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Old 15-Mar-2008, 06:22
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Default can't and couldn't
Car prices have gone down a lot, but even so, we couldn't afford to buy one.

This sentence comes from CAMBRIDGE LEARNER'S DICTIONARY. I'd like to know if we can say 'can't afford' without changing the original meaning.

Thank you in advance.
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Old 15-Mar-2008, 06:42
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Default Re: can't and couldn't
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Originally Posted by joham View Post
Car prices have gone down a lot, but even so, we couldn't afford to buy one.

This sentence comes from CAMBRIDGE LEARNER'S DICTIONARY. I'd like to know if we can say 'can't afford' without changing the original meaning.

Thank you in advance.
Yes, you can and I think 'can't afford' sounds more natural.
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Old 15-Mar-2008, 06:44
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Default Re: can't and couldn't
Hi Joham

I think I would take it that saying, couldn't afford one, as would never be able to afford one,or not likely to be able to afford one in the future.
Can't afford one, as being now Can't afford one now.

Take care
Stilo
Last edited by Stilo; 15-Mar-2008 at 06:44. Reason: TYPO
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