When we find ourselves in an unfortunate situation where we are unable to offer assistance, it can be tough to articulate our limitations. Instead of simply saying "I can't help," try one of these alternative phrases to express your inability to provide aid or support: unable to assist, incapable of helping, not capable of helping, powerless to assist, impotent to aid, inadequate to support, ill-equipped to help, not up to the task of helping, not qualified to assist, permitted from helping, restricted to help. By using one of these synonyms, you can express your empathetic regret while avoiding the harsh tone of 'unable to help'.