can't afford a date vs can't afford to date

Both phrases are correct, but they have slightly different meanings. 'Can't afford a date' implies not having enough money to go on a date, while 'can't afford to date' suggests not having the time or resources to engage in dating in general.

Last updated: April 01, 2024 • 536 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used to indicate a lack of financial means to go on a date.

"can't afford a date"

This phrase is used when someone does not have enough money to pay for a date or social outing.

Examples:

I can't afford a date this weekend.
She wanted to go out, but he couldn't afford a date.
He felt embarrassed that he couldn't afford a date at a fancy restaurant.
They decided to stay in because they couldn't afford a date night out.
Many students can't afford a date due to their limited budgets.

Show examples from the web [+]

Grandma can't afford a new mobile.
And we can't afford to stop now, because our nation has a date with destiny.
Most murderers can't afford a private lawyer.
I can't afford a guide dog.
But then I can't afford a woman coming in anymore.
Everybody knows some car dealer who can't afford a race team.
It says here that Europe can't afford a war.
I can't afford a babysitter that speaks English.
We can't afford a retaliation for the street fair shooting.
We can't afford a misfire here.
My dad can't afford a new leg.
We can't afford a reckless move right now.
Actually, I'm here because you can't afford a drama teacher.
Dr. O'Hara can't afford a box of tissues.
I can't afford a ticket.
Not really, he can't afford a solicitor.
You can't afford a team.
I can't afford a faux-pas.
I can't afford a brand-new apartment.
You can't afford a mark in the loss column.

Alternatives:

can't afford to go on a date
can't afford a romantic outing
can't afford a night out
can't afford a social event

This phrase is also correct and is used to convey a lack of time or resources to engage in dating.

"can't afford to date"

This phrase is employed when someone lacks the time, energy, or resources to participate in the act of dating or maintaining a romantic relationship.

Examples:

I can't afford to date right now with my busy schedule.
She can't afford to date until she finishes her studies.
He can't afford to date because he is focusing on his career.
They can't afford to date due to their long-distance relationship.
Many single parents feel they can't afford to date because of their responsibilities.

Show examples from the web [+]

And we can't afford to stop now, because our nation has a date with destiny.
You can't afford to have people asking those questions.
Life is short, Ndugu... and I can't afford to waste another minute.
I just can't afford to fly.
And I can't afford to be linked publicly to someone like you.
Unfortunately, we can't afford to really hire him.
We can't afford to remain neutral any longer.
We can't afford to anchor a unit to one location.
I can't afford to buy a new one every week.
Mike I can't afford to be selfish on this one.
Can't afford to share them with animals that get in here.
Some people say we can't afford to be civilized.
We can't afford to be that decent anymore.
We can't afford to feel guilty.
I can't afford to give her anything.
But perhaps more importantly, those who can't afford to be here.
Can't afford to fight that.
I can't afford to pass up a lead like this.
Please, we can't afford to have him killed yet.
So we can't afford to waste time.

Alternatives:

can't afford to engage in dating
can't afford to pursue a romantic relationship
can't afford to invest time in dating
can't afford to be in a relationship

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can't afford a date vs can't afford to date