Lesson 220--Can't Seem To....

She can't seem to stay awake.

Sometimes we are just not able to do something, even though we put in some effort.  While we can express this kind of thing with can't, it is a little softer if we use the phrase "can't seem to".  Take a look at the following examples, and see what I mean.

He can't be on time.

He is never on time.

He can't seem to be on time.

Of these, the last one is a little bit less critical sounding.

Here are some other examples

Tsewang can't catch the early bus.

Tsewang never catches the early bus.
Tsewang can't seem to catch the early bus.

** Sorry Tsewang, but you are the perfect example. (if only I had a picture of you at the bus stop)