Can't Help But (Can't Help + Gerund)

The phrase "can't help but" is commonly used to express that someone is unable to resist or prevent doing something. However, it is often misunderstood and misused.

Many people mistakenly include a gerund after "but" in this phrase. For example:

• Incorrect: I can't help but to laugh at his jokes.
• Correct: I can't help but laugh at his jokes.

The correct usage does not require a gerund, as the verb "help" functions as a modal verb in this phrase. Therefore, the verb that follows should be in its bare infinitive form.

Here are a few more examples to clarify the proper usage:

• Incorrect: She can't help but to cry during sad movies.
• Correct: She can't help but cry during sad movies.
• Incorrect: He can't help but to eat another slice of cake.
• Correct: He can't help but eat another slice of cake.

It's important to note that while "can't help but" is widely accepted in informal speech, some grammar enthusiasts consider it nonstandard. If you're aiming for more formal or academic writing, it's best to rephrase the sentence.

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