Unable/could not

English as a Second Language English Vocabulary, Grammar and Idioms
1

Hi ,

I am unable to find the information in the log file.
I could not find the information in the log file.

Are above 2 sentences are correct ?
Do they have same meaning ?

Regards,
William

2

Yes, and yes, though we would usually refer to ‘the log’ rather than ‘the log file’.

3

I think you need to make a distinction here - I am unable to …suggests that it isn’t at all possible for me - possibly because I haven’t got the right code/equipment or whatever. I could not … suggests it wasn’t possible for me, possibly because I am doing something wrong.

4

Thanks Terry and Alan