we were enabled

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we were enabled" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone or something has been given the means or ability to do something. Example: "With the new software update, we were enabled to streamline our workflow and improve efficiency."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

We were enabled to regale diners with the goings on, for instance, at the Tung Fat Chinese restaurant in Brooklyn.

The Guardian

The way that we were enabled to do that in the story was through his condition, his quadriplegia.

TechCrunch

First, by using different indicators to measure disadvantages during childhood, we were enabled to discover a cumulative impact of childhood deprivation on quality of life.

Aging and Mental Health

In these experiments, we were enabled by a generous supply of mutant embryos from several labs, in particular Lori Sussel and John Rubenstein in San Francisco and Pen Rashbass and Veronica Van Heyningen in Edinburgh.

EMBO Journal

In studying groups of children whose fathers had different levels of combat exposure, we were enabled to have adequate comparison groups, so that we could provide reliable data on the interaction of veterans' combat exposure and PTSD status with their children's psychosocial outcome.

Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Behind the facade of legal piety we were enabling an orgy of transnational theft, and the looting of entire continents such as Africa.

The Guardian

We were enabling developers to put that to action," he says.

TechCrunch

As we are enabled to live longer, we are also condemned to die longer.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"But when we are enabled, through alternative means and technologies, to channel our commerce as we will, channel our production as we will, the state simply disappears".

The New Yorker

Through Robert and Miriam's participation on our Board of Directors and the families' unwavering support of numerous agencies within our human-service network, we are enabled to strengthen the Jewish community in New York and around the world.

The New York Times

But as we ourselves are the bodies through which Dainichi preaches, we are enabled to realize the cosmic samadhi that our bodies-and-minds express.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we were enabled" when you want to emphasize that external factors or assistance made it possible for you to achieve a particular outcome or perform a specific action. This construction highlights the role of enablers in your success.

Common error

Avoid using "we were enabled" when you simply mean you had the inherent skill or capability to do something. "Enabled" implies external assistance or empowerment, not just internal competence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were enabled" functions as a passive construction, indicating that "we" received the capacity or means to perform an action. Ludwig AI confirms its usage in various contexts. This emphasizes external factors or assistance that facilitated the action.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we were enabled" is a grammatically sound passive construction used to emphasize that external factors or assistance provided the capacity to perform an action. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its correct usage across various contexts, primarily in news media and science. While not extremely common, it effectively highlights the role of enablers in achieving specific outcomes. Remember to use it when you want to emphasize external support rather than inherent ability, and consider alternatives like "we were empowered" or "we were permitted" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we were empowered

Emphasizes agency and authority granted to act, suggesting a more significant degree of control.

we were permitted

Focuses on formal authorization or consent received, often implying a regulatory or hierarchical context.

we were authorized

Implies official approval or sanction, highlighting the legitimacy of the actions taken.

we were facilitated

Highlights the support and resources provided to make something easier or possible.

we were given the means

Specifically indicates the provision of necessary resources or tools to achieve a goal.

we were provided the opportunity

Focuses on the chance or occasion afforded to do something.

we were allowed

Implies permission or lack of restriction, similar to "permitted" but potentially less formal.

we were equipped

Highlights the provision of necessary equipment or tools.

we had the capacity

Focuses on inherent ability or potential, rather than external enablement.

we were supported

Emphasizes the assistance and backing received from others or external entities.

FAQs

How can I use "we were enabled" in a sentence?

Use "we were enabled" to show that an external factor or assistance gave you the ability to do something. For example, "With the new tools, we were enabled to complete the project ahead of schedule."

What is a good alternative to "we were enabled"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "we were empowered", "we were permitted", or "we were authorized".

What does it mean when something enables you?

When something enables you, it provides the means, opportunity, or authority for you to do something. It suggests that without this enabling factor, the action would not have been possible or as easily achievable.

Is it better to say "we were enabled" or "we were capable"?

"We were enabled" suggests external assistance or permission, while "we were capable" indicates an inherent ability. The better choice depends on whether you want to emphasize external support or internal competence. For example, "After receiving training, we were capable of using the software effectively" versus "After the software update, we were enabled to streamline our workflow".