He can't afford to buy that cat vs He can't afford buying that car

Both phrases are correct, but they have slightly different meanings. 'He can't afford to buy that car' implies that he doesn't have enough money to make the purchase. 'He can't afford buying that car' suggests that buying the car is not a feasible option for him due to other reasons, such as time constraints or his own personal preferences.

Explained by Jennifer
Editor at TextRanch

Last updated: September 26, 2024 • 16184 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"He can't afford to buy that cat"

This phrase is used to indicate that someone does not have enough money to purchase something.

Examples:

She can't afford to buy that house.
They can't afford to buy a new car right now.

Alternatives:

He doesn't have enough money to buy that cat.
He lacks the funds to purchase that cat.

This phrase is correct and can be used to suggest that buying the car is not a feasible option for him due to reasons other than financial constraints.

"He can't afford buying that car"

This phrase is used to imply that someone is unable to consider buying something due to reasons other than financial limitations.

Examples:

She can't afford going on vacation this year.
They can't afford spending time on that project.

Alternatives:

He can't consider buying that car.
He is unable to think about buying that car.

Our Customers Love Us!

We have an average rating of 4.79 stars based on 283125 votes, and

4.9 Excellent - Reviews 2.137

"7 years without any disappointment. Always 100% satisfied. You guys are the best in the world at what you do. Thank you so much :)"

Zubair
from Bangladesh

"I wasn't aware of this service, it's fascinating and more reliable than standard IA tools available on the internet"

Arturo
from Mexico

"In a world of text messages and online communication, this is great to have as a live tool. Thank you."

Selena
from USA

"Wow, it's just so excellent. I never would have believed I could have a sure and excellent English companion. Thanks, TextRanch."

Ifiok
from Nigeria

"This is my first time using TextRanch, and I like how the editors take time to correct my text. To everyone who has never used TextRanch before, I highly recommend trying it."

Wilson
from France

"It is an amazing source of feedback because, as a non-native speaker, I really need to have a reliable helper correct my text."

Susan
from Germany

He can't afford to buy that cat vs He can't afford buying that car

"He can't afford to buy that cat"

"He can't afford buying that car"

Related Comparisons