enable

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "enable" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as a verb to mean "to make something possible" or to "give someone the power to do something." For example, "The grant enabled me to pursue my research project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Tech

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Extending Ofcom's powers to enable it to take pre-emptive action would move it from its current position as a post-transmission regulator into the role of censor".

The Guardian

Economically, gas exports enable the government to maintain its tight grip on power.

The Guardian

The initiative will enable their publisher, the CN Group, to piggyback on national morning paper distribution, so most of the company's 29 van drivers are likely to be made redundant.

The Guardian

In 2010, Wood made reportedly the largest ever single political donation in Australian history, giving the Green party A$1.6m £1mm) to enable it to mount a prime-time TV advertising campaign.

The Guardian

You see it in the physical infrastructure: all those new flyovers sprouting up around the city to enable the chauffeur driven classes to get about more easily, even while the commuter trains are still bursting; the crowded, chaotic public hospitals that get by while gleaming new private hospitals open up.

The Guardian

"This will enable the aggregation of data across and within industries and will be invaluable to employers to assist them understand the characteristics of their workforce, including occupational segregation, the position of women and men in management and patterns of potentially insecure employment," the WGEA says on its website.

The Guardian

The government said the measure would be used in limited operational situations but it was "critical to enable covert investigation of terrorism offences".

The Guardian

If the purpose of the judgment is not to enable censorship of publishers by the back door, then we'd encourage Google to be transparent about the criteria it is using to make these decisions, and how publishers can challenge them".

The Guardian - Tech

The OAA aims to develop systems that enable developers to easily add car-specific modes to their apps to "bring the best of Android into the automobile in a safe and seamless way" Microsoft also has a system called Microsoft Sync to connect smartphones to in-car entertainment and the dashboard.

The Guardian - Tech

It will include introducing feed-in tariffs to enable households to claim guaranteed cash back when they generate their own electricity, and incentives for renewable heat such as solar power.

The Guardian - Opinion

She's included, apparently, to mark her victory in a power struggle with Spotify and definitely, absolutely not to enable newspapers to publish a huge picture of her if they fancy giving Forbes some free publicity.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "enable" to clearly indicate that something is being made possible or that someone is being given the means to do something. Ensure the context makes it clear what is being enabled and who or what is benefiting from this enablement.

Common error

Avoid using "enable" when the action is simply permitted but not actively supported or facilitated. "Enable" implies more than just non-interference; it suggests a provision of means or opportunity.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "enable" is as a transitive verb. It signifies providing someone or something with the means, opportunity, or authority to do something. Ludwig AI confirms this, and examples show it used to indicate facilitation and empowerment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Tech

15%

Opinion

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Arts

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "enable" functions as a transitive verb, indicating the act of making something possible or empowering someone to act. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and frequent usage across diverse contexts. Its prevalence in news, technology, and opinion pieces underscores its versatility, while its precise meaning renders it suitable for professional communication. When using "enable", ensure you're clearly indicating what is being made possible and avoid using it when only permission, not active facilitation, is implied. Consider alternatives like "facilitate", "permit", or "empower" to fine-tune your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make possible

Directly indicates creating the conditions for something to occur.

facilitate

Focuses on making an action or process easier.

empower

Highlights giving someone the power or authority to do something.

permit

Emphasizes allowing or giving permission for something.

allow

Stresses the act of not preventing something from happening.

authorize

Implies formal approval or sanction.

clear the way for

Suggests removing obstacles to allow progress.

pave the way for

Similar to 'clear the way for' but often implies preparation for future events.

unlock

Suggests releasing potential or access to something.

catalyze

Focuses on initiating or accelerating a process or change.

FAQs

How can I use "enable" in a sentence?

You can use "enable" to show how something is made possible. For example, "The new software "enables" users to easily manage their accounts".

What's a good alternative to using "enable"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "facilitate", "permit", or "empower" to convey a similar meaning.

Is there a difference between "enable" and "allow"?

"Allow" means to not prevent something, while "enable" means to provide the means or opportunity for something to happen. Thus, "enable" implies a more active role in making something possible than "allow".

Can "enable" be used in a negative context?

While primarily positive, "enable" can sometimes be used negatively, especially in the context of "enabling" bad behavior. For example, "His parents "enabled" his drug habit by giving him money".