a question of affordability

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a question of affordability" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing whether something is financially feasible or within someone's budget. Example: "The decision to upgrade the office equipment is ultimately a question of affordability for the company."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

"Now it's a question of affordability".

The New York Times

But as Richard Batley of Lombard Street Research points out, it all comes down to a question of affordability.

The Guardian - Business

"It's a question of affordability and also of convenience," said Robert A. Wieboldt, executive director of the Long Island Builders Institute, a trade group based in Hauppauge.

The New York Times

The majority of stores that are on the potential closure list seem to be the most expensive in terms of rent so it is a question of affordability for BHS rather than purely over renting.

The Guardian - Business

One 40-year-old woman with five years of schooling said: 'It's not a question of information; it's a question of affordability and availability.

BMC Women's Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

But as we enter a recession, the question of affordability will become a big issue, and we won't know for a while whether current prices will be supportable.

Forbes

Democrats proposing an overhaul of the American health care system have gotten themselves locked in a box around the question of affordability.

The New York Times

Then came the question of affordability.

The New York Times

However on the question of affordability – which is different to value for money – margins are up but interest rates are down, so it's not so clearcut.

The Guardian

This question gets at the basic question of affordability because if it is true that middle-income countries can look after their own poor people, then tax rates should be bearable.

The Economist

And the prices that new arrivals are paying in some of the new developments raise the question of affordability: how many seniors will be able to take advantage of this housing in the high-cost New York City area?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing social programs or policy, use "a question of affordability" to frame the debate around whether the initiatives are financially sustainable for the government or accessible to the public.

Common error

Avoid using "a question of affordability" when describing minor expenses that are easily manageable, as it can exaggerate the financial impact. Use more appropriate language when referring to low-cost items or services.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a question of affordability" functions as a noun phrase that introduces the topic of whether something is within a reasonable price range for a given entity. Ludwig AI confirms its valid usage, highlighting its role in discussing financial feasibility.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a question of affordability" is a grammatically correct and understandable phrase used to introduce concerns about the financial feasibility of something. Ludwig AI indicates that it is used to initiate discussions about budget constraints, cost-effectiveness, and financial accessibility. While the phrase appears more frequently in news and media, science, and formal business contexts, it maintains a neutral tone suitable for diverse communication scenarios. Alternative phrases like "financial accessibility" or "a matter of cost" can be used to convey similar meanings, depending on the specific context. A key writing tip is to use the phrase when discussing projects or services that have potential financial limitations, and avoid using it to describe minor expenses.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Affordability challenge

Highlights the difficulty or problem associated with making something affordable.

Financial accessibility

Directly addresses the ability of people to access something based on their finances.

Within financial reach

Indicates that something is obtainable given one's financial resources.

A matter of cost

Focuses directly on the expense involved, rather than the broader concept of affordability.

Economic feasibility

Considers whether something is economically viable or sustainable.

An issue of pricing

Highlights the specific price point as the central concern.

Cost considerations

Focuses on the factors related to the cost of something.

Economic viability

This phrase is more about the capacity of something to be maintained on an economic level

A budgetary constraint

Emphasizes the limitations imposed by a budget.

A question of resources

Broadens the concern to encompass available resources, not just money.

FAQs

How can I use "a question of affordability" in a sentence?

You can use "a question of affordability" to introduce concerns about the financial feasibility of a project, service, or product. For example, "The expansion of the program is a question of affordability given the current budget constraints."

What is a good substitute for "a question of affordability"?

Depending on the context, you might use alternatives like "financial accessibility", "cost considerations", or "economic feasibility" to convey a similar meaning.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a question of affordability"?

Use "a question of affordability" when the primary concern revolves around whether something can be realistically financed or afforded by an individual, organization, or government. It's suitable when discussing budgets, pricing strategies, and access to resources.

What's the difference between "a matter of cost" and "a question of affordability"?

"A matter of cost" directly refers to the price or expense involved, whereas "a question of affordability" encompasses the broader issue of whether the cost is manageable or within reach for the entity involved. "A matter of cost" is about price, while "a question of affordability" is about being able to pay that price.