afford yourself

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'afford yourself' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are encouraging someone to do something for themselves, such as: "Afford yourself a break and take some time to relax."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Try to afford yourself the same generosity.

WikiHow

If you are organized you will afford yourself a bit more respect by the courts and the opposing council.

WikiHow

By controlling your financial profile, you can not only boost your confidence, but also afford yourself opportunities such as education that may come up.

WikiHow

Remember that maturity is demonstrated by a keen understanding of what you really love and fear in tandem with a steady willingness to afford yourself help and to protect yourself from harm through your choice of words and actions.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

"At this point in time, having played 10 games, each game becomes that much more critical because of the opportunity that you've afforded yourself".

The New York Times

Why use an aggressive money-raising timeframe, when you could have afforded yourself, and your cause, more time?

TechCrunch

Because wealth is an abundance of health, affording yourself options of all sorts, and having an abundance of love and joy in your life.

Huffington Post

With practice, you will become more proficient at holding the hammer towards the end, affording yourself more leverage.

WikiHow

Apply to as many as you can afford to give yourself the best chance.

WikiHow

We are not living in some post-apocalyptic nightmare where we should turn to our neighbors and say, "If you can't afford it yourself, fuck you!" We live in a country that has a larger GDP than the entire European Union.

Huffington Post

If you're underage, ask your parents if they'll be okay with paying for vet and food bills - you can't afford it yourself!

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "afford yourself" when you want to encourage someone to prioritize their own well-being, opportunities, or rights. For instance, "Afford yourself the time to reflect on your achievements."

Common error

Avoid using "afford yourself" solely in the context of financial capacity. While related, the phrase often implies granting oneself something beyond mere monetary possibility, such as time, rest, or emotional support.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "afford yourself" functions as a reflexive verb phrase, where the action of affording (providing or granting) is directed back to the subject (yourself). Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It often serves as an imperative, urging the listener or reader to take a specific action for their own benefit.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Wiki

50%

News & Media

37%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "afford yourself" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that encourages self-prioritization and granting oneself opportunities or benefits. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While not exceedingly common, it appears in diverse contexts, from Wiki articles offering practical advice to news media discussing personal well-being. It is most frequently found in Wiki and News & Media contexts.

Consider using alternatives like "allow yourself" or "treat yourself" to add nuance to your writing. Remember that the essence of "afford yourself" is not always about financial capacity but more about granting permission for self-care and personal growth.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Allow yourself

Focuses on granting permission or not preventing oneself from doing something.

Permit yourself

A more formal way of saying 'allow yourself'.

Give yourself permission

Emphasizes the act of consciously granting oneself the right to do something.

Grant yourself

Suggests bestowing something upon oneself, often something deserved.

Treat yourself

Implies indulging in something pleasurable or special.

Indulge yourself

Highlights the act of giving in to a desire or craving.

Enable yourself

Highlights making it possible for oneself to do something.

Provide yourself

Focuses on supplying oneself with necessities or comforts.

Offer yourself

Suggests making something available to oneself, often in a supportive way.

Secure for yourself

Implies taking steps to ensure one obtains something beneficial.

FAQs

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

You can use "afford yourself" to encourage someone to prioritize their own needs or well-being. For example, "After a long week, afford yourself a relaxing weekend."

What does it mean to "afford yourself" something?

To "afford yourself" something means to give yourself the opportunity, time, or resources to do something beneficial or enjoyable. It often implies a deliberate act of self-care or empowerment.

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

"Afford yourself" is the correct and more common phrasing. The addition of "to" is grammatically incorrect in this context.

Are there any synonyms for "afford yourself"?

Yes, you can use alternatives like "allow yourself", "give yourself permission", or "treat yourself" depending on the specific context.