Ever since humans have inhabited the earth, they have made use of various forms of communication. Generally, this expression of thoughts and feelings has been in the form of oral speech. When there is a language barrier, communication is carried out through sign language in which motions stand for letters, words and ideas. Tourists, the deaf and the mute have had to take the help of this form of expression. Many of the symbols of whole words are very picturesque and exact and can be used interationally: spelling, however, cannot be used in this wayBody language conveys ideas or thoughts by certain actions, either intentionally or unintentionally. A wink can be a way of flirting or indicating that the party is only joking. A nod signifies approval, while shaking the head indicates a negative reaction. Examples of other forms of language can be found in Braille (a system of raised dots read with the fingerprints), signal flags, Morse code and smoke signals. Road maps and picture signs also guide, warn and instruct people. While the use words is most common form of language, other systems and techniques also express human throught and feelings.
Which of the following best summarizes this passage?
After help, we can use object + infinitive (with or without to).
| Can you help me (to) find my ring? (NOT | |
| 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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