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PreciousJones Posted 14 years ago
Grammar

I don't

I don't think I can afford anything you would like. Or

I don't think I could afford anything you would like.

Which one is the best way to say:

I can't afford something you like.

Thanks.
  

Top answer

You are talking about the present. )

— Doctor D

  • You are talking about the present.
  • )
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6 Answers
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You are talking about the present.
So I would use "can." (Right now I can't afford that.)
If you are talking about the future, you could use "could." (I don't think I could afford it, if the chance came tomorrow.)
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Doctor DYou are talking about the present.So I would use "can." (Right now I can't afford that.)If you are talking about the future, you could use "could." (I don't think I could afford it, if the chance came tomorrow.)
But shouldn't the tenses match?

So instead of would, it should be will?

I c'ant afford anything you
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It's a little mixed up. You are talking about buying something in the present that she will like in the future (when she gets it). What about:

I can't afford to buy the sort of thing you like. (If you want to keep it all in the present).
I won't be able to afford to buy the sort of thing you would like. (If you want to keep it all in the future).

Does that help?
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Doctor DIt's a little mixed up. You are talking about buying something in the present that she will like in the future (when she gets it). What about:I can't afford to buy the sort of thing you like. (If you want to keep it all in the present).I won't be able to afford to buy the sort of thing you would like. (If you want to keep it all in the future).Does that help?
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Here's my point. Can afford is in the present. Both would and will are in the future. If you want to mix tenses, you can, so either would or will works. The meaning, however, is slightly different. (Will is more definite.)
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Doctor DHere's my point. Can afford is in the present. Both would and will are in the future. If you want to mix tenses, you can, so either would or will works. The meaning, however, is slightly different. (Will is more definite.)
Doctor DHere's my point. Can afford is in the present. Both would and will are in the future. If you want
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