facilitate

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "facilitate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to mean "to make something easier or possible." For example, "The online class was designed to facilitate learning for all students."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Can the government require you to buy a cell phone because that would facilitate responding when you need emergency services?

The Guardian

Several port expansions are planned to facilitate this, although BHP has pulled out of one project amid concerns that Queensland already has a surplus of port capacity.

The Guardian

"It was agreed that the SPL would work with the Scottish FA, SFL and Rangers to facilitate Rangers FC taking their place in SFL Division 3 this season," the SPL said in a statement.

The Guardian - Sport

"It is a difficult issue for us because we want to see people using less polluting fuels, but if we facilitate this we will see more and more money going into roads with more cars on them," the Greens leader, Christine Milne, has said.

The Guardian

This is why the extreme interpretation of Russia's emphasis on new federal arrangements, which is that they would facilitate Russian control of the east, is almost certainly wrong.

The Guardian - Opinion

Continue to release government data sets that can facilitate economic growth in an open and accessible format, including on standards in public services.

The Guardian - Tech

Rather, it is instructive how a connection with highly visible, car-focused transport schemes can seemingly facilitate a political career.

The Guardian

They recommended she receive a six-month visa to facilitate a 12-week long convalescence period after the operation.

The Guardian

But Jonathan needs to do more to facilitate modernism in poorer states: he gets a C. On healthcare, Jonathan gets an F. If a Nigerian gets cancer today and can't afford private treatment, he will die.

The Guardian - Opinion

"As long as they [negotiators] are willing to talk that is something that we are going to facilitate".

The Guardian

Privately, some officials fear that an enhanced search-and-rescue operation in the Mediterranean will not just deplete threadbare budgets, but act as a "pull factor" that will encourage and facilitate record levels of migrant arrivals on to a continent that has made it clear it wants no more boat people.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "facilitate", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being made easier. For instance, "The new software will facilitate data analysis."

Common error

Avoid using "facilitate" when a simpler word like "help" or "ease" would suffice. Overusing "facilitate" can make your writing sound unnecessarily complex.

Linguistic Context

Facilitate primarily functions as a verb. It indicates the action of making something easier or more likely to happen. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts, as seen in the provided examples from news, business, and academic sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "facilitate" is a versatile verb used to describe making something easier or more likely to happen. Ludwig AI indicates its correct usage and commonality across diverse contexts, including news, business, and academia. While widely accepted, remember that simpler alternatives may sometimes be more appropriate. Always ensure clarity in your writing by specifying what exactly is being "facilitated". Considering its frequent presence in professional and neutral registers, use "facilitate" when a touch of formality and precision is desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

enable

Suggests making something possible or achievable.

make easier

Uses a more direct and less formal expression.

expedite

Focuses on speeding up a process or action.

ease the process

Focuses on reducing difficulty within a process.

assist in

Highlights the act of providing help or support.

smooth the path

Implies removing obstacles or difficulties.

help bring about

Emphasizes the role in causing something to happen.

support

Emphasizes providing assistance or resources.

promote

Focuses on actively encouraging or supporting.

advance

Stresses the act of moving something forward.

FAQs

How can I use "facilitate" in a sentence?

Use "facilitate" to describe making a process or task easier. For example, "The workshop will facilitate collaboration among team members."

What's a simpler word I can use instead of "facilitate"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "help", "ease", or "assist".

Is it always better to use "facilitate" over "help" to sound more professional?

Not always. While "facilitate" can sound more formal, it's best to use the word that most clearly and accurately conveys your meaning. Sometimes, "help" is the better choice.

What is the difference between "facilitate" and "expedite"?

"Facilitate" means to make something easier, while "expedite" means to speed something up. They are similar, but not interchangeable.