, but after the first time I couldn't help myself.
I know I was supposed to give this back to you after I checked your license, but I couldn't help myself.
It was a pain, but I couldn't help myself.
I hated every moment with her... but I couldn't help myself.
I'm afraid I couldn't help myself.
Sorry to wake you. I just couldn't help myself.
I couldn't help myself - curiosity got the best of me.
Couldn't help myself, Agent Gibbs.
Sorry, couldn't help myself.
My bad. I couldn't help myself.
Sorry, I couldn't help myself.
I... I couldn't help myself.
I saw the fancy invitation and I couldn't help myself.
And then I couldn't help myself.
I shouldn't be here, but I couldn't help myself.
I know, I know, I should've cleared it with you first, but I couldn't help myself.
No. I knew I shouldn't get involved with him, but I couldn't help myself.
I know I shouldn't have had it... but I couldn't help myself.
I couldn't help myself, Harvey, the man vexed me.

Alternatives:

couldn't help but

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"couldn't help but"

This phrase is used to express that someone was unable to resist doing something, often followed by an action. It is a concise and common way to convey this meaning.

Show examples from the web [+]

I couldn't help but remember my own internship and all the different things you had to do to be accepted here as a doctor.
I know it's wrong but with our relationship clicking, I couldn't help but feel smug watching everyone else's melt in the hot Bahamian sun.
Of course, you couldn't help but take note of my emphatically traditional opening.
I mean, I couldn't help but say it back.
When l opened the door to my room l couldn't help but laugh.
I wasn't naive about past doping allegations, but I couldn't help but root for the old pro, and he promised he was doing it clean.
I couldn't help but be mesmerized by your Indian chief.
I saw you arrive and couldn't help but admire your beauty.
I'm sorry to interrupt your little sorority... but I couldn't help but overhearing.
I couldn't help but hear your predicament.
Boden couldn't help but react.
I couldn't help but see what my students had written about me.
Our vic's body couldn't help but remind me of my Great Uncle Andy.
But I couldn't help but sympathize with you.
I couldn't help but peek my head in his room a time or two, though.
Saw it so many times, I couldn't help but get curious.
It's just, when we were kissing, I couldn't help but picture you with that other girl.
I couldn't help but feel sorry for her.
Growing up in France, I couldn't help but learn.
The kind of woman who couldn't help but fall in love with a man like you...

Alternatives:

couldn't help myself but

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couldn't help myself but vs couldn't help but