The term BE ABLE TO CAN be broken down into two crossword solutions: CAN (3 letters) and AFFORD (6 letters). CAN is a verb meaning 'to be able to do something' or 'to have the power, skill, or resources to do something'. AFFORD is a verb meaning 'to be able to manage financially; to have enough money to pay for something'. Together, these two words form the phrase BE ABLE TO, which means 'to have the capacity, capability, or ability to do something'.