Is this REDUCTION correct?

[lhn]

Because I was unable to afford to buy a house(=being unable to buy a house=Unable to buy a house), I bought a car.

I have a grammer book saying that this is a correct usage. What is your opinion? Could you please direct me to a website which makes clear this issue.

Thanks...

[ebb]

It's ok but you can do better.... I would cut it down to at least "Because I was unable to afford a house, I ...." .... "afford to buy" is redundant. "Afford" already carries with it the implication of "to be able to buy" so you can just say "afford" -- GOOD speakers would do this, although you'd hear people throw in the "to buy" as well. I suggest you just use "afford" --

best imho is "Because I couldn't afford a house, I ...". This allows the useful word "afford" to carry all the weight that God intended for it .

[SweetMommaSue]

Because I was unable to afford to buy a house(=being unable to buy a house=Unable to buy a house), I bought a car.

I have a grammer book saying that this is a correct usage. What is your opinion? Could you please direct me to a website which makes clear this issue.

Thanks...

Welcome to the forum!
Here's my two cents:

1. Because I was unable to afford to buy a house, I bought a car. Long, but correct.
2. Unable to afford to buy a house, I bought a car. Also correct.
3. Being unable to buy a house, I bought a car. Also correct.
4. I bought a car because I was unable to afford a house. I think this is easier to understand.
5. Because I was unable to afford a house, I bought a car. Yes, this works, too.

I did not find a web site for this sentence. I can look it up in the grammar references and cite you the rules, if you like.

Smiles!
Sweet Momma Sue