Word
afford
Phoneticsaf·ford, stress on the second syllable
US/əˈfɔɹd/
UK/ɐfˈɔːd/
Definitions
01to have enough money
B1 · Intermediate
v. to have enough money to pay for something.
v. to have the financial means to purchase or pay for something without incurring significant debt or hardship.
“We can't afford a new car this year because we are saving for a house.”
“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'.
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).
Synonyms
02to have enough time or resources
B2 · Upper Intermediate
v. to be able to spare something, like time, without it causing a problem.
v. to be able to spare or give up a resource, such as time or attention, without serious detriment to one's goals.
“I can't afford to spend another hour on this project if I want to finish my homework.”
“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.
03to provide or grant
C1 · Advanced Formal
v. to give or provide an opportunity or a nice view.
v. to provide, furnish, or offer an opportunity, advantage, or physical view.
日本語:与える※
“The balcony affords a beautiful view of the mountains.”
“The new trade agreement affords local manufacturers a significant advantage when competing in international markets.”
Teaching tip
This sense is much more formal than the financial sense; in everyday speech, people usually say 'gives' or 'provides'.
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “afford” in context.
Verb
01. afford opportunity
“The new position will afford her the opportunity to travel abroad.”
verb + noun
02. afford protection
“These trees afford some protection from the wind.”
verb + noun
03. afford view
“The balcony affords a spectacular view of the mountains.”
verb + noun
04. barely afford
“Many families can barely afford the rising cost of heating.”
adv + verb
05. can afford
“We can afford to buy a new car this year.”
modal + verb
06. ill afford
“The company can ill afford to lose any more experienced staff.”
adv + verb
07. afford a glimpse into
“The diary affords a fascinating glimpse into Victorian life.”
08. afford to be picky
“With so few jobs available, he couldn't afford to be picky.”
09. can't afford the luxury
“We can't afford the luxury of waiting for a better offer.”
Confusables
Afford is about having enough money or time; allow is about giving permission or making something possible.
RememberAfford = Money/Time. Allow = Permission.
Etymology
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.
Word family
VERB
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B1 · IntermediateOxford
- Updated
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QR code
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「日本語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0