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. |
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. |