able to afford

USAGE SUMMARY

'able to afford' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe having enough money, or other resources, to purchase something. Example: He was able to afford a new car even though he had been out of work for months.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"Many are not able to afford it".

The Guardian

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 was able to afford it".

The New York Times - Sports

I won't be able to afford it".

The Guardian

They went to museums able to afford only one ticket.

The New York Times - Books

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

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use “able to afford” in discussions about accessibility or privilege, highlighting how certain opportunities are available to some due to their economic circumstances. For example: "Only the wealthiest families are able to afford private tutoring."

Common error

Avoid using "able to afford" when you mean something other than having the financial means. For example, do not say "I can't afford to be late" if you mean "I must not be late"—this changes the context to one of financial consequence, which is inaccurate. Use alternatives like "cannot risk" or "must avoid" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "able to afford" functions as an adjective phrase, typically modifying a noun or pronoun to describe someone's financial capability. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability, supported by numerous examples from varied sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Formal & Business

12%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "able to afford" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to express the financial capacity to purchase goods, services, or undertake activities. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and usability, supported by numerous examples across diverse contexts. The phrase is frequently used in news, business, and general discussions, making it appropriate for various communication styles. When writing, be mindful of the intended meaning and avoid confusing it with other senses. Also, remember there are many alternative options, as "have the financial means", to add nuance or formality to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have enough money for

A straightforward and simple way of expressing the ability to pay for something.

have the financial means

Replaces "able to afford" with a more formal and direct expression of financial capability.

be in a position to buy

Highlights the financial state that allows for a purchase.

can meet the cost

Highlights the capability to cover the financial demands of something.

can manage the expense

Focuses on the ability to handle a particular cost without significant difficulty.

can comfortably purchase

Emphasizes ease and comfort in making a purchase, suggesting sufficient financial resources.

is within budget

Indicates that something falls within the allocated financial plan or limit.

have the wherewithal

Uses a more sophisticated term to describe having the necessary resources.

can swing it

An informal way to say one can manage the cost, often implying some effort may be needed.

be affluent enough

Focuses on having enough wealth to comfortably make a purchase.

FAQs

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

Use "able to afford" to indicate having sufficient resources (usually money) to purchase or undertake something. For example, "She is finally "able to afford a new car" after years of saving."

What are some alternatives to "able to afford"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "have the means", "can manage the expense", or "have enough money for". Choose the phrase that best fits the specific meaning you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "unable to afford"?

Yes, "unable to afford" is a perfectly correct and common way to express the opposite of "able to afford", indicating a lack of sufficient resources. For instance, "Many families are "unable to afford healthcare"."

What's the difference between "able to afford" and "can afford"?

"Able to afford" and "can afford" are very similar and often interchangeable. The choice between them often comes down to stylistic preference, with "can afford" being slightly more informal.