able to pay

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "able to pay" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing someone's financial capability or readiness to make a payment. Example: "Before we proceed with the transaction, we need to confirm that you are able to pay the required amount."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I'm able to pay my utilities.

The New York Times

"I've never not been able to pay".

The New York Times

They will be a people little able to pay taxes.

Yale University

Corporations aren't going to be able to pay that much.

The New York Times - Magazine

By March, though, clients weren't able to pay him.

The New York Times - Magazine

Hotel owners will not be able to pay their loans.

The New York Times

"Would you be able to pay that?" she asked.

The New York Times

Are you able to pay rent and other necessities?

Columbia University

Parents were less and less able to pay.

The New York Times

And he'll be able to pay your prices.

The New Yorker

Rent that up to now you've been able to pay?

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing financial capabilities, use "able to pay" to clearly indicate the capacity to fulfill a payment obligation. Be specific about what one is "able to pay" for to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

While grammatically sound, using "able to pay" in very informal conversations might sound overly formal. Consider alternatives like "can afford it" or "can swing it" to maintain a more casual tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "able to pay" functions primarily as a verbal phrase, indicating the capacity or capability to make a payment. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used in various contexts. Examples in Ludwig demonstrate its application across diverse subjects.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

35%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "able to pay" is a versatile and commonly used expression to denote the capacity or capability to make a payment. As verified by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically sound and frequently used across diverse contexts, including news, science, and academia. While perfectly acceptable, its formality may warrant considering synonyms like "can afford it" in more casual settings. The analysis indicates that while the phrase is grammatically correct, it can be replaced by other expressions to avoid repetition or adjust the level of formality. Its frequent usage across different sources reinforces its reliability and makes it a valuable addition to any writer's vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capable of paying

Emphasizes the inherent capacity or competence to make a payment.

in a position to pay

Highlights the current circumstances that allow for payment.

have the means to pay

Focuses on possessing the necessary resources or funds.

can afford to pay

Implies that the payment does not create financial strain.

financially equipped to pay

Stresses preparedness from a financial standpoint.

solvent enough to pay

Highlights the state of not being bankrupt, thus allowing for payment.

have sufficient funds to pay

Focuses on having the required monetary amount.

prepared to pay

Highlights willingness and readiness to make a payment.

willing and able to pay

Combines readiness with the actual capacity to pay.

in a financial situation to pay

Focuses on circumstances regarding money for the purpose of payment.

FAQs

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

You can use "able to pay" to describe someone's financial capacity to make a payment. For example: "Before we proceed, we need to confirm you are "able to pay" the required amount."

What's a more informal way to say "able to pay"?

In informal situations, you might prefer using phrases like "can afford it" or "can swing it" instead of "able to pay". These options offer a more relaxed and conversational tone.

Is "able to pay" the same as "willing to pay"?

No, "able to pay" refers to having the financial means, while "willing to pay" indicates a readiness or desire to spend the money. Someone might be "able to pay" but not "willing to pay" if they don't see value in the purchase.

What are some synonyms for "able to pay"?

Synonyms for "able to pay" include "capable of paying", "in a position to pay", and "have the means to pay", each emphasizing slightly different aspects of financial capability.