Sorry, I could not answer your call. I was busy

[thehammer]

Is there any difference?

1- Sorry, I couldn't answer your call. I was busy.

2- Sorry, I didn't answer your call. I was busy.

 

[5jj]

Yes. It's the difference between "I was unable to" and "I did not".

 

[thehammer]

Yes. It's the difference between "I was unable to" and "I did not".

Thank you. To me both sounds natural. Which one would you choose?

 

[jutfrank]

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?

 

[thehammer]

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?

My busyness stopped me from answering.


I had to edit. There was a typo.

 

[Tarheel]

@thehammer Try: "I had pressing business, and I was unable to take the call."

Perhaps: "I'm sorry I couldn't answer your call. I was busy."

 

[thehammer]

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.

 

[Tarheel]

@thehammer I suggest that you reread posts two and four.

Just because two sentences are natural that doesn't mean you can use either one in a given context. You have to use what fits.

 

[jutfrank]

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.

 

[Tarheel]

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.

 

[jutfrank]

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.

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.

 

[thehammer]

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.

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?

We communicate via email. He told me to get something under an address. But I can't find it under that location.

How would I say?

I didn't find it.

-

I couldn't find it.

Though the second one seems natural and correct, the first one does not sound wrong either.

 

[Tarheel]

"I didn't find it" is certainly possible. However, if I spent some time and effort looking for something, but I was unsuccessful I am much more likely to say I couldn't find it. (See below.)

Abe: Did you find it?
Bob: No. However, if I had been bothered to look maybe I would have.

 

[Barque]

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.

 

[thehammer]

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.

 

[tedmc]

Oh sorry!! I should not have done that.

 

[Barque]

I wouldn't object to "I should not" in that situation other than to say "shouldn't" would have been a better choice.

I shouldn't = I shouldn't do that.
I shouldn't have = I shouldn't have done that.

Both work in my opinion.