All Ears English Podcast AEE 2557: Can't Help It? How Imperfection Leads to Connection
19 snips
Jan 29, 2026 They unpack the phrase "I can't help" and how to use its -ing form in natural conversation. Short role plays show shopping and food temptations where people admit small weaknesses. They compare similar expressions like "can't resist" and "can't stop". The conversation highlights how admitting imperfections can build connection.
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Use 'I Can't Help' To Admit Habits
- Use "I can't help (verb+ing)" to say you are unable to stop yourself from doing something.
- Reserve it for honest moments about habits or weaknesses to connect with others.
Coffee Rituals And Night Owl Habits
- Lindsay describes craving the ritual of coffee more than the taste and needing it each morning.
- Michelle admits being a night owl who often can't help going to sleep late.
Grammar: Can't Help + -ing
- Use the gerund form after "can't help": "I can't help laughing," not the infinitive.
- Follow this grammatical pattern when mimicking natural English phrases like the song title.