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Rommel Posted 11 years ago
Vocabulary

Are ‘couldn’t help,’ ‘tugging at,’ ‘all along’ correctly used in the given sentences?

Are ‘couldn’t help,’ ‘tugging at,’ ‘all along’ correctly used in the given sentences?

She couldn’t help the smile that was tugging at her lips. It was a wonderful day to see (that) her family was complete, and it was because of God. From then on, she knew she wasn’t alone, and she never was. She had Him all along, and she knew He’d always be there.
  

Top answer

The phrase "couldn't help but smile" is common, but in this case "help" is the wrong verb. I would say: She couldn't resist the smile that was tugging at her lips. ("tugging at" is fine).

— Doctor D

  • The phrase "couldn't help but smile" is common, but in this case "help" is the wrong verb.
  • I would say: She couldn't resist the smile that was tugging at her lips.
  • ("tugging at" is fine).
  • The next sentence is not quite right.
  • I am not sure what you want to say.
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2 Answers
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The phrase "couldn't help but smile" is common, but in this case "help" is the wrong verb.
I would say: She couldn't resist the smile that was tugging at her lips. ("tugging at" is fine).

The next sentence is not quite right. I am not sure what you want to say. It was a wonderful day because her family was (finally) complete, thanks to ***
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Doctor DI hope this helps.
Yes, it does, Doctor D. You know, I'm impressed with your explanation. What more can I ask for? Thank you very much.
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