can't seem to

Apparently unable to or incapable of doing something. I've been over these figures three times, but I just can't seem to get them to add up. He couldn't seem to figure out how to work the machine.

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]

Common Names:

Name	Pronounced	Usage
SeyyİD	-	Turkish
Dunya	-	Russian
Kearney	['ka:ni]
Ignazio	-	Italian
Rabbie	-	Scottish
Elisabeth	[i'lizəbəθ]