But or but to +v

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Anonymous  #487554  Tue, 11 Mar 08 06:21 PM

Hi,

Is  the sentence  correct?

'He can't help but be upset.'

I think it should be 'He can't help but to be upset.'

Which is correct? Thanks!

  
CalifJim  #487569  Tue, 11 Mar 08 06:41 PM
After help, the following verb can have or not have the to.

After help but, the to is almost always omitted, but you can put it in if you really want to. 

CJ 

  
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Anonymous  #487588  Tue, 11 Mar 08 07:21 PM

Thanks! CJ

  
Marius Hancu  #487595  Tue, 11 Mar 08 07:32 PM
At the New York Times:

2 from nytimes.com for "can't help but to be"
1,610 from nytimes.com for "can't help but be"

just as Jim mentioned. 

  
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