I can afford

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I can afford" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing financial capability or the ability to pay for something. Example: "I can afford to buy a new car this year since I've saved enough money."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

I can afford it.' ".

The New York Times

"But I can afford it".

Independent

"I can afford this".

The New York Times

"I can afford it.

The Guardian

I can afford to have that attitude!

The New Yorker

"Trying to find something I can afford".

The New York Times

I can afford to do it".

The New York Times - Sports

"But I can afford to eat.

The New York Times

We'll see if I can afford it".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

"Now I can afford to buy them clothes".

The Guardian

"Don't stint yourself," he'd say, "I can afford it".

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing formally, consider using more sophisticated alternatives like "I am in a financial position to" or "I have the means" for a more polished tone.

Common error

Be careful not to use "I can afford" when you technically can't without significant financial strain. It implies a comfortable ability to pay, not just a barely manageable one.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I can afford" primarily functions as a statement of financial capability or solvency. It indicates the speaker's present ability to pay for something or manage an expense. As shown by Ludwig, it is used in a wide array of contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I can afford" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to indicate one's financial capacity to purchase something or undertake an activity. As evidenced by numerous examples provided by Ludwig, it appears frequently in diverse contexts, from news articles to personal finance discussions. While "I can afford" is a straightforward and widely understood phrase, considering more formal alternatives like "I am in a financial position to" can enhance the sophistication of your writing. Remember to use it accurately, reflecting a genuine ability to pay without causing undue financial strain.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I am able to pay for

Directly states the ability to cover the cost.

I have enough money

Focuses directly on possessing sufficient funds.

I can comfortably afford

Emphasizes ease and lack of financial strain in affording something.

I am in a financial position to

Highlights the financial state as the reason for capability.

I can manage the expense

Indicates capability to handle the cost without significant strain.

I am wealthy enough

Emphasizes a level of wealth that enables a purchase or action.

It is within my budget

Specifies that something fits within allocated spending.

I am rich enough to

Highlights being rich as enabling a particular action or purchase.

I have the wherewithal

Suggests possessing the necessary resources, not just money.

I possess the resources to

Focuses on having overall resources available.

FAQs

What does "I can afford" mean?

The phrase "I can afford" means that you have enough money or resources to purchase something or undertake an activity without experiencing significant financial difficulty.

What can I say instead of "I can afford"?

You can use alternatives like "I have enough money", "I am able to pay for", or "it is within my budget depending on the context.

How do I use "I can afford" in a sentence?

You can use "I can afford" in a sentence to express your ability to pay for something. For example, "I can afford to buy a new car this year."

What's the difference between "I can afford" and "I could afford"?

"I can afford" refers to a current ability to pay, while "I could afford" refers to a past ability. For instance, "I can afford a vacation now", but "I could afford a vacation when I had that job".