afford to buy a car

Meaning

This expression means to have enough money, financial resources, or savings to purchase a vehicle without causing financial hardship. It is often used with modal verbs like 'can' or 'can't' to discuss personal budget limits.

Examples

• Now that she has a stable job, she can finally afford to buy a car.

  Now that she has a stable job, she can finally afford to buy a car.

• With insurance and gas prices so high, I can't afford to buy a car right now.

  With insurance and gas prices so high, I can't afford to buy a car right now.

• They had to save money for three years before they could afford to buy a car.

  They had to save money for three years before they could afford to buy a car.

• If you get a promotion, will you be able to afford to buy a car?

  If you get a promotion, will you be able to afford to buy a car?

• He's looking for a second-hand model because he can't afford to buy a car that is brand new.

  He's looking for a second-hand model because he can't afford to buy a car that is brand new.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I can't afford buying a car.

  ✓ I can't afford to buy a car.

  The verb 'afford' is followed by an infinitive (to + verb), not a gerund (-ing form).

• ✗ I afford to buy a car after saving up.

  ✓ I can afford to buy a car after saving up.

  In English, 'afford' is almost always preceded by 'can', 'could', or 'be able to'.

Related Expressions

Practice

• After working overtime for months, he can finally ___.

  💡 Have enough money to purchase a vehicle.

  Show answer

  afford to buy a car

• I would love to stop taking the bus, but I just can't ___ right now.

  💡 Financial limitations prevent you from purchasing a vehicle.

  Show answer

  afford to buy a car