If you’re learning English, you might have come across the word afford. It’s a useful word, but it’s also frequently misused! In this post, we’ll go over the most common mistakes with afford and how to use it correctly in sentences.
What Does “Afford” Mean?
The verb afford means to have enough money, time, or resources for something. It is commonly used with “can” or “could” to express ability.
✅ I can afford to buy a new phone.
✅ We can’t afford to waste time.
✅ She couldn’t afford to miss the meeting.
Now, let’s look at the common mistakes people make with afford and how to fix them.
1. Using “Afford” with a Gerund (-ing Form)
Incorrect: ❌ I can’t afford buying a car.
Correct: ✅ I can’t afford to buy a car.
Why? Afford should always be followed by “to” + base verb (infinitive), not a gerund.
2. Using “Afford” Without a Financial or Resource Context
Incorrect: ❌ I can’t afford that she leaves early.
Correct: ✅ I can’t afford for her to leave early.
Why? Afford should be used when talking about money, time, or consequences—not just any situation.
3. Using “Afford” as a Synonym for “Allow”
Incorrect: ❌ My boss afforded me to take a day off.
Correct: ✅ My boss allowed me to take a day off.
Why? Afford does not mean “allow someone to do something.” Instead, use words like “allow” or “permit.”
4. Forgetting “Can” or “Could” with “Afford”
Incorrect: ❌ I afford to buy a new phone.
Correct: ✅ I can afford to buy a new phone.
Why? Afford is almost always used with “can”, “can’t”, “could”, or “couldn’t.”
Key Takeaways
- Always use “afford” with “to” + base verb (e.g., afford to buy).
- Use afford in contexts related to money, time, or consequences.
- Don’t use afford as a replacement for allow or permit.
- Always include can, can’t, could, or couldn’t with afford.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll sound more natural and confident in English. Keep practicing, and soon, using afford correctly will feel effortless!
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