enable someone to do something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "enable someone to do something" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the act of providing someone with the means or ability to perform a specific action or task. Example: "The new software will enable users to complete their tasks more efficiently."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

It means asking someone to do something that he will never be able to do.

The New Yorker

Venezuelan football really needed someone to do something similar.

BBC

Episode 19: How do I invite someone to do something?

BBC

Only then is the meaning reached: a person who makes it easier for someone to do something.

Psicologia: Reflexão e Crítica

How do I invite someone to do something?

BBC

Telling someone to do something yields compliance at best.

Forbes

Don't "not allow" someone to do something.

WikiHow

Tell someone to do something if you're popular.

WikiHow

So, if you want someone to do something nice for you, why not do something nice for them first?

WikiHow

If you do not have a radio, simply wait for someone to do something stupid.

WikiHow

Hopefully these tapes will enable us to do something different".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "enable someone to do something", ensure that the context clearly indicates what specific action or task is being made possible. Be precise about what you are enabling.

Common error

Avoid using "enable someone to do something" when the action being enabled is trivial or inconsequential. Reserve this phrase for situations where the enablement has a significant or meaningful effect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "enable someone to do something" functions as a verb phrase complement, indicating the provision of means or opportunity for an individual to perform an action. It suggests that a specific condition or resource makes the action possible.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "enable someone to do something" is grammatically correct and used to describe providing the means or opportunity for an individual to perform an action. While Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is usable in written English, a limited number of direct examples makes it challenging to assess its prevalence across diverse contexts. Depending on the intended nuance, alternatives such as "allow", "permit", or "empower" may be considered. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity regarding the specific action being enabled and avoid overstating the impact of the enablement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Allow someone to do something

This alternative is more direct and implies permission or lack of restriction.

Permit someone to do something

This is a more formal version of 'allow', often used in official contexts.

Empower someone to do something

This suggests giving someone the authority or confidence to act.

Authorize someone to do something

This implies official approval or sanction.

Facilitate someone's ability to do something

This focuses on making the process easier for someone.

Enable someone's capacity to do something

This highlights the expansion of someone's potential.

Equip someone to do something

This emphasizes providing the necessary resources or skills.

Qualify someone to do something

This means to give someone the needed skills or knowledge.

License someone to do something

Implies granting official permission, often through a formal process.

Let someone do something

A more informal and casual way of saying 'allow'.

FAQs

How can I use "enable someone to do something" in a sentence?

This phrase is used to describe providing someone with the means or opportunity to perform a specific action. For example, 'The new software will "allow someone to do something" more efficiently.'

What's a more formal alternative to "enable someone to do something"?

A more formal alternative would be to use "permit someone to do something" or "authorize someone to do something", which imply a more official or sanctioned permission.

Is there a difference between "enable someone to do something" and "empower someone to do something"?

Yes, "empower someone to do something" suggests giving someone the authority or confidence to act, whereas "enable" simply means providing the means or opportunity. Empowerment implies a greater degree of agency and control.

What are some other phrases that convey a similar meaning to "enable someone to do something"?

Other phrases with similar meanings include ""allow someone to do something"", "facilitate someone's ability to do something", and "equip someone to do something", each emphasizing a different aspect of providing support or opportunity.