English Vocabulary for learners
Expressions with 'CAN'T'
from: 'can't afford'
to: 'can't win'
| Expression | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Can't afford | Not have enough money for something or cannot allow yourself to do something. | "I can't afford to buy a car." "The country can't afford the luxury of another election." |
| Can't bear | Strongly dislike something because it makes you unhappy | "I can’t bear to see animals being badly treated.” |
| Can’t be bothered | Have no interest in something | “I can’t be bothered reading the newspaper any more.” |
| Can’t for the life of | Cannot (do something) at all | “I can’t for the life of me remember where I left the list.” |
| Can’t get enough of | You want more and more of something | “I can’t get enough of these chocolates. They’re absolutely delicious!” |
| Can't get you out of my mind | Can't stop thinking about you. | "I think about him all the time. I can't get him out of my mind." |
| Can't help | Be unable to stop doing something | "I can't help laughing every time I see that advertisement!" |
| Can’t stand | Strongly dislike something | “I can’t stand the smell of garlic!” |
| Can’t take | Can no longer tolerate something | “I can’t take my colleague’s endless criticism any more.” |
| Can’t take your eyes off | Be very attracted to someone or something | "Max can't take his eyes off the new assistant." “Charlie can’t take his eyes off his friend’s new skateboard.” |
| Can’t thank you enough | Used to express deep gratitude, generally for assistance or a service rendered. | “I can’t thank you enough for all your help.” |
| Can’t think straight | Be confused or unable to think clearly | “I’ve received so much advice I can’t think straight!” |
| Can’t hear myself think | Be unable to concentrate usually because of noise) | “The music is so loud I can’t hear myself think!” |
| Can’t wait | Be very eager or excited about doing something) | “The children can’t wait to go to Disneyland next Sunday.” |
| Can’t win | No matter what you do you have no success | “Whatever gift I bring my mother she is never happy– you can’t win!” |