enabled

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "enabled" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that was made possible or allowed. For example: "The new software update enabled us to streamline our workflow."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

One example is the HPV vaccination programme for cervical cancer in Rwanda, enabled by a donation from Merck.

The Guardian

The imperious tone of that last sentence is the key to the strangely subtle balance of generosity and authority that has enabled Busby to make such a huge contribution to British football.

The Guardian - Sport

That centre ground had enabled Germany to emerge pre-eminent in Europe, according to some.

The Guardian

New technology has enabled a host of cutting-edge distribution methods to flourish and the argument goes that before long we will all eschew the local multiplex or arthouse in favour of curling up on the sofa with an iPad or congregating in front of a TV to stream new releases.

The Guardian - Film

The process also enabled people to reflect on their experiences as they revisit difficult times in their lives and think clearly about what has changed.

The Guardian

Cardiff threatened only once, midway through the first half, when a cross from Jordon Mutch enabled Campbell to get in a header that had Julian Speroni scrambling low to his left.

The Guardian - Sport

The SNP could win more than 90% of Scotland's seats with 45% of the vote, exploiting the same "winner takes all" electoral system that enabled Labour to dominate Scotland for decades.

The Guardian

He had enabled the codes used by the Nazis to send messages to and from their commanders to be cracked.

The Guardian

Matthaus's searching centre from the right found him in space in the penalty area with only Goycochea barring the way, but the sweeper's first touch was poor and enabled the goalkeeper to avert the danger with his legs, over which Augenthaler then threw himself, vainly appealing for a penalty.

The Guardian - Sport

Gittins says: "It is this variety of placements and opportunities to shadow senior management and members, which has enabled me to grow professionally and develop my own leadership style.

The Guardian

It was this sympathy for his subjects that enabled him to move among them without being physically attacked.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "enabled", ensure the context clearly indicates what was made possible and what facilitated the action or state. For instance, 'The software update enabled faster data processing.'

Common error

Avoid using "enabled" in contexts where it implies a direct cause-and-effect relationship when other factors are involved. For example, instead of saying 'The grant enabled success', consider 'The grant contributed to the success' if other elements also played a significant role.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "enabled" is to serve as the past participle of the verb "enable", indicating that something has been made possible or capable. As Ludwig AI confirms, it can also function as an adjective describing something that is capable of being used or acted upon.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Sport

15%

Opinion

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "enabled" is a versatile term functioning as both the past participle of the verb "enable" and an adjective. As Ludwig AI states, it signifies that something has been made possible or capable. It is grammatically correct and very common, particularly within news and media contexts. When using "enabled", ensure clarity regarding what was facilitated. Alternatives such as "made possible", "facilitated", and "allowed" can be used to fine-tune the intended meaning. Remember to avoid overstating the influence of the enabling factor if other contributing elements are present.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

made possible

Emphasizes the act of creating the conditions for something to happen.

facilitated

Highlights the act of making a process or action easier.

allowed

Focuses on granting permission or opportunity.

permitted

Similar to 'allowed' but may imply a more formal authorization.

empowered

Suggests giving someone the power or authority to do something.

equipped

Implies providing the necessary resources or tools.

authorized

Focuses on the official sanctioning of an action.

cleared the way

Highlights the removal of obstacles to make something possible.

paved the way

Similar to 'cleared the way' but suggests a more deliberate preparation.

opened the door

Implies creating an opportunity or access to something.

FAQs

How can I use "enabled" in a sentence?

"Enabled" can be used to indicate that something has made an action or process possible. For instance, 'The new technology "enabled us to" improve efficiency' or 'The software "enabled the team" to collaborate more effectively'.

What are some alternatives to "enabled"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "made possible", "facilitated", or "allowed". Each of these carries a slightly different nuance.

What is the difference between "enabled" and "allowed"?

"Enabled" suggests providing the means or capability for something to happen, while "allowed" implies granting permission or opportunity. For example, 'The tool "enabled us" to analyze the data' vs. 'The manager "allowed us" to work from home'.

Is it correct to say "enabled to"?

Yes, it is correct to use "enabled to" followed by a verb to indicate that something made it possible to perform that action. For example, "The software "enabled us to automate" the process".