be able to afford

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be able to afford" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the financial capability to purchase something or cover expenses. Example: "I want to travel to Europe next summer, but I need to make sure I will be able to afford the trip."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

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

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

The New York Times

The government won't be able to afford it.

The New York Times

"I won't be able to afford the insurance," she said.

The New York Times

Some people would not be able to afford mortgages.

The Guardian

"I won't be able to afford my cars".

The New York Times

And most seniors wouldn't be able to afford adequate coverage.

The New York Times

Some patients may simply not be able to afford treatment.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing future financial planning or hypothetical situations, using "be able to afford" is appropriate. For example: "We need to save more so we will be able to afford a new car next year."

Common error

While "be able to afford" is acceptable in many situations, more formal writing may benefit from alternatives like "possess the financial means" or "have sufficient capital" for a polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be able to afford" functions as a modal verb phrase indicating the ability or capacity to purchase or manage something financially. Ludwig examples showcase its use across diverse scenarios, from personal finances to broader economic contexts. The Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Wiki

4%

Science

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be able to afford" is a versatile and frequently used phrase indicating the financial capacity to acquire something or manage expenses. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and suitable for various contexts. While "can afford" is a simpler alternative, "be able to afford" often implies a future or conditional ability. The phrase appears most commonly in news and media, reflecting its relevance to current events and economic discussions. When aiming for formal expression, consider alternatives like "possess the financial means". Ultimately, using "be able to afford" effectively enhances clarity when discussing financial possibilities and constraints.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can afford

A more concise way of saying "be able to afford", implying the current capacity to pay.

have enough for

Indicates having sufficient funds, specifically.

have the money for

Focuses on possessing the necessary funds, rather than the general ability.

have the means to buy

Highlights the availability of resources for purchasing.

manage the cost of

Emphasizes the ability to handle the expenses associated with something.

stretch to buy

Suggests making an effort or sacrifice to afford something.

meet the expense of

Focuses on covering the financial demands.

bear the expense

Focuses on the acceptance and management of an expense.

carry the cost of

Implies bearing the financial burden.

fund the purchase of

Specifically refers to providing the money for a purchase.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "be able to afford"?

You can use alternatives like "can afford", "have the money for", or "manage the cost of" depending on the context.

How to use "be able to afford" in a sentence?

"Be able to afford" is used to indicate the financial capacity to purchase or manage something. For example: "I hope to be able to afford a house someday."

Which is correct, "be able to afford" or "can be able to afford"?

"Be able to afford" is correct. "Can be able to afford" is redundant because "can" and "be able to" both express ability.

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

"Afford" implies a current capacity, while "be able to afford" often suggests a future or conditional capacity. For example, "I can afford it now," versus "I hope to be able to afford it later."