afford

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "afford" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is most commonly used when referring to being able to provide money for something or having enough resources to obtain something. For example, "I can't afford to buy a new car right now."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I believe that we have now obtained the balance between what in an ideal world we would like to do and what we can afford to do".

The Guardian

He acknowledged that the no campaign needed to appeal to the heart as well as the head but argued the big question is what impact separation would have on family finances and whether Scottish people would be able to afford the NHS and pensions.

The Guardian

He said: "We cannot afford to give the impression that we are going to disengage.

The Guardian

The players wanted to have their heads protected, but as individuals they couldn't afford to jeopardize their effectiveness on the ice.

The Economist

Working people need employment that enables their families to afford to live in this country.

The Guardian

Plibersek and the opposition's health spokeswoman, Catherine King, wrote to ministers on Thursday saying Australia could not afford to keep standing by as the world confronted "the most serious health emergency of the modern era".

The Guardian

I am certain heads of state and governments in the EU, and all Eurocrats, can afford 10 cents a cup.

The Guardian - Opinion

But if you can't afford hypnotherapy, your university might be able to help.

The Guardian

This unmentionability can have other serious consequences: if girls can't afford sanitary napkins or cloths, they use straw, or sand, or newspaper, often resulting in infections.

The Guardian - Opinion

I know that a lot of young people can't afford to intern or volunteer and I can completely relate to that.

The Guardian

The financial crisis has certainly squeezed health budgets across the EU, and in Germany, consultants say that the state cannot afford the appropriate treatment for the large numbers of depression patients who present.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing financial constraints, use "afford" to clearly indicate the ability or inability to meet expenses. For example, "We can't "afford" a new office this year."

Common error

Avoid using "afford" when you mean "offer". "Afford" implies ability, while "offer" means to present something for acceptance or rejection.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "afford" is as a transitive verb, indicating the ability to bear the cost of something or to do something without negative consequences. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples showcasing its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "afford" functions primarily as a verb that conveys the ability to bear a cost or the consequences of an action. Ludwig AI indicates that it is grammatically correct and predominantly appears in neutral contexts such as news and media. The word's frequent use highlights its importance in discussions about financial capability and feasibility. When writing, ensure you use "afford" to express financial ability and avoid confusing it with similar words like "offer". Remember to use "afford to" when referring to doing something.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have the money for

Focuses specifically on having the necessary funds.

be able to pay for

Directly addresses the capacity to cover costs.

have the resources for

Broadens the scope to include non-monetary resources.

be in a position to buy

Emphasizes the circumstances that allow a purchase.

be capable of bearing the cost of

Highlights the ability to withstand the financial burden.

be able to manage financially

Focuses on overall financial management skills.

be rich enough for

Implies a level of wealth sufficient for a particular expense.

provide the means for

Shifts the focus to the act of providing resources.

supply the funds for

Specifically relates to the act of supplying financial resources.

stand the expense of

Highlights the capacity to endure or manage the expense.

FAQs

How to use "afford" in a sentence?

Use "afford" to indicate whether someone has the financial means or resources for something. For instance, "Can you "afford" a vacation this year?"

What can I say instead of "afford"?

You can use alternatives like "have the money for", "be able to pay for", or "have the resources for" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "afford to" or "afford for"?

"Afford to" is the correct construction when expressing the ability to do something. For example, "I can "afford" to travel." Using "afford for" is grammatically incorrect.

What's the difference between "afford" and "provide"?

"Afford" indicates the ability to bear the cost or consequences of something, while "provide" means to supply or make available. For example, you might not be able to "afford" a luxury car, but you can still "provide" transportation.