cannot but get

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot but get" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express an inevitability or a strong compulsion to do something. Example: "After hearing the news, I cannot but get involved in the community efforts to help."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

On this occasion, however, I cannot but get involved.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Match the frequency of the reality you want and you cannot help but get that reality.

Huffington Post

Therefore, French Ph.D.s who want to continue in research but cannot get permanent positions immediately have no other choice but to go abroad.

Science Magazine

By some estimates, a quarter of married women want contraceptives but cannot get them.

The Economist

We can buy games consoles or DVD players but cannot get books for love nor money.

Independent

(Norton AntiVirus can detect some forms of spyware, but cannot get rid of it).

The New York Times

Immigrants to Europe are welcomed with welfare benefits but cannot get jobs (their unemployment rate is far higher than average).

The Economist

At the service, the father of Korkmaz Tedik said: "They are drinking blood but cannot get enough.

Independent

Why would anyone now seek to punish these people when they seek work but cannot get it?

The New York Times

9.05pm BST All tied up in Philly Vick does return fo the field, but cannot get his team across the line.

The Guardian - Sport

The government says it would still like to abolish the CEFC but cannot get the legislation through the Senate.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cannot but get" to express a sense of inevitability or strong compulsion, particularly when emphasizing the lack of alternatives. While grammatically correct, be aware that more common alternatives like "cannot help but get" may be clearer to readers.

Common error

Avoid using "cannot but get" interchangeably with phrases that imply a choice or preference. "Cannot but get" indicates a lack of alternative options, so ensure this meaning aligns with your intended message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot but get" functions as a modal construction expressing inevitability or strong compulsion. It asserts that a particular outcome is unavoidable or that there is no alternative to a specific action. Ludwig confirms the phrase's grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

16%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "cannot but get" is a grammatically correct but relatively uncommon expression used to convey inevitability or a strong sense of compulsion. Ludwig indicates that this construction, while valid, is less frequently used than alternatives like "cannot help but get". Its primary function is to emphasize a lack of alternatives, making it suitable for neutral contexts tending toward formal writing, particularly in news and media. When using "cannot but get", consider whether a more common alternative might enhance clarity for your audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cannot help but get

Replaces "cannot but" with "cannot help but", a more common construction expressing inevitability.

cannot avoid getting

Uses "cannot avoid" to convey the impossibility of preventing a certain outcome.

have no choice but to get

Emphasizes the lack of alternatives, highlighting the necessity of the action.

inevitably get

A more direct way to state that something will certainly happen.

are bound to get

Indicates a high probability or certainty of obtaining something.

are certain to get

Highlights the certainty of achieving or receiving something.

are sure to get

Similar to "are certain to get", but with a slightly less formal tone.

are destined to get

Suggests that the outcome is predetermined or unavoidable.

must get

Expresses a strong necessity or obligation to obtain something.

are compelled to get

Indicates that external forces or circumstances necessitate the action.

FAQs

How can I use "cannot but get" in a sentence?

Use "cannot but get" to indicate an inevitable outcome or a strong compulsion. For example, "After hearing the news, I "cannot but get" involved in the community efforts to help".

What phrases are similar to "cannot but get"?

Similar phrases include "cannot help but get", "have no choice but to get", and "inevitably get", each conveying a sense of inevitability.

Is "cannot but get" formal or informal?

While grammatically correct, "cannot but get" leans towards the more formal side. In informal contexts, consider using "can't help but get" for a more relaxed tone.

Which is more common, "cannot but get" or "cannot help but get"?

"Cannot help but get" is significantly more common in modern English usage compared to "cannot but get". The latter may sound somewhat archaic to some readers.