enables

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "enables" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the function or capability of something that allows or facilitates an action or process. Example: "The new software enables users to streamline their workflow and improve productivity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Working people need employment that enables their families to afford to live in this country.

The Guardian

And that's what the law enables them to do.

The Guardian

We don't have a store presence so this editorial enables us to engage with the customer in a way that you might in-store".

The Guardian

Our membership of the EU enables companies to avoid paying some UK taxes with impunity and we will close this loophole.

The Guardian - Tech

McConnell and his allies then set their sights on a two-month Patriot Act extension that would buy further time to negotiate while clearing the sunset deadline for Section 215, the piece of the law that enables the NSA to sweep millions of Americans' phone records without a warrant.

The Guardian

If we choose to believe someone is drinking because they work long hours, we may be ignoring that someone is working long hours because it enables their drinking.

The Guardian - Opinion

The issue is urgent because a key provision of the Patriot Act, the piece of the law that enables the NSA to sweep millions of Americans' phone records without a warrant, is due to expire on 1 June.

The Guardian

Pangaea enables us to expand on this quality at scale, with similarly trusted and respected partners.

The Guardian

This is Boris's yarn, and it's what enables him to be "weaponised".

The Guardian - Opinion

The approach is distinctive because it enables patients and service users to tell their own stories deliberatively.

The Guardian

Social care supports people to live in their own homes for longer and enables them to be discharged from hospital sooner, freeing up beds and enabling people to live with more independence and dignity.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "enables", ensure the sentence clearly identifies both the actor that enables and the action or outcome that is enabled for clarity.

Common error

Avoid chaining multiple clauses together with "enables", which can lead to convoluted sentences. Break down the sentence into simpler parts for better readability.

Linguistic Context

Enables primarily functions as a verb, specifically the third-person singular present tense form of 'enable'. It indicates that something makes it possible for someone or something else to do something. This is supported by Ludwig examples showing how laws, technology, or features "enables" specific actions or outcomes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "enables" is a grammatically correct and frequently used verb that describes how something makes an action or process possible. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage, particularly in news and media contexts. While highly versatile, writers should ensure clarity by explicitly stating what "enables" what, and avoid overuse in excessively complex sentences. Alternatives such as "allows", "facilitates", and "permits" can be used to provide variety and precision in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

allows

A more general term, indicating that something is not prevented but doesn't necessarily imply facilitation.

makes possible

A more descriptive phrase emphasizing the creation of possibility.

facilitates

Emphasizes making something easier or smoother, often by removing obstacles or providing assistance.

allows for

Focuses on creating the conditions or space for something to happen.

permits

Suggests formal authorization or allowance, implying a degree of control or regulation that "enables" might not.

provides the means

Highlights the provision of necessary resources or tools.

empowers

Highlights giving someone the authority or power to do something, suggesting a transfer of control.

creates the opportunity

Emphasizes the generation of a favorable circumstance or situation.

clears the way

Indicates the removal of obstacles or barriers, making progress easier.

authorizes

Implies formal approval or permission, often with legal or official backing.

FAQs

How to use "enables" in a sentence?

Use "enables" to describe how something makes an action or process possible. For example: "This software "enables" users to easily manage their accounts".

What can I say instead of "enables"?

You can use alternatives like "allows", "facilitates", or "permits" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "enables" or "enable"?

"Enables" is the third-person singular present tense form of the verb "enable". Use ""enables"" when the subject is singular (e.g., "The system enables..."). Use "enable" for plural subjects (e.g., "The systems enable...").

What's the difference between "enables" and "allows"?

While both indicate possibility, ""enables"" suggests providing the means or opportunity, whereas "allows" simply means not preventing. "This feature enables users to customize their settings", versus "The rules allow users to access the database".