Be able to afford

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Be able to afford" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the financial capability to purchase or pay for something. Example: "I want to travel to Europe next summer, but I need to make sure I will be able to afford the trip."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Will we be able to afford that?

The New York Times

Nobody will be able to afford it".

The New York Times

And be able to afford".

The New York Times

We wouldn't be able to afford that".

Independent

Will you be able to afford it?

The New York Times - Health

They may be able to afford dinner.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I won't be able to afford it".

The Guardian

"Otherwise I wouldn't be able to afford your clothes".

The New York Times

The government won't be able to afford it.

The New York Times

"I won't be able to afford the insurance," she said.

The New York Times

Some people would not be able to afford mortgages.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing financial planning or budgeting, use "Be able to afford" to clearly indicate the feasibility of a purchase or expense within a specific financial context.

Common error

In formal writing, avoid overuse of the phrase "Be able to afford". Instead, consider using more sophisticated alternatives like "possess the financial means" or "be in a position to finance" for enhanced precision and style.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Be able to afford" functions as a modal expression indicating financial capability or the possibility of purchasing something. As shown in Ludwig's examples, it is used to assess whether someone has enough money for a particular expense.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Be able to afford" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to express the financial capacity to purchase or pay for something. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and widely used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While versatile, it’s essential to consider the context and explore alternatives like "have the financial means" in more formal settings. The phrase's widespread use underscores its importance in discussions about economics, budgeting, and financial planning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Have the financial means

Focuses on possessing the necessary financial resources, emphasizing availability of funds.

Be in a position to pay for

Highlights the capability to handle the payment, suggesting a stable financial situation.

Have enough money for

Directly addresses having sufficient funds, emphasizing quantity.

Manage to purchase

Focuses on successfully buying something, implying effort and potential resourcefulness.

Be wealthy enough to buy

Emphasizes wealth as the enabling factor, highlighting a high level of affluence.

Be rich enough to acquire

Highlights the level of wealth needed for a more significant or valuable acquisition.

Be capable of funding

Focuses on the act of providing the funds, often for a project or endeavor.

Be in a financial situation to

Highlights overall financial state.

Carry the cost of

Emphasizes managing and bearing the financial burden associated with something.

Bear the expense of

Focuses on the ability to endure the financial outlay, suggesting potential sacrifice.

FAQs

What does it mean to "Be able to afford" something?

To "Be able to afford" something means having sufficient financial resources to purchase it without experiencing significant financial strain.

How can I use "Be able to afford" in a sentence?

You can use "Be able to afford" to express your capacity to pay for something. For example: "I want to travel to Europe next summer, but I need to make sure I will "Be able to afford" the trip."

What are some alternatives to "Be able to afford"?

You can use alternatives like "have the financial means", "be in a position to pay for", or "have enough money for" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "Can afford to" instead of "Be able to afford"?

Yes, "Can afford to" is a more concise and equally correct alternative to "Be able to afford". Both phrases express the same meaning, with the former being more commonly used in informal contexts.