we are afforded

USAGE SUMMARY

"we are afforded" is correct English and usable in written English.
The phrase is used to indicate something that is provided or available to us. For example, "We are afforded the opportunity to pursue our dreams," or "We are afforded a certain degree of privacy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

True, we are afforded glimpses, dispatches, from the outside world.

The Guardian - Books

"It is an opportunity to honor our country and reflect on the great liberties we are afforded as its citizens.

The Guardian - Sport

We will continue to demand equal protection under the law until we are afforded our unequivocal rights.

The New York Times

During a particularly poignant instrumental number, we are afforded a glimpse into Admète's hospital room and find him flying a kite.

The New York Times - Arts

"We ask as a family, as we have throughout, that we are afforded privacy and that Hannah and David are afforded their dignity during this time of immense pain and difficulty.

The Guardian

James is so good at so many different components of his sport that we are afforded the opportunity to criticize nearly any one of his on-court decisions whatever he does, there are five other options that seem equally favorable, because he can do them all.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

But if we allow Richard Keys to ruin workplace banter for the rest of us, we are affording him power.

Vice

Meanwhile, away from Middle-earth, we were afforded yet another demonstration of the fact — the annual inconvenient truth — that movie stars belong on a movie screen.

The New Yorker

By The New Yorker March 1, 2013 "We were afforded yet another demonstration of the fact — the annual inconvenient truth — that movie stars belong on a movie screen.

The New Yorker

Goldberg: I think we're fortunate that as a fund culture and with the LP base, we're afforded the ability to make a long term view.

TechCrunch

Perhaps we never understood the weight of what we signed up for, the implicit obligation that we made when we were afforded the opportunity for change.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we are afforded" to convey a sense of opportunity or privilege that is granted rather than earned. This subtly shifts the focus from personal achievement to external provision.

Common error

Avoid using "we are afforded" in contexts where a more direct verb like "have" or "receive" would be more appropriate. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound overly formal or passive.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "we are afforded" is to act as a passive voice construction indicating that a benefit, opportunity, or privilege is granted to the subject. Ludwig's examples show this phrase used to express rights, glimpses, or opportunities provided.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

24%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we are afforded" is a grammatically correct and relatively common expression that signifies something is provided or made available to a group. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is considered proper English. Its use is particularly prevalent in news and media, scientific, and formal business contexts. While "we are afforded" is appropriate for conveying opportunities and privileges, it's important to use it judiciously to avoid overly formal or passive writing. Alternatives such as "we have been given" or "we have access to" can offer more direct and accessible phrasing depending on the intended tone and context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we are provided with

Focuses on the act of supplying or furnishing something.

we are granted

Highlights the formal permission or authorization received.

we have access to

Indicates the ability or opportunity to use something.

we are allowed

Focuses on the permission and consent to do something.

we have been given

Emphasizes the act of receiving something, focusing on the giver.

we are privileged to

Highlights the fortunate nature of having something.

we are entitled to

Stresses a legal or moral right to something.

we are in a position to

Emphasizes the capability or readiness to do something.

we possess

Focuses on the ownership or control of something.

we are blessed with

Implies a sense of gratitude for having something.

FAQs

How can I use "we are afforded" in a sentence?

The phrase "we are afforded" indicates that something is provided or made available to us. For instance, "We are afforded the opportunity to pursue our goals", or, "As citizens, "we are afforded" certain rights and responsibilities".

What's a simpler way to say "we are afforded"?

If you're looking for a less formal alternative, you could say "we have", "we get", or "we are given". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "we are afforded an opportunity" or "we have an opportunity"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "we are afforded an opportunity" implies that the opportunity is provided by an external source, whereas "we have an opportunity" is more neutral.

When is it appropriate to use the passive voice with "we are afforded"?

Using the passive voice with ""we are afforded"" is appropriate when you want to emphasize the opportunity or privilege itself, rather than the entity providing it. For example, "We are afforded the privacy to make personal decisions" highlights the importance of privacy.