informal5K

UK//ˈkʊdnt hɛlp ˈhɪsɛlf//US//ˈkʊdnt hɛlp ˈhɪsɛlf//

Meaning of Couldn't help hisself

He was unable to stop himself from doing something.

In simple words: He couldn't stop himself from doing something.

Couldn't help hisself in a sentence

  • He saw the cake and just couldn't help hisself.
  • When he heard the joke, he couldn't help hisself and burst out laughing.
  • She couldn't help hisself from dancing when her favorite song played.
  • Even with all the warnings, he couldn't help hisself from trying to climb the fence.
  • I told him to stay quiet, but he couldn't help hisself and spoke up.

How to use Couldn't help hisself

Used in casual conversation, often to express an uncontrollable impulse. Not suitable for formal writing.

Grammar pattern

couldn't + help + reflexive pronoun

Memory hint

Imagine someone trying to resist a strong temptation but failing—hence, couldn't help hisself.

Related words

Collocations with Couldn't help hisself

  • couldn't help but
  • couldn't help laughing
  • couldn't help thinking

Synonyms for Couldn't help hisself

  • couldn't resist
  • couldn't stop
  • had to give in

Common mistakes with Couldn't help hisself

  • Using 'himself' instead of 'hisself' in informal contexts.
  • Confusing with 'could help' which implies the ability to prevent something.
  • Mispronouncing as 'couldn't help his self'.

Couldn't help hisself appears in

Couldn't help hisself in other languages

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Frequently asked questions about Couldn't help hisself

What does Couldn't help hisself mean?

He couldn't stop himself from doing something.

What is the definition of Couldn't help hisself?

He was unable to stop himself from doing something.

How do you use Couldn't help hisself in a sentence?

He saw the cake and just couldn't help hisself.

Can you give another example of Couldn't help hisself?

When he heard the joke, he couldn't help hisself and burst out laughing.

What are synonyms for Couldn't help hisself?

Common alternatives include couldn't resist, couldn't stop, had to give in.

What words go with Couldn't help hisself?

It commonly pairs with couldn't help but, couldn't help laughing, couldn't help thinking.

What are common mistakes when using Couldn't help hisself?

Using 'himself' instead of 'hisself' in informal contexts. Confusing with 'could help' which implies the ability to prevent something. Mispronouncing as 'couldn't help his self'.

How do you pronounce Couldn't help hisself?

US: //ˈkʊdnt hɛlp ˈhɪsɛlf//, UK: //ˈkʊdnt hɛlp ˈhɪsɛlf//. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

Is Couldn't help hisself formal or informal?

"Couldn't help hisself" is informal, so it fits casual conversation with friends and family.

When should I use Couldn't help hisself?

Used in casual conversation, often to express an uncontrollable impulse. Not suitable for formal writing.