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can afford
/kæn əˈfɔːrd/◆phrasal verb
have enough money to buy or do something
I can afford a new laptop this month.
I have enough money to buy a new laptop this month.
informal
To have sufficient financial resources to purchase or do something
They can afford a vacation to Europe next summer.
They have enough money to travel to Europe next summer.
She can't afford to buy a house right now.
She doesn't have enough money to purchase a house at the moment.
This phrase is commonly used to discuss financial capability in everyday conversations.
Collocations
can afford tohave enough money to do somethingcan't afford todo not have enough money to do something
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Financial Context
This phrase is primarily used in financial contexts to discuss purchasing power or financial decisions.
Negative Form
The negative form 'can't afford' is commonly used to express financial limitations.
Gold Rule
Correct Usage
Always use 'can afford' with a specific object or action that requires financial resources.
Word Origin
From 'can' (ability) + 'afford' (to have enough money for something). The phrase combines the modal verb 'can' with the verb 'afford' to express financial capability.
Usage Notes
This phrase is often used in informal contexts to discuss financial decisions. It can also be used in formal contexts when discussing budgets or financial planning.
Word Breakdown
can
ability to do something
modal verbafford
to have enough money for something
verbEnglish Dictionary