within our means

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "within our means" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that is affordable or achievable for someone based on their financial or physical resources. Example: We wanted to take a trip to Europe, but it was not within our means at the moment.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

We're living within our means".

The New York Times

We need to live within our means".

The New York Times

• We need to live within our means.

The New York Times

What we have to do is live within our means".

The Guardian - Business

He said repeatedly that "we must live within our means".

The New York Times

"I prefer to call it living within our means".

The Guardian - Opinion

We learned the hard way about living within our means.

The Guardian

"We're going to start playing within our means," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

This proved crucial to staying within our means.

The New York Times - Travel

This means continuing to live within our means.

The Guardian - Opinion

Living within our means and cutting tax on business.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing financial constraints or budgeting, use "within our means" to emphasize responsible financial management and avoidance of debt.

Common error

Avoid using "within our means" as a justification for cutting essential services or investments without exploring alternative cost-saving measures or revenue sources.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "within our means" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to indicate the manner in which an action is performed. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is a correct and commonly used part of written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "within our means" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe actions or choices that are affordable and financially responsible. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it frequently appears in news and media, as well as formal business contexts. Alternatives such as "affordable", "fiscally responsible", and "on a budget" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. When using this phrase, ensure that it accurately reflects a commitment to sound financial practices and isn't used to justify unnecessary cuts without exploring all available options.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fiscally responsible

This emphasizes prudent management of money and resources.

prudent spending

Emphasizes wisdom and carefulness in financial decisions.

on a budget

Implies being careful about how much money is spent.

balancing the budget

Focuses on ensuring income equals or exceeds expenses.

affordable

This term refers to being able to purchase something without financial strain.

staying out of debt

Highlights the avoidance of borrowing and financial obligations.

economical

This suggests using resources carefully to avoid waste.

living modestly

Focuses on avoiding extravagance and unnecessary spending.

solvent

Describes being able to pay debts and manage finances effectively.

resourceful

Implies using available resources efficiently and creatively.

FAQs

How to use "within our means" in a sentence?

You can use "within our means" to describe actions or purchases that are affordable and don't cause financial strain. For example, "We chose a smaller apartment to live "within our means"".

What can I say instead of "within our means"?

Alternatives include "affordable", "on a budget", or "fiscally responsible", depending on the context.

Which is correct, "within our means" or "within our possibilities"?

"Within our means" refers specifically to financial resources, while "within our possibilities" refers to general capabilities or opportunities. They are not interchangeable.

What's the difference between "within our means" and "economical"?

"Within our means" describes affordability based on available resources. "Economical" describes using resources efficiently and avoiding waste. While related, they emphasize different aspects of resource management.