cannot afford to forego

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot afford to forego" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing that one is unable to give up or do without something due to financial or other constraints. Example: "In this competitive market, we cannot afford to forego our advertising budget if we want to maintain our visibility."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"We cannot afford to forego our nuclear option when everyone around is arming himself to the teeth," Mr. Singh wrote.

The New York Times

They offer unique opportunities that we cannot afford to forego". The Director of FAO's Liaison Office in New York, Carla Mucavi, joined the ceremony and offered closing remarks which highlighted the importance of partnerships and cross-cutting collaboration.

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The lace panel on her top was enough detail that the Tanzania native could afford to forego heavy accessories.

Huffington Post

As the country's first Green party MP, Lucas cannot afford to say that voters will have to forego some luxuries to combat climate change, because turkeys don't vote for Christmas.

The Guardian

Morizo cannot afford to lose.

The Economist

FIFA cannot afford to filibuster.

The New York Times - Sports

We cannot afford to fail.

The Guardian - Opinion

"I cannot afford to, morally".

The New Yorker

They cannot afford to.

The New York Times

Mr Koizumi cannot afford to sack her.

The Economist

Hedge funds cannot afford to be complacent.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cannot afford to forego" when emphasizing a critical need to retain something, whether it's an opportunity, resource, or advantage. It often appears in discussions of strategy, policy, or personal priorities where careful consideration of potential losses is important.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "cannot afford to forego" sounds overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "can't miss out on" or "can't give up" in less formal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot afford to forego" functions as a modal expression indicating a strong necessity or obligation. It highlights the critical importance of retaining or not giving up something. According to Ludwig, this is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cannot afford to forego" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase for expressing the critical importance of not giving up something. Ludwig identifies it as correct. While its frequency is relatively rare, it appears in formal contexts such as news, science, and professional communications. Alternative phrases include "cannot afford to sacrifice" or "cannot afford to relinquish", offering similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis. When using this phrase, remember to reserve it for situations where the need to retain something is truly essential and the consequences of losing it would be significant.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cannot afford to sacrifice

Emphasizes the cost of giving something up, suggesting a valuable loss.

cannot afford to relinquish

Focuses on the act of giving up control or possession.

cannot afford to dismiss

Highlights the risk of ignoring or disregarding something important.

cannot afford to overlook

Emphasizes the danger of failing to notice something crucial.

cannot afford to skip

Suggests that something is essential and cannot be omitted.

cannot afford to abandon

Focuses on the idea of completely giving up or deserting something.

cannot afford to compromise

Emphasizes the importance of maintaining standards or principles.

must not forgo

Uses a stronger modal verb to express obligation.

cannot afford to ignore

Highlights the importance of paying attention to something

cannot risk losing

Focuses on the potential negative consequences of giving something up.

FAQs

How can I use "cannot afford to forego" in a sentence?

You can use "cannot afford to forego" when expressing that you must not give up something valuable or necessary, for example: "We "cannot afford to forego" this opportunity for growth."

What is a simpler way to say "cannot afford to forego"?

Alternatives include "can't give up", "can't miss out on", or "must keep". The best choice depends on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "cannot afford to forego"?

It is appropriate in formal writing or speech when emphasizing the critical importance of retaining something. It often appears in business, policy, or strategic contexts.

What is the difference between "cannot afford to forego" and "cannot afford to lose"?

"Cannot afford to lose" focuses on the negative consequences of losing something, while "cannot afford to forego" emphasizes the importance of not giving something up, even if it requires effort or sacrifice. The former suggests a risk, while the latter implies a strategic necessity.