Search from various Engels teachers...
Brainer
Does "can ill afford to do sth" mean "can't afford to do sth" in a formal way?
Example:
I can ill afford (=can't afford) to lose my job.
Thank you in advance!
18 jul. 2014 17:46
Antwoorden · 3
2
Yes, it means the same. The reason is that 'Ill', as an adverb, means 'Hardly'.
So, if you put the meaning in your sentence, it'll be as, "I can hardly afford (= can't afford) to lose my job."
I hope it helps! ;)
Never Give Up!
18 juli 2014
1
That's exactly what it means. Nice!
18 juli 2014
I can't speak for everyone, but living in the UK, I've never heard or seen this structure. Most people here would simply say "I can't (or cannot) afford to lose my job".
19 juli 2014
Heb je je antwoorden nog steeds niet gevonden?
Schrijf je vragen op en laat de moedertaalsprekers je helpen!
Brainer
Taalvaardigheden
Engels, Japans, Portugees
Taal die wordt geleerd
Engels, Japans
Artikelen die je misschien ook leuk vindt

Santa, St. Nicholas, or Father Christmas? How Christmas Varies Across English-Speaking Countries
6 likes · 4 Opmerkingen

Reflecting on Your Progress: Year-End Language Journal Prompts
5 likes · 2 Opmerkingen

Same Word, Different Meaning: American, British, and South African English
25 likes · 18 Opmerkingen
Meer artikelen
