Thank you. To me both sounds natural. Which one would you choose?Yes. It's the difference between "I was unable to" and "I did not".
My busyness stopped me from answering.They're both natural. The difference is in their meaning.
I wonder how you would explain to us what you think couldn't means. When you say "Sorry I couldn't answer your call", what are you really saying to the listener? What really stopped you from answering?
Dear teacher, if they both are natural, it means I can use either. Could you explain when I should use them.They're both natural. The difference is in their meaning.
I wonder how you would explain to us what you think couldn't means. When you say "Sorry I couldn't answer your call", what are you really saying to the listener? What really stopped you from answering?
I have to disagree with Jutfrank on this one. If I say I couldn't answer your call it might mean I was too busy to talk on the phone.
Thank you so much. Learned a lot. One more question. I've got this from the internet. Could you please tell me what's right?That's what I mean. If you're too busy to talk, it means you're unable or that it isn't possible for you. I see no disagreement.
I'll say again and add a little to what post #2 has already said:
I couldn't answer your call.
This means that it was not possible or that I was not able to answer. The implication is that when you called I was aware of it.
I didn't answer your call.
This just means that answering didn't happen. It doesn't say if it was possible or if if I was able, and it doesn't say whether I was aware that you were calling.
-I didn't find it.
I couldn't find it.
Oh sorry!! I should not.You've asked the same question with different examples in this thread: https://www.usingenglish.com/forum/threads/i-could-not-did-not.297379/
I'm not sure why you need to start a new thread to post more examples.
Oh sorry!! I should not have done that.