can't seem to

Be apparently unable to, as in No matter how hard I try, I can't seem to concentrate on this book. This phrase gives added emphasis to a negative statement, as in the example. [Late 1800s]

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

The players just can’t seem to understand their fans’ sense of betrayal at Rose tipping the balance of games.

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Apple Chief Executive Tim Cook can’t seem to catch a break.

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When the season begins, Ellie is visibly upset with Joel, who can’t seem to do anything right.

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�� really makes xAI so bizarre is that its Grok bot can’t seem to quit talking about the “white genocide” conspiracy theory lately—no matter what anyone asks it.

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Quite inconsistent and that makes it very hard to understand what you need from the car when for whatever reason we can't seem to make the tyres work.

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can't see beyond the end of one's nose.can't see the forest for the trees

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