enabled him to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "enabled him to" is correct and a very common phrase used in written English.
You can use it when you want to explain how something made it possible for someone to do something else. For example: His financial support enabled him to pursue a degree in astronomy.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They enabled him to engage with others.

The New Yorker

Only the bell enabled him to survive.

The Guardian - Sport

Her efforts enabled him to win the governorship of Arkansas.

University of California, Berkeley

Distance-learning programs have enabled him to continue his studies.

The New York Times

The studies enabled him to clarify his notion of harmony.

The New York Times - Arts

That was what enabled him to be so productive.

The New York Times - Books

The grant enabled him to begin "Another Country" again.

The New York Times - Arts

Treatment enabled him to gain access to college.

The New York Times

"They enabled him to sleep through the night".

The New Yorker

Steroids enabled him to hit it farther, for home runs.

The New York Times

The loan enabled him to pay for a small wedding.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "enabled him to", ensure that the subject clearly identifies what or who provided the means or opportunity for the action. Clear context enhances readability.

Common error

Avoid using "enabled him to" when the subject does not logically lead to the action. The cause-and-effect relationship must be clear and sensible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "enabled him to" functions as a causal verb phrase, indicating that a preceding event, action, or situation made it possible for a person to perform a subsequent action. Ludwig AI confirms its correct grammatical usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Academia

23%

Science

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "enabled him to" serves as a versatile tool for illustrating cause-and-effect relationships, demonstrating how one action or situation facilitates another. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. The phrase is particularly prevalent in news articles, academic writing, and scientific publications, indicating its suitability for a range of formal and informal contexts. While alternatives like "allowed him to" or "helped him to" exist, "enabled him to" succinctly conveys the idea of providing the means or capacity for action. To ensure clarity, use the phrase in sentences where the causal link is evident and logical. The high frequency and consistent application of "enabled him to" across diverse sources solidify its status as a valuable component of effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

allowed him to

Replaces "enabled" with "allowed", indicating permission or opportunity.

permitted him to

Similar to "allowed him to", but suggests a more formal authorization.

made it possible for him to

Elaborates on "enabled" to clarify the action of making something achievable.

facilitated his ability to

Uses "facilitated" to emphasize the ease with which he could do something.

helped him to

A simpler alternative that indicates assistance in accomplishing a task.

empowered him to

Suggests that he gained power or authority to do something.

gave him the capacity to

Highlights the ability or potential he gained.

provided him with the means to

Focuses on the resources or tools he received to achieve something.

created an opportunity for him to

Emphasizes the chance or occasion that arose, allowing him to act.

paved the way for him to

Implies that obstacles were removed, making his path easier.

FAQs

How can I use "enabled him to" in a sentence?

Use "enabled him to" to explain how something made it possible for someone to perform an action. For example, "The scholarship "enabled him to" attend college."

What are some alternatives to "enabled him to"?

You can use alternatives such as "allowed him to", "made it possible for him to", or "helped him to" depending on the specific context.

Is "enabled him to" formal or informal?

"Enabled him to" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its formality largely depends on the surrounding language and the overall tone of your writing.

What's the difference between "enabled him to" and "allowed him to"?

While both phrases are similar, "enabled him to" suggests providing the means or ability, while "allowed him to" implies granting permission or opportunity. "Enabled" focuses on capability, whereas "allowed" focuses on authorization.