are able to pay

USAGE SUMMARY

"are able to pay" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone's ability to financially cover a certain expense or obligation. Example: "Thanks to their steady income and savings, John and Sarah are able to pay for their dream vacation without going into debt."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

They are able to pay back the money they've borrowed.

The Guardian - Business

We are able to pay our bills and meet our annual budget".

The New York Times

We are able to pay for his spring tuition for his freshman year.

The New York Times

The issue is about what is affordable, what the citizens are able to pay.

The Guardian - Opinion

"It is crucial," he said, "that we are able to pay bonuses based on performance".

The New York Times

Enforcing ground bans is easier when clubs are able to pay their employees.

The Guardian - Sport

Be grateful if you are able to pay them without too much difficulty.

The Guardian

"They are able to pay the producers well and be there for the long term.

The Guardian

Should students get scholarships even if they are able to pay?

The New York Times

A few residents are able to pay for their care with their own funds.

The New York Times

You will feel much better about your degree if you are able to pay off your debt quicker.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing formally, consider if a more concise phrasing like "can pay" would suffice, though "are able to pay" can add emphasis to the ability.

Common error

In casual conversation or informal writing, avoid sounding overly formal by using simpler alternatives such as "can pay" or "can afford it".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are able to pay" functions as a predicate adjective phrase within a sentence. It describes the subject's financial capability or capacity to fulfill a monetary obligation, as seen in Ludwig's examples like "They are able to pay back the money they've borrowed."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

21%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are able to pay" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression that conveys the financial capacity to fulfill an obligation. According to Ludwig, it's most commonly found in News & Media, Science, and Wiki sources, indicating a neutral to professional tone. While interchangeable with simpler alternatives like "can pay", "are able to pay" can add emphasis or formality. It's crucial to consider the context and audience when choosing between these options to ensure the most appropriate and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can afford to pay

Directly replaces "are able" with "can afford", emphasizing the financial capacity to make a payment.

have the means to pay

Focuses on possessing the resources or financial capability to make a payment.

are in a position to pay

Highlights the circumstances allowing someone to make a payment.

have the funds to pay

Specifically emphasizes the availability of money for payment.

possess the capacity to pay

Uses more formal language to indicate the ability to make a payment.

are financially capable of paying

Emphasizes the financial capability to cover the payment.

can settle the payment

Focuses on the act of finalizing or resolving the payment.

are good for the amount

Implies reliability and the ability to cover the cost.

have the wherewithal to pay

Emphasizes having the necessary resources or means to pay.

can meet the payment

Highlights the ability to fulfill the payment obligation.

FAQs

What does "are able to pay" mean?

The phrase "are able to pay" means that someone or something has the financial capacity or resources to cover a specific expense, debt, or obligation. It indicates they have sufficient funds or assets to make a payment.

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

You can use "are able to pay" in a sentence to describe the financial capability of a person, company, or entity. For example, "Thanks to their profits, they "are able to pay" their employees bonuses this year."

What are some alternatives to "are able to pay"?

Some alternatives to "are able to pay" include "can afford to pay", "have the means to pay", or "are in a position to pay", depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "are able to pay" and "can pay"?

While both phrases convey the ability to make a payment, "are able to pay" can sometimes imply a more specific or emphasized capacity. "Can pay" is generally more concise and suitable for most situations, but "are able to pay" adds emphasis or formality.