English Grammar

Help

After help, we can use object + infinitive.

• He helped her to lift the box.

We often use the infinitive without to. This is rather informal.

• He helped her lift the box.

can’t help

If you say that you can’t help doing something, you mean that you can’t stop yourself doing it.

• Sorry I broke the cup – I couldn’t help it.
• I can’t help wondering what I should do next.

Can’t help can be followed by but + infinitive without to. The meaning is the same as can’t help … ing. This structure is common in American English.

• I can’t help but wonder what I should do next.

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