TOPIC 11
AFFORD : OFFER
Afford, in the sense “have enough time, money, etc., for”, is
generally used with can or could. It takes direct object.
* I can’t afford a new car.
Offer takes both a direct and an indirect object.
* I offered him $500 for his old
car.
But afford and offer may be used with an infinitive.
* Hurry up! We can’t afford to
waste time.
* A friend has offered to take
me to Venice in his car.
Afford also means “provide”.
(Note that in this sense afford is preferable to offer). In this
sense it takes a direct object, and may also take an indirect object.
* The Eiffel Tower affords a
good view of Paris.
* A big party affords (us) an
opportunity of getting to know people.