afford
- 01 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.
Simple“We can't afford a new car this year because we are saving for a house.”
In context“Few young families in the city can afford to buy property without significant financial assistance from their parents.”
UsageAlmost always used with 'can', 'could', or 'be able to'.
PitfallI 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).
Synonymspay formanage - 02 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.
Simple“I can't afford to spend another hour on this project if I want to finish my homework.”
In context“The candidate felt she could not afford to lose any more support in the rural districts before the final vote.”
UsageOften used with a to-infinitive to describe a risk or a loss of time.
- 03 C1 Advanced
to give or provide an opportunity or a nice view.
to provide, furnish, or offer an opportunity, advantage, or physical view.
Simple“The balcony affords a beautiful view of the mountains.”
In context“The new trade agreement affords local manufacturers a significant advantage when competing in international markets.”
Teacher's tipThis sense is much more formal than the financial sense; in everyday speech, people usually say 'gives' or 'provides'.
afford vs allow — Afford is about having enough money or time; allow is about giving permission or making something possible.
Usage afford to pay · afford protection
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”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.