This verb expresses whether resources or circumstances allow a purchase or action.
The idea
Use can afford with a noun or can afford to with a verb. Negatives and questions are common; time or consequences can matter as well as money.
Examples
- I can afford a used bicycle.
- We cannot afford a larger flat.
- Can you afford to take a day off?
- She could afford the train ticket.
- They cannot afford to waste time.
- He saved until he could afford a new oven.
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Watch out
Do not put a bare verb after afford: say afford to buy, not afford buy.
Try it yourself
Choose the correct form. With this salary, I ___ afford the rent now. (can / could)
Show answer or example answer
can
can expresses present ability to pay.
Choose the correct form. We cannot afford ___ stay another night. (to / for)
Show answer or example answer
to
to introduces the action of staying.
Choose the correct form. Last year, she ___ afford the course. (could / can)
Show answer or example answer
could
could expresses past ability in this context.
Practice round
Answer questions and rebuild English sentences to practise. Your score is shown.
Choose the correct form. With this salary, I ___ afford the rent now. (can / could)
Choose the correct form. We cannot afford ___ stay another night. (to / for)
Choose the correct form. Last year, she ___ afford the course. (could / can)
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
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Describe something you can afford and an action you cannot afford to delay.