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EyeSeeYou Posted 10 years ago
Grammar

Can't help... Several doubts

1) I can't help but thinking about the accident.
2) I can't help but think about...
3) I can't but think about...

1 and 2 are often used, while 3 is archaic, even poetic, if you will.

All of them mean exactly the same, right?

All relate to a negative, hard situation.

In grammar forums, some people dismiss no. 3 as they say it's a double negative, but those same people seem not to view the first two as such. Why? After all, the three of them have can't and but...
  

Top answer

2 and 3 are correct. 1 is clearly wrong. Perhaps you mean: I can't help thinking about the accident.

— Cool Breeze

  • 2 and 3 are correct.
  • 1 is clearly wrong.
  • Perhaps you mean: I can't help thinking about the accident.
  • CB
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5 Answers
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2 and 3 are correct. 1 is clearly wrong. Perhaps you mean: I can't help thinking about the accident.

CB
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My mistake, it was a typo. You're right.

What about the other inquiries?
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EyeSeeYouWhat about the other inquiries?
"2 and 3 are correct." Emotion: thinking

CB
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Sorry, I should have been more sopecific. I was refering to my very last doubt:

"In grammar forums, some people dismiss no. 3 as they say it's a double negative, but those same people seem not to view the first two as such. Why? After all, the three of them have can't and but...".
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EyeSeeYoua double negative
No. The meaning may sound like a double negative, but it isn't.

I can't help but (think about it) ~ I am powerless to do anything except (think about it).

CJ
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