The following is the beginning of a story. Complete it in your own words: Once there was a selfish giant who had a large and beautiful garden. The garden was full of soft green grass. Here and there all over the grass stood many colorful flowers like stars.
After help, we can use object + infinitive (with or without to).
Can you help me (to) find my ring? (NOT | |
Thank you so much for helping us (to) repair the car. | |
Our main task is to help the company (to) become profitable. |
Help can also be followed directly by an infinitive without an object.
Would you like to help pack? |
If you say that you cannot/can’t help doing something (especially in British English), you mean that you can’t stop yourself, even if you don’t want to do it.
She’s a selfish woman, but somehow you can’t help liking her. | |
Excuse me – I couldn’t help overhearing what you said. | |
Sorry I broke the cup – I couldn’t help it. |
Can’t help can be followed by but + infinitive (without to), with the same meaning as can’t help verb + ing. This is common in American English.
I can’t help but wonder what I should do next. |