can't seem
English
[edit]Verb
[edit]can't seem (third-person singular simple present can't seem, no present participle, simple past couldn't seem, no past participle)
- Seem to be unable.
- I can't seem to lift the box alone. Would you give me a hand, please?
- Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see can't, seem.
- You can't seem bored when you're at a job interview. If you are bored, hide it!
Usage notes
[edit]- (seem unable): Followed by to and an infinitive, as in the example sentence. It can be followed by to alone if the verb is understood, as in "You can't run even a mile?" ―"I can't seem to."