Jader
What is the different between allow and afford. Besides, when can I use every one?
Jun 2, 2018 4:13 AM
Answers · 2
5
"To allow" means "to permit" or to let someone do something or to let something happen. If I allow something, it implies that I had the power to prevent it, but I chose to give permission for it or to let it happen. "To afford" means to be able to pay the price. When used literally, we could say something like "I will buy this house if I can afford it" (meaning if I have enough money). But we often use it in a less literal way too. For example, "I cannot afford to upset my boss" meaning that the "cost" of upsetting my boss would be too much for me. Or "I think I can afford to take a few days of holiday next week" meaning that taking the holidays will not cause problems - I have enough time and my work is up to date.
June 2, 2018
1
it disappeared my answer Italki ate it. allow and afford are related if someone is using the ancient meaning of the word afford. Which does happen with some English speakers. afford (ancient use still somethings used today) from a web discussion where people were getting confused. .Etymologically (OE geforthian, the ancestor of, among other things, ModE "further") and historically, "afford" means "advance, make available or possible." so afford is not always connected with money or finance. It can be other things like pleasure,enjoyment,rest,relaxation. "the weekends afford me time to relax and visit friends" afford when used in this ancient but still used way = makes possible, or provides advantages.
June 2, 2018
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