make possible

USAGE SUMMARY

"make possible" is a perfectly valid and commonly used expression in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe something that enables something else to occur or exist. For example, "New technologies make possible a level of convenience and efficiency that was unimaginable only a few years ago."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Greater employee contributions make possible higher pay.

Harvard Business Review

EMC improvements make possible extended TCV heating scenarios.

Fusion Engineering and Design

The sites make possible new kinds of collaborative editing.

The New York Times - Tech

Neither will attend the ceremony they helped to make possible.

The Guardian - Sport

What human anatomy won't allow, photomontage and collage make possible.

The Guardian - Arts

In effect, it would make possible an automatically generated hyperlink.

The New York Times - Tech

Improved sampling methods (better MCMC) make possible new applications.

Princeton University

These two things together make possible incredible gape.

Cornell University

Q: What does the new collaboration make possible?

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Are those the factors that make possible this globalization?

University of California, Berkeley

"In order to make possible or to conceal another offense.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "make possible", ensure the sentence clearly articulates both the action or condition that enables something and the outcome that is enabled. Clarity in this relationship enhances the effectiveness of your communication.

Common error

Avoid using "make possible" in overly complex sentences where the connection between the cause and effect becomes muddled. Ensure a direct and understandable link between what facilitates and what is facilitated.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make possible" functions as a verb phrase that signifies enablement or facilitation. It indicates that a particular action, condition, or factor allows something else to occur or become achievable. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating this function across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

37%

News & Media

31%

Academia

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "make possible" is a versatile and commonly used verb phrase that effectively conveys the concept of enablement or facilitation. As confirmed by Ludwig, its grammatical correctness and widespread use across diverse contexts make it a reliable choice for expressing relationships of cause and effect. While it is most prevalent in scientific and news-related domains, its neutral register makes it suitable for various communication settings. Consider using alternative phrases like "enable" or "facilitate" to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

enable

This term provides a direct synonym, emphasizing the act of giving someone or something the means to do something.

facilitate

Focuses on easing a process or making it run more smoothly, often by removing obstacles or providing assistance.

allow for

Suggests creating conditions where something can happen or be accommodated.

give rise to

Implies causing something to happen or come into existence as a direct result.

pave the way for

Emphasizes preparing a route or making progress easier for a subsequent action or event.

open the door to

Highlights the creation of an opportunity or a new possibility.

create the opportunity for

Focuses on the act of designing an opening or providing a chance for something to occur.

permit

Indicates formal or legal authorization, where something is officially allowed.

authorize

Signifies granting permission or empowering someone or something to act.

afford

Denotes providing the means or opportunity for something, often in terms of resources or time.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "make possible"?

You can use alternatives like "enable", "facilitate", or "allow for" depending on the context.

How to use "make possible" in a sentence?

Use "make possible" to indicate that one thing allows another to happen. For example, "Technological advancements make possible new forms of communication."

Which is correct, "make possible" or "makes possible"?

The correct form depends on the subject. Use "make possible" with plural subjects (e.g., "These changes make possible...") and "makes possible" with singular subjects (e.g., "This change makes possible...").

What's the difference between "make possible" and "make it possible"?

"Make possible" directly connects a subject to an outcome, while "make it possible" uses "it" as a placeholder, often to add emphasis or when the direct object is implied or understood from context.