could not bring/help

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panicmonger

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She could not bring/help herself to tell him the news.


Does it mean she, at last, tell him the news?
Are they the same?
Thank you.
 

bhaisahab

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She could not bring/help herself to tell him the news.


Does it mean she, at last, tell him the news?
Are they the same?
Thank you.
"She could not bring herself to tell him the news" means that she didn't tell him, because she hadn't the courage to do so.
"She could not help herself to tell him the news" is incorrect.
"She could not help but tell him the news" means that she told him, because she felt compelled to do so.
 
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