What does "afford" mean?

1. (to have enough money) to have enough money to pay for something. 2. (to have enough time or resources) to be able to spare something, like time, without it causing a problem. 3. (to provide or grant) to give or provide an opportunity or a nice view.

How do you use "afford"?

Almost always used with 'can', 'could', or 'be able to'. Often used with a to-infinitive to describe a risk or a loss of time.

Is it correct to say "I can't afford buying a new car."?

No — say "I can't afford to buy a new car.". The verb 'afford' is followed by a to-infinitive, not a gerund (-ing form).

afford

US //əˈfɔɹd// UK //ɐfˈɔːd// af·ford

1 to have enough money (v.)
B1 Intermediate

to have enough money to pay for something.

to have the financial means to purchase or pay for something without incurring significant debt or hardship.

Example

We can't afford a new car this year because we are saving for a house.

Example

Few young families in the city can afford to buy property without significant financial assistance from their parents.

Usage

Almost always used with 'can', 'could', or 'be able to'.
- pay for
- manage
Pitfall

I can't afford buying a new car.

I can't afford to buy a new car.

The verb 'afford' is followed by a to-infinitive, not a gerund (-ing form).
2 to have enough time or resources (v.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

to be able to spare something, like time, without it causing a problem.

to be able to spare or give up a resource, such as time or attention, without serious detriment to one's goals.

Example

I can't afford to spend another hour on this project if I want to finish my homework.

Example

The candidate felt she could not afford to lose any more support in the rural districts before the final vote.

Usage

Often used with a to-infinitive to describe a risk or a loss of time.
- spare
- manage

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3 to provide or grant (v.)
C1 Advanced Formal

to give or provide an opportunity or a nice view.

to provide, furnish, or offer an opportunity, advantage, or physical view.

Example

The balcony affords a beautiful view of the mountains.

Example

The new trade agreement affords local manufacturers a significant advantage when competing in international markets.

Teacher's tip

This sense is much more formal than the financial sense; in everyday speech, people usually say 'gives' or 'provides'.
- deny
- withhold

Origin

From Middle English afforthen, aforthen, avorthien, from earlier iforthen, iforthien, ȝeforthien, from Old English forþian, ġeforþian (“to further, accomplish, afford”), from Proto-Germanic furþōną, from Proto-Germanic furþą (“forth, forward”), equivalent to a- + forth. Cognate with Old Norse forða (“to forward oneself, save oneself, escape danger”), Icelandic forða (“to save, rescue”).

Word family

Verbafford
Adjectiveaffordable