Definition of 'cannot but'

cannot but

phrase

You use cannot but, could not but, and cannot help but when you want to emphasize that you believe something must be true and that there is no possibility of anything else being the case.

[formal, emphasis]

The pistol was positioned where I couldn't help but see it.

She could not but congratulate him.

but

cannot but in American

have no choice but to; must

cannot

Example sentences containing 'cannot but'

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You cannot but help swim your best. Times, Sunday Times (2008)It cannot but help that his perspective remains clear and uncluttered. Times, Sunday Times (2010)

Nearby words of 'cannot but'

Related Terms of 'cannot but'

Source

Definition of cannot but from the Collins English Dictionary

The declarative

The declarative is used to make statements. A statement is usually the expression of a fact or of an opinion. Statements can be both positive or negative. Kate is not working after all. Tim wasn’t ...