to enable to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'to enable to' is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to express the ability or opportunity to do something. For example, "The scholarship has enabled me to pursue my studies abroad."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

The Old French enfranchir, its meaning originally "to make free," which we now take to mean "to enable to vote," is one word, despite Samuel Johnson's dubious derivation two centuries ago.

The New York Times - Magazine

The shape and condition that he's in now, it's going to enable to him to do some things that we haven't seen the last few years — more power and easy power".

The New York Times - Sports

Anders Dahlbeck, ActionAid's tax policy advisor, described the OECD reforms as a "sticking plaster" and argued that they will not do enough to enable to developing countries to collect tax from multinational activities operating in their territories.

Independent

Here are some of the specific investigations carried out by the sites: Food waste dumping by cafes and a supermarket that caused rat infestation; a council turning a green field site into a brown one to enable to building of a children's home; and the revelation of a secret decision to build a free school.

The Guardian

Then the mixture was heated to 80 °С to enable to form amorphous titania.

Nanoscale Research Letters

The risk assessment scheme is designed to enable to inspect employers' compliances afterwards.

Safety and Health at Work

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

The next step is to enable them to earn more once they are in work; then people need to be enabled to progress in their career.

The Guardian

"Amina must be enabled to go back to school.

The Guardian

Some site require ads to be enabled to function properly.

WikiHow

You will need to have ActiveX enabled to do this.

WikiHow

Global rules are needed to enable this to happen".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using the redundant phrase "to enable to". Instead, use the more concise and grammatically correct "to enable" followed by the object and infinitive (e.g., "to enable users to connect").

Common error

A common mistake is using "to enable to" due to confusion with similar constructions. Always remember that "enable" already implies "to make able," so the extra "to" is unnecessary and grammatically incorrect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to enable to" functions as a purpose connector, attempting to introduce a clause that explains the reason or intention behind an action. However, according to Ludwig and many other linguistic resources, the construction is grammatically incorrect due to the redundant "to".

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

48%

News & Media

38%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "to enable to" is relatively common, it is considered grammatically incorrect due to its redundant use of "to". As confirmed by Ludwig, the correct form is simply "to enable". Although this phrase appears across various domains like science and news, it's crucial to avoid this redundancy in formal writing. Instead, consider using alternatives such as "to facilitate" or rephrasing your sentence for clarity. Remember that "enable" inherently means "to make able", making the additional "to" unnecessary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to facilitate

This alternative offers a more concise and grammatically correct way to express the idea of making something easier or possible. It's more direct and avoids the redundancy of "to enable to".

in order to enable

This alternative adds context of purpose and highlights the intention behind enabling something. More emphatic than "to enable".

so as to enable

Similar to 'in order to enable', this alternative emphasizes the purpose or goal of enabling something, providing a clear indication of intent.

to allow

This is a direct and simple substitute focusing on granting permission or opportunity.

to permit

Similar to "to allow", this option is slightly more formal and emphasizes authorization.

to make possible

This phrase highlights the creation of an opportunity or possibility. It clearly communicates that something becomes feasible as a result.

to empower

This alternative focuses on giving someone the authority or means to do something. It suggests a transfer of power or capability.

to equip

This suggests providing the necessary resources or tools to achieve something. Focuses on readiness.

to assist in

This phrase denotes helping or aiding in the process of something. It implies a supportive role in enabling an outcome.

with the aim of enabling

This alternative emphasizes the intention or goal of enabling, often used to clarify the purpose behind an action or strategy.

FAQs

Why is "to enable to" considered grammatically incorrect?

The phrase "to enable to" is redundant because the verb "enable" already includes the sense of "to make able". Therefore, the correct phrasing is simply "to enable", followed by the object and infinitive.

What are some alternatives to "to enable to" in formal writing?

In formal writing, you can use alternatives such as "to facilitate", "to allow", or "to permit" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

How can I use "to enable" correctly in a sentence?

To use "to enable" correctly, follow this structure: "to enable [object] to [verb]". For example, "The software update is designed to enable users to connect more easily."

Is there a difference in meaning between "to enable" and "to empower"?

While both "to enable" and "to empower" suggest giving someone the means to do something, "to empower" carries a stronger connotation of giving authority or control. "To enable" is more general and simply means to make something possible.