can’t afford sth
fixed phr..fixed phr.. to not have enough money to pay for something, or to not be able to do something because it would cause problems later.
fixed phr.. to lack the financial means for a purchase or the resources (time, energy, or risk tolerance) for a specific action. Often used with a modal verb to express inability.
I can't afford a new car this year.
They can't afford to lose any more staff if they want to finish the project on time.
The government simply can't afford to ignore the rising inflation rates if it hopes to maintain public confidence during the upcoming election cycle.
usually followed by a noun or a to-infinitive; almost always used in the negative or in questions.
highlight that 'afford' is rarely used in the affirmative ('I can afford it') compared to its frequent use in the negative to express a limit on resources.
I can't afford for a new phone.I can't afford a new phone.the verb 'afford' takes a direct object; do not use the preposition 'for' before the noun.