couldn't vs couldn't have

[48majid]

Hi!
I'd like to know which of two following choices are the right answer to this question and why.

A. I tried to call you last week. we had a party and I wanted to invite you.
B. that's nice of you but I ...... anyway. I was away all last week.

a) couldn't come b) couldn't have come

This is a question from the book "English Grammar in Use". In the book b is the correct answer, but I don't see why a is incorrect.


Many thanks in advance

 

[emsr2d2]

48majid, as you have already been told in your other similar post, we expect you to try first. Please tell us which one you think is correct and why. Please click on Edit Post and add a full stop to your final sentence. As an English teacher, you are expected to use correct grammar, spelling and punctuation on this forum.

 

[48majid]

No one can help me?

 

[emsr2d2]

Can no one [strike]can[/strike] help me?

Read the first two sentences of post #2 again please.​