AFFORD : OFFER


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.