I wasn't able to do vs I couldn't do

Both "I wasn't able to do" and "I couldn't do" are correct and commonly used in English. They both convey the idea of not being able to do something in the past. The choice between them depends on personal preference or the specific context in which they are used.

Last updated: March 23, 2024 • 1674 views

I wasn't able to do

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to express the inability to do something in the past.

This phrase is used to indicate that someone did not have the capability or opportunity to do something in the past.

Show examples from the web [+]

I wasn't able to do the procedure that I'd hoped.
He did what I wasn't able to do.
What I wasn't able to do.
I wasn't able to do anything.
- what I wasn't able to do.
I wasn't able to do that for Amanda.
And if I wasn't able to do it properly, I'd be letting myself and you down.
I've been feeling bad because I wasn't able to do anything kind for you.
I need to do something soon, something in group, since I wasn't able to do anything alone.
But she fights back, so I wasn't able to do it.
And I still wasn't able to do what you did.
Guys, I wasn't able to recover the memories.
I wasn't able to find Joey.
And I wasn't able to destroy that.
I wasn't able to get Led Zeppelin.
I wasn't able to protect them all, Vicar.
I wasn't able to go very fast because of my injury.
Apparently, I wasn't able to give him that.
I wasn't able to clear my schedule.
I wasn't able to keep the child, so...

Alternatives:

I was unable to do
I could not do

I couldn't do

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to express the inability to do something in the past.

This phrase is used to indicate that someone did not have the ability or opportunity to do something in the past.

Show examples from the web [+]

I was her big brother, and I couldn't do anything.
I couldn't do it to Damon.
I couldn't do artificial respiration.
And I couldn't do other than I did.
I couldn't do that to Mary Beth.
No, I couldn't do that to Nicole.
I couldn't do that to our daughter.
Pools, raffles, card games, I couldn't do anything.
I couldn't do the thing for robert.
Except I couldn't do anything for Greta today.
I couldn't do it to Andrew.
I couldn't do anything, I was just... paralysed.
And I couldn't do anything for her.
I couldn't do anything to help save the son...
And I couldn't do anything because of my wrist.
I couldn't do that to Michelle.
I couldn't do any more than that.
Because I couldn't do my job.
That I couldn't do anything on my own.
As his hyung, I couldn't do anything to help.

Alternatives:

I could not do
I was unable to do

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I wasn't able to do vs I couldn't do

I wasn't able to do

I couldn't do

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