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Grammar

Can’t Help Doing Something: Meaning, Hindi Translation, and Practice

S.D. Singh Ratan speaking into a microphone at a lectern By S.D. Singh Ratan1 min read
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English grammar lesson image titled “Modal Auxiliary Verbs – 6” explaining “You can’t help doing sth” and “You couldn’t help doing sth,” with a Hindi meaning and two fill-in-the-blank practice sentences.
Original classroom card. The reading notes and practice below may expand on the card or use revised examples. Historical examples are language exercises, not current news or medical guidance.

Modal Auxiliary Verbs – 6

Can/Could: Inability to Stop Something

“You can’t help doing sth”

“You can’t help doing sth” is used to say that it is impossible to prevent or avoid something.

Hindi meaning: किसी कार्य को करने से रोक नहीं पाना।

“You couldn’t help doing sth”

“You couldn’t help doing sth” is the past tense of “you can’t help doing sth”.

Practice

Fill in the blanks with “can’t help” or “couldn’t help”:

  1. Excuse me, I __________ overhearing what you said.
  2. She is a selfish woman, but somehow I __________ liking her.

Text Also Shown in the Image

Quiz 213

Answers to Quiz 212

  1. May, can

The image presents the practice sentences without filled-in answers. The exact intended answers are therefore left for the teacher to review.

A LITTLE PRACTICE

Now, give it a try.

No rush. A simple sentence is a lovely place to start.

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Modal auxiliary verbsEnglish grammarCan’t help doingCouldn’t help doingHindi meaningGrammar quiz

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