In ragged half -torn shorts, the boy looked hardly eight. He must have been quite fair but layers of dirt and grime had turned his skin almost dark brown. ___ how many square meals a  day? None. A slice of bread bought with begged money, some leftover rice from hospital attendants, was all that he lived on. The well of human kindness in Zayed swelled up. What a pity! A little boy unloved, underfed, left on the streets to fend for himself. 

'leftover rice ' indicates

Created: 2 years ago | Updated: 2 years ago

After help, we can use object + infinitive (with or without to).

Can you help me (to) find my ring? (NOT Can you help me finding my ring?)
Thank you so much for helping us (to) repair the car.
Our main task is to help the company (to) become profitable.

Help can also be followed directly by an infinitive without an object.

Would you like to help pack?

If you say that you cannot/can’t help doing something (especially in British English), you mean that you can’t stop yourself, even if you don’t want to do it.

She’s a selfish woman, but somehow you can’t help liking her.
Excuse me – I couldn’t help overhearing what you said.
Sorry I broke the cup – I couldn’t help it.

Can’t help can be followed by but + infinitive (without to), with the same meaning as can’t help verb + ing. This is common in American English.

I can’t help but wonder what I should do next.

 

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