Meaning & use
can't afford it
Last updated
Meaning
phrasefixed phrase
To not have enough money, time, or resources to pay for or do something.
Grammar: Used as a complete verb phrase; the object 'it' refers to the thing you cannot pay for.
Patterns
- can't afford it
- can't afford to do something
- can't afford something
I'd love to come on holiday with you, but I can't afford it this year.
She said she can't afford it, so she's looking for a cheaper apartment.
We can't afford it right now, but we're saving up for a new car.
Common combinations
- can't afford to pay
- Many families can't afford to pay for private tutoring.
- can't afford the rent
- He works two jobs but still can't afford the rent.
- simply can't afford it
- We simply can't afford it on our current salary.
- can't afford to lose
- The team can't afford to lose another game.
Synonyms and how they differ
- cannot afford it
- The formal version; use it in writing or careful speech.
- be unable to afford it
- More formal and less common in everyday conversation.
Practice
Which sentence uses the phrase correctly?
Choose one answer.
'Can't afford it' is a complete phrase where 'it' stands for the thing you cannot pay for. The other options add an extra object incorrectly; you would say 'I can't afford a new laptop' or 'I can't afford to buy a new laptop'.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “can't afford it”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.