being able to pay

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "being able to pay" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the capability or capacity to make a payment for goods or services. Example: "The most important factor in this transaction is being able to pay the full amount upfront."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It worries less about being able to pay for a generous welfare state.

The Economist

We're on the edge of just being able to pay the bills".

The New York Times - Travel

"It's like being one paycheck away from not being able to pay your rent".

The New York Times

"There are profound repercussions from not being able to pay your bills.

The New York Times

And just being able to pay for the apartment is not all that's required.

The New York Times

May, June and July passed without her being able to pay the rent.

The New York Times

'In addition to being able to pay the rent, it was the struggle with the material.

The Guardian - Books

"There's already a good system for consumers being able to pay," he told me.

The New Yorker

They talk of being able to pay bills, enjoy a few restaurant meals and realistically think about buying a home.

The New York Times

I probably would have ended up borrowing loads of money and never being able to pay it back".

The Guardian

What's more, 16% are losing sleep due to worries about not being able to pay for housing.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing financial stability or economic conditions, use "being able to pay" to highlight the capacity to meet financial obligations. For example: "A key indicator of economic health is citizens "being able to pay" their bills on time".

Common error

Avoid using "being able to pay" when you actually mean willingness to pay. "Being able" refers to capacity, while willingness is about inclination or desire. Saying someone is "being able to pay" when they are unwilling is misleading.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "being able to pay" functions as a gerund phrase, acting as a noun. It often serves as the subject or object of a sentence, describing the state or capability of making payments. Ludwig examples showcase its role in discussing financial capacity and economic conditions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

14%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "being able to pay" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe the capacity to meet financial obligations. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread usage, particularly in News & Media contexts. While alternatives like "having the capacity to pay" exist, the original phrase remains a clear and concise way to express financial capability. Remember to use it accurately, distinguishing it from willingness to pay, and ensure it aligns with the intended meaning in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

having the capacity to pay

Emphasizes the inherent ability or potential to pay.

affording to pay

Highlights the affordability aspect of making a payment.

having sufficient funds to pay

Focuses on the availability of funds for payment.

being in a financial position to pay

Indicates a favorable financial state that allows for payment.

having the wherewithal to pay

Implies having the necessary resources and means to pay.

meeting payment obligations

Focuses on the act of fulfilling payment responsibilities.

honoring financial commitments

Highlights the ethical aspect of fulfilling payment agreements.

settling financial obligations

Emphasizes the act of resolving debts or payments.

having the resources to pay

Focuses on the available assets that enable payment.

being financially capable of paying

Highlights the financial competence to make a payment.

FAQs

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

Use "being able to pay" to describe the capability of someone or something to meet financial obligations. For example, "The company's success hinges on "being able to pay" its suppliers on time."

What is a good alternative to "being able to pay"?

Alternatives include "having the capacity to pay", "affording to pay", or "having sufficient funds to pay", depending on the specific context.

What is the difference between "being able to pay" and "being willing to pay"?

"Being able to pay" refers to the capacity or means to make a payment, while "being willing to pay" implies a desire or inclination to make the payment. The former is about capability, and the latter is about intention.

Is it correct to say "being able to pay for" instead of "being able to pay"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "being able to pay" is often preferred for its conciseness. Adding "for" is appropriate when specifying what is being paid for, but it's not always necessary.