A part of the following sentence is underlined. Choose the option that can replace the underlined part to improve the sentence. If you
feel Options A, B, or C do not improve the sentence, then choose Option D: 'No improvement required.'
I can't help feel sorry for her, even though she was clearly in the wrong and had made some poor decisions.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
The phrase 'can't help feel' is grammatically incomplete in standard English. When using the verb help to mean 'refrain from' or 'avoid,' it typically requires either a gerund (the '-ing' form) or the conjunction but followed by the base form of the verb.
'I can't help but feel' is a standard idiomatic expression. The structure can't help + but + base verb is widely accepted and commonly used in both formal and informal writing.
Therefore, 'I can't help but feel sorry for her' will replace “'I can't help feel sorry for her.'