I need to describe a situation when one is not able to help something. For instance my friend came home and found that the Internet is down. She calls me and asks something like this:
... Can you do anything to help me out?
I am willing to help but I am not at home and cannot think of a real way to help localizing the problem. Which of the following do I use to better express my uselessness for the cause?
- I cannot do anything to help.
- I can do nothing to help.
Is there any noticable difference in the meaning? Which variant is more natural?
I can't help
sounds a bit like unwillingness to help. I need to express that I would like to help but cannot think of a real way to.